18 Ducere Est Servire: THE LEADERSHIP JOURNAL OF DALLAS BAPTIST UNIVERSITY speare teaches us to see leaders in the round, not concealing their faults and vices but admiring and even wondering at their virtues.”35 Both Henry and Churchill understood leadership sometimes requires a bold and brash confrontation with the enemy. The Bible is filled with stories of leaders verbally confronting the enemies of God. Jesus boldly spoke to the devil and his demons as well as to the misdirected religious leaders. Beyond Scripture, great leaders often seek to intimidate and insult their enemies. Whether it is Henry against the French people, Odysseus against the Cyclops, or Muhammed Ali against Joe Frazier, great leaders understand the pathway to victory often leads to a war of words to soften up the enemy and strengthen allies. Courage in the Face of Overwhelming Odds It can be argued that Henry V would not be the play held in such high esteem as it is were if not for the St. Crispian’s Day speech in Act IV. Considered one of the greatest speeches in all of Shakespeare, Henry’s oration to his officers on the precipice of the battle brings the soldiers courage in the face of overwhelming odds. Both the “unto the breach” discourse at Harfluer and the inspiring St. Crispian’s Day speech call his men to fortitude in battle and courage in the grand campaign. Following the wish of Westmoreland that more men from England were present for the fight, the noble king interrupts his knights to instill courage in their hearts: What’s he that wishes so? My cousin Westmoreland? No, my fair cousin; If we are mark’d to die, we are enough To do our country loss; and if to live, The fewer men, the greater share of honour. God’s will! I pray thee, wish not one man more. (IV.iii.21-26) In his A History of the English Speaking Peoples, Churchill notes Henry actually said, “Wot you not that the Lord with these few can overthrow the pride of the French?”36 Whether the terse version of Churchill or the immortal form of Shakespeare, Henry understands that leaders often
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