Mario Puzo, The Godfather

"...Don Vito Corleone was a man to whom everybody came for help, and never were they disappointed. He made no empty promises, nor the craven excuse that his hands were tied by more powerful forces in the world than himself. It was not necessary that he be your friend, it was not even emportant that you had no means with which to repay him. Only one thing was required. That you, you yourself, proclaim your friendship. And then, no matter how poor or powerless the supplicant, Don Corleone would take that man's troubles to his heart. And he would let nothing stand in the way of a solution of that man's woe. His reward? Friendship, the respectful title of "Don", and sometimes the more affectionate salutation of "Godfather". And perhaps, to show respect only, never for profit, some humble gift- a gallon of homemade wine or a basket of peppered taralles specially baked to grace his Christmas table. It was understood,it was mere good manners, to proclaim that you were in his debt and that he had the right to call upon you al any time to redeem your debt by somke small service...."