β
Then came lunch back at the house, attended by the family, the godparents, and the church rector. Beaverbrook stood up to propose a toast to the child. But Churchill rose immediately and said, βAs it was my birthday yesterday, I am going to ask you all to drink to my health first.β A wave of good-natured protest rose from the guests, as did shouts of βSit down, Daddy!β Churchill resisted, then took his seat. After the toasts to the baby, Beaverbrook raised a glass to honor Churchill, calling him βthe greatest man in the world.β Again Churchill wept. A call went up for his reply. He stood. As he spoke, his voice shook and tears streamed. βIn these days,β he said, βI often think of Our Lord.β He could say no more. He sat down and looked at no oneβthe great orator made speechless by the weight of the day. Cowles found herself deeply moved. βI have never forgotten those simple words and if he enjoyed waging the war let it be remembered that he understood the anguish of it as well.β The next day, apparently in need of a little attention himself, Beaverbrook resigned again.
β
β
Erik Larson (The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz)