This couplet was composed by Charles H. Spurgeon, the famous Baptist minister
and orator.

The leading performer in an orchestra is the first violin. By extension, to
play first violin is to take the leading part in any enterprise. A familiar or
contemptuous name for a violin is a fiddle, so to play second fiddle is to
take a subordinate part. To play the second fiddle well is to give loyal
support to your immediate superior.

##### See also:

* He that cannot obey cannot command
* If two men ride on a horse, one must ride behind
* Through obedience learn to command