It is just so in respect to punctuality in time as well as in respect to performance of duty.

What we want is that every boy should be in his place at the proper moment; not that he should be late, and have good excuses for it.

When you come to be men, tardiness will always be punished.

Excuses will not help the matter at all.
Suppose, hereafter, when you are about to take a journey, you reach the pier five minutes after the steamer has gone, what good will excuses do you?
There you are, left hopelessly behind, no matter if your excuses are the best in the world.

So in this school.