No. 215 - THE PENNY MAGAZINE - Aug. 8, 1835

Lord Burghley's Advice to his Son concerning the Treatment of Children.--"Bring they children up in learning and obedience, yet without outward austerity. Praise them openly, reprehend them secretly. Give them good countenance, and convenient maintenance, according to they ability, otherwise they life will seem their bondage, and what portion thou shalt leave them at they death they will thank death for it and not thee. And I am persuaded that the foolish cockering of some parents, and the over-stern carriage of others, causeth more men and women to take to evil courses than their own vicious inclinations. Marry they daughters in time, lest they marry themselves." As to the sons, Lord Burghley disapproves of sending them to travel, at least he would not have them cross the Alps: he says, "If by travel they get a few broken languages, that shall profit them nothing more than to have one meat served in divers dishes." In point of fact, however, travel is good, or evil, or neither, according to the degree in which the traveller has been previously prepared to turn to good account, or bad account, or no account at all, the opportunities which travel offers. Lord Burghley then expresses a strong opinion against training up sons to a warlike profession; and adds, on this point, "It is a science no longer in request than use; for soldiers in peace are like chimneys in summer."--From 'Ten Precepts which Lord High Treasurer Burghley gave to his second Son Robert Cecil.