He did not look round as he walked straight to his desk; then he turned, and his eyes traveled quietly and steadily round the room as if scanning each of the faces directed toward him.
"Now, boys," he said in a quiet voice, "a few words before we begin.
I am here to teach, and you are here to learn.

As your master I expect prompt obedience.

I shall look to see each of you do your best to acquire the knowledge which your parents have sent you here to obtain.
Above all, I shall expect that every boy here will be straightforward, honorable, and truthful.

I shall not expect to find that all are capable of making equal progress; there are clever boys and stupid boys, just as there are clever men and stupid men, and it would be unjust to expect that one can keep up to the other; but I do look to each doing his best according to his ability.

On my part I shall do my best to advance you in your studies, to correct your faults, and to make useful men of you.
"One word as to punishments.