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!”