Letter to a Student’s Father (II)

What I have to inform my lord is that I have been defeated in educating this young man, Abū Manṣūr. Perhaps you might be in a position to help me with this. For whenever I beat him, I overdo the beating, and when I do so, it happens that the schoolmistress suddenly appears and saves him, after she deals him four or five blows of her own. Were it not for his illness, I might have beaten him to death, because he has barely enough to cover his nakedness, and he is in a state of poverty. He lacks understanding and isn’t quiet. From the moment he arrives, he doesn’t stop fighting and throwing insults—he and his sister—especially if I am away from the house. So perhaps you could threaten him with a little bit of beating and impress on him some understanding, good manners, and calmness. And whatever you deem necessary, don’t do anything that might disturb your mother and your father. Kissing your hands, wishing you well-being, and asking after you. Greetings.

Source: CUL T-S 8J28.7.