I have taken your reports as you have offered them without any inquiry, because I had no doubt that a great majority of this school would be honest at all hazards.

They would not, I am confident, make a false report even if, by a true one, they were to bring upon themselves punishment; so that I think I may have confidence that nearly all these reports have been faithful.

Still it is very probable that among so large a number some may have made a report which, they are now aware, was not perfectly fair and honest.

I do not wish to know who they are; if there are any such cases, I only wish to say to the rest how much pleasanter it is for you that you have been honest and open.

The business is now all ended; you have done your duty; and, though you reported a little larger number than you would if you had been disposed to conceal your faults, yet you go away from school with a quiet conscience.