But more and more, particularly in consultation with the quick wits of politicians, he found it impossible to impersonate his reputation.
I have been told by more than one Cabinet Minister that it was impressive to see how the lightning intellects of Mr.Lloyd George and Mr.Winston Churchill again and again reduced the gigantic soldier to a stupefied and sulking silence.
A proposal would be made by a minister, and Mr.Asquith would turn to Lord Kitchener for his opinion.

Lord Kitchener would say, "It's impossible," and close his lips firmly.

At this Mr.Lloyd George would attack him, pointing out the reasonableness of this proposal in swift and persuasive phrases.

Lord Kitchener, shifting on his chair, would repeat, "It's impossible." Then in question after question Mr.Churchill would ask why it was impossible.

"It's impossible," Lord Kitchener would mumble at the end of these questions.