KING HENRY
. . .
How chance thou art not with the Prince thy brother?
He loves thee, and thou dost neglect him, Thomas.
Thou hast a better place in his affection
Than all thy brothers, cherish it my boy,
And noble offices thou mayst effect
Of mediation after I am dead,
Between his greatness and thy other brethren.
Therefore omit him not, blunt not his love,
Nor lose the good advantage of his grace,
By seeming cold, or careless of his will,
For he is gracious, if he be observed.
He hath a tear for pity, and a hand
Open as day for melting charity,
Yet notwithstanding, being incensed, he's flint,
As humorous as winter, and as sudden
As flaws congealed in the spring of day. . . .

In this passage from Henry IV, Part II, King Henry IV offers a poignant reflection on the contrasting qualities of his heir, Prince Henry. The king's words stress the importance of family unity, advising Clarence to nurture his special bond with the prince. By highlighting Prince Henry's capacity for empathy and generosity—"a hand / Open as day for melting charity"—the king emphasizes his potential for greatness. However, he also warns of the prince's mercurial nature, likening him to "flint" when angered and "as humorous as winter." This duality serves as a microcosm of leadership; it underscores the complexity of balancing compassion with authority. As King Henry nears death, his advice is both a warning and a hope that these traits will be harmonized in his successor, fostering stability and continuity in the realm.