Whatever theatre people may think of Phil Gramm's late candidacy for president, they have to acknowledge that he went out with style.The New York Times reported that the weekend of Feb. 10-11, when Gramm was thanking campaign workers in Davenport, Iowa, he "intoned a close approximation" of a speech from William Shakespeare's Henry V.
To wit: "Men abed in England will think themselves accursed they were not here with us," Gramm reportedly said, "and hold their manhood cheap while any speak who fought with us on St. Crispin's day."
Historical note: Henry V went on to win the Battle of Agincourt; Gramm went on to place fifth in the Iowa caucuses, causing him to withdraw his candidacy Feb. 14.
