The king takes a deep ragged breath. He's been shouting. Now – and it's a narrow thing – he decides to laugh. 'You advocate prudence. Prudence is a virtue. But there are other virtues that belong to princes.' 'Fortitude.' 'Yes. Cost that out.' 'It doesn't mean courage in battle.' 'Do you read me a lesson?' 'It means fixity of purpose. It means endurance. It means having the strength to live with what constrains you.
The king, after a period of intense shouting, pauses to take a deep breath and chooses to laugh, highlighting the tension in his moment. He acknowledges the value of prudence as a virtue while also alluding to the necessity of other qualities that are essential for a ruler. This conversation reveals the complexity of leadership, suggesting that having a balanced approach to virtues is crucial.
Fortitude is identified as a key trait, but it is clarified that it goes beyond mere bravery in combat. Instead, it embodies a steadfast resolve, the ability to persevere, and to accept and endure life's limitations. This deeper understanding of fortitude emphasizes the strength required to navigate the burdens of leadership effectively.
