Wherefore the Wise dealt them some shrewd blows, being well aware that the skin of the dullard and the scornful was tough: _A whip for a horse, a bridle for an ass, And a rod for the back of fools_ (Pr. 26^{3}). _As a dog returneth to his vomit, So a fool repeateth his folly_ (Pr. 26^{11}). _A rebuke entereth deeper into a sensible man Than a hundred stripes into a fool_ (Pr. 17^{10}). _Though thou shouldst bray a fool in a mortar, Yet will his folly not depart from him_ (Pr. 27^{22}). It may be thought that some of these words are over-bitter and even savage. If so, the plea can be advanced that there was probably much provocation. The Scorner seems to have been a familiar figure, and he was doubtless clever enough to upset with his mockery many an audience to which the Wise-man was holding forth. _He that correcteth a scorner getteth to himself insult, and he that reproveth a wicked man getteth himself reviling_ (Pr. 9^{7})--_that_ sounds like the fruit of experience, and there is much that is suggestive in this saying also--_The proud and haughty man, scorner is his name, he worketh in the arrogance of pride_ (Pr. 21^{24}). But if the Wise suffered at times, one gathers that they found no small consolation for their hurt dignity in such reflections as these: _Answer not a fool according to his folly Lest thou be like unto him_ (Pr. 26^{4}). _Judgements are prepared for scorners, And stripes for the back of fools_ (Pr. 19^{29}). CHAPTER VIII The Ideal