Fittig seriously reflected:
"This must somehow be corrected!
Virtue needs encouragement;
Vice gets on by natural bent."
Paul and Peter now began
Schooling with Herr Buckleman.
At the first day's session he
Thus addressed them pleasantly:
"Dear lads,—I assure you, I am very
Glad you have come to this seminary;
And, as I hope, with all your powers
Intend to improve these precious hours.
And first, the things most important to mention,
Reading, writing, and ciphering will claim our attention;
For these are the arts by which man rises
To honor and wealth, and wins great prizes.
But, secondly, what good would all this do,
Unless politeness were added thereto?
For he who is not polite to all
Into trouble will certainly fall.
Finally, therefore, bending before you,
As you see, I entreat and implore you,
If in good faith you have made up your mind
To follow the rules I have now defined,
Then lift up your hands and look me in the eye,
And say, 'Herr Buckleman, we will try!'"
Paul and Peter thought: "Old man,
D'ye think us greenhorns? Is that your plan?"
They give no answer, but inwardly
They grin and giggle, and say, "he! he!"
Whereat old Master Buckleman
Gave a low whistle, and thus began:
"Since, then, you've resolved to be
Hardened reprobates," said he,
"I am resolved, face down, to lay
You both across my desk straightway,
Applying the stick to your hinder parts
In hopes of softening your hard hearts."
Drawing out then from beneath
His coat, like sabre from its sheath,
His good hazel rod, of stuff
Flexible and tight and tough,—
He with many a sturdy thwack
Laid it on each urchin's back.
