Do not stop

As is my wont, I scribbled a phrase of interest into my BlackBerry recently, meaning to use it for a blog entry:

“‎Act quietly but firmly. Do not stop.”

But can I remember where I saw it? Not a clue. And Google doesn’t help.

Yet it did seem to encapsulate the sort of advice that an elderly headmaster should offer his younger successor, on the topic of discipline:

“You will, of course, occasionally find girls that have crossed the boundary between exuberance or gentle misconduct, into something more serious. And it falls to you to maintain the good running of the school by punishing them severely. Never show annoyance at the girl you are to cane; never raise your voice. Act quietly but firmly.

Do not stop – when she tries to plead her innocence, to transfer the blame to others, to seek to persuade you to give her a lesser punishment. Do not stop – even if you feel sympathy for her. Make sure she leaves your room having learnt the error of her ways, and feeling that she has truly been punished. That is the only way to command respect from her, and by extension and example from the other girls in your charge.

There are three canes in the cupboard: I’ve always reserved the thickest for prefects, god forbid that you should ever have to beat one of them, or those whose attitudes are the most defiant: it’s always proved most successful in breaking through even the most sullen and stubborn demeanours.”

One thought on “Do not stop

  • 15 September, 2014 at 9:57 pm
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    This is so, SO hot. And exactly how I’d want to be treated. Wow. Thank you…

    Reply

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