The Two Leaders by Priscilla Leonard

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 9, 1902

The Two Leaders

By Priscilla Leonard

WHEN Luck and Pluck, one summer day, Went faring forth together, Pluck wore a suit of homespun gray, Luck had a cap and feather,— A handsome, dashing fellow he, And full of careless pleasure. “Come, follow me; I hold the key,” He cried, “of boundless treasure!”

He looked so gay, and bold, and strong That listening ears were plenty; His train of followers grew long,— A dozen — fifteen — twenty — A hundred — still they come; while Pluck Tramped on, with few behind him. “Poor, plodding fools!” cried laughing Luck, “A stupid guide you’ll find him!”

Luck led his careless troop ahead With boasting and with revel, The sun shone radiant overhead, The road was smooth and level; But as the day wore on, behold! Athwart the way a river Without a bridge flowed deep and cold, A sight to make one shiver.

“Well, well,” cried Luck, “we’ll sit and wait; It may run dry to-morrow, Or we’ll see coming, soon or late, Some boat that we can borrow!” So down they sat—and there they stayed To wait and hope at leisure, While Luck assured them, undismayed, They still would reach the treasure.

But Pluck, with those who tramped behind His sturdy figure, waited No moment on the bank, to find Whether the stream abated; They plunged, they swam, they fought their way, The shore in safety gaining; And theirs the treasure is to-day, While Luck looks on, complaining!

— Priscilla Leonard.