Dr Middleton perceived this, and he knew also how to pour balm into that wound.
"My dear Mr Easy, I am very sorry that you have had this accident, for which you are indebted to Mrs Easy's foolish indulgence of the boy; but I am glad to perceive that you have taken up those parental duties which are inculcated by the Scriptures.

Solomon says, 'that he who spares the rod, spoils the child,' thereby implying that it is the duty of a father to correct his children, and in a father, the so doing does not interfere with the rights of man, or any natural equality, for the son being a part or portion of the father, he is only correcting his own self; and the proof of it is, that a father, in punishing his own son, feels as much pain in so doing as if he were himself punished.

It is, therefore, nothing but self-discipline, which is strictly enjoined us by the Scriptures." "That is exactly my opinion," replied Mr Easy, comforted at the Doctor having so logically got him out of the scrape.

"But--he shall go to school to-morrow, that I'm determined on." "He will have to thank Mrs Easy for that," replied the Doctor.
"Exactly," replied Mr Easy.

"Doctor, my legs are getting very hot again." "Continue to bathe them with the vinegar and water, Mr Easy, until I send you an embrocation, which will give you immediate relief.