I was conscious of a profound sense of relief. At last I had the authority to give directions over the whole scene. I felt as if I were walking with destiny, and that all my past life had been put a preparation for this hour and for this trial. -- Winston Churchill, 10 May 1940

I can only be grateful to Providence that it entrusted me with the leadership in this historic struggle which, for the next five hundred or a thousand years, will be described as decisive, not only for the history of Germany, but for the while of Europe and indeed the whole world. -- Adolf Hitler, 11 December 1941

Give me my scallop-shell of quiet,
My staff of Faith to walk upon;
My scrip of joy, immortal diet,
My bottle of salvation,
My gown of glory (Hope's true gage),
And thus I'll take my Pilgrimage.
-- Sir Walter Raleigh, "The Passionate Man's Pilgrimage"