Among the North American Indians, one of the first lessons they inculcate
on their children, is duty to their parents, and respect for old age;
and there is not among the most civilized nations, any people who more
strictly observe the duty of filial obedience. A father need only to say,
in the presence of his children, “I want such a thing done”—“I want one
of my children to go upon such an errand”—“Let me see who is the good
child that will do it.” The word _good_ operates as it were by magic, and
the children immediately vie with each other to comply with the parent’s
wishes. If a father sees an old decrepid man or woman pass by, led along
by a child, he will draw the attention of his own children to the object,
by saying, “What a _good_ child that must be, which pays such attention
to the aged! That child, indeed, looks forward to the time when it will
likewise be old, and need its children’s help.” Or he will say, “May the
Great Spirit, who looks upon him, grant this _good_ child a long life!”