The Silver Crown (Part II)

On Rotary Leadership

“Perhaps when they see me,” he said, “they will run to meet me, and will crown me with a golden crown, and lead me to their palace and throne me there as king!” But the folk were all busy with their tasks or their sport, and none heeded him, or left their businesses for him; and still he must fare forward alone.

Also, he came upon many travelers like himself, some coming toward him, others passing him by. On these, too, he looked earnestly, and would stop now one, now another, and question him. “Do you know,” he asked, “of any kingdom in these parts where the crown is ready and the folk wait for a king?”

Then one would laugh, and another weep, and another jeer, but all alike shook their heads. “I am seeking crown and kingdom for myself,” cried one. “Is it likely that I can be finding one for you, too?” Another said: “You seek in vain. There are no crowns, only fools’ caps with asses’ ears and bells that jingle in them.” But others who had been longest on the way only looked at him, some sadly, some kindly, and made no answer. And still he fared onward.

Now and then he stopped to help some poor soul who had fallen into trouble, and when he did that, the way lightened before him, and he felt the heart light within him. But at other times the hurry was strong on him, so that he would turn away his face, and shut his ears to the cries that rang in them; and when he did that, the way darkened, and oftentimes he stumbled himself, and fell into pits and quagmires, and must cry for help, sometimes on those to whom he had refused it.

By and by he forgot about the crown and the kingdom; or if he thought of them, it was but as a far-off dream of dim gold, such as one sees at morning when the sun breaks through the mist. But still he knew that the way was long and the time short, and still he rode and ran his best.

At last he was no longer a child, but an old and weary man. Just when his feet could carry him no farther, he looked up and saw that the way came to an end before him, and there was a gate and one in white sitting by it who beckoned to him. Trembling, yet glad, the old man drew near, and knew the Angel who had spoken to him at the beginning.

“Welcome!” said the Angel. “You come in good time.”

“I came as fast as I could,” said the man, “but many things hindered me, and now I am weary, and can go no farther.”

“But what did you find on the way?” asked the Angel.

“Oh! I found joy and sorrow,” said the man, “a good measure of both, but never a crown, such as you promised me, and never a kingdom.”

“But look,” said the Angel. “You are wearing your crown. It is of the purest silver and shines like white frost. And as for your kingdom, the name of it is Heaven and here is the entrance to it.”

[END]