What follows is perhaps the greatest inspirational speech in literature.  Henry has overheard his underlings remark and now has a choice to make.  How will he handle this direct challenge to the positive atmosphere he has tried to create?  How will he handle this public display of doubt, coming especially as it does from one of the nobles who will lead the fight?  It is the choice of every leader throughout history when faced with adversity.  It is the choice of Presidents and monarchs, generals and admirals, CEO's and middle managers, parents and teachers.  It is a choice that faces all of us many times in our lives, with whatever group we attempt to lead.

 

The choice to be made is this: will I govern through fear or will I move through inspiration?  Will I assert my authority or author theirs?  Because, Henry did have a choice.  He could have reacted with rage, with anger borne from frustration, doubt, and fear.  He could have immediately taken out his sword and with one clean stroke decapitated the Earl of Westmoreland.  By that action, he would have cowed the dissenters and showed his ability to punish without hesitation and in the spirit of  brutality worthy of the time.  He could equally have browbeaten the potentially hapless noble.  He could have pointed out for all to see the cowardice of a man who would wish for help. 

 

Henry also had the choice to listen to Westmoreland.  He had enough evidence of the morale of his army.  He could have ordered a retreat.  Or perhaps surrender.  Certainly, in such a case, his life would be spared.  But Henry did none of these things.  He did what an inspirational leader either naturally does, or learns to do.  He spoke to the center of the issue.  He spoke to the belief his army had in him and in each other.  He spoke to their possibilities, their potential, their legacy.  He spoke to their hearts. Henry did what we will call "painting a vision".    He answered for them the question of why they were there.