"You cannot accomplish anything unless you have some confidence that you can do it, and firmly resolve to try.

You just admitted that you could keep these conditions, but it seems you are not willing to make the attempt.

You want a watch, but you don't intend to obey your parents, or to conduct yourself properly, or to attend to your lessons, for the sake of getting it--that's what you mean to say, is it not ?" Oscar remained silent.
"I am sorry," continued his father, "that you will not take up with my offer; for though I do not think it important that you should get the watch, it is important that you should reform some of your habits.

You are getting to be altogether too wayward and headstrong, as well as vain." "If I get into the High School next summer, may I have the watch ?" inquired Oscar.
"No," replied his father, "not unless you comply with the other conditions.

But I want you to remember what I told you the other day, that if you don't get into the High School at that time, I shall send you to some boarding-school away from home, where you will be made to study, and to behave yourself too.