Page:Moyarra- An Australian Legend in Two Cantos, 1891.djvu/59

 which women were reduced among the tribes, there were instances which justify the statement in the text.

The vignette on the frontispiece is a reproduction of a drawing from life by the late Sir Thomas L. Mitchell, explorer;' and Surveyor-General of New South Wales.

10(p. 32). "His tale reserved till reverenced age."

The respect paid to old age was universal. In opposition to the theory of the case, however, the respect diminished rather than increased with the increasing age and infirmities of its object.

Before a very infirm old man died he was neglected by the majority of the tribe; but it must be remembered that a decrepit man could not accompany them in their wanderings.

As cannibalism was the exception, and not the rule among Australian tribes, the lonely creature, unable to journey with his people, was not exposed to danger from assault.

I once knew an active lad forego his desire to accompany the tribe, and remain with his infirm grandfather to minister to his wants.