Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ECHOES: 4. INVICTUS, by WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ECHOES: 4. INVICTUS, by             Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Out of the night that covers me
Last Line: I am the captain of my soul.
Alternate Author Name(s): Henley, W. E.
Variant Title(s): R. T. Hamilton Bruce;to R. T. H. B. ...;unconquered;urbs Fortitudinis;invictus;in Memoriam: R.t. Hamilton Bruce
Subject(s): Bruce, R. T. Hamilton (1846-1899); Consolation; Courage; Hope; Independence; Life Change Events; Pain; Self-control; Self-reliance; Soldiers; Strength; Valor; Bravery; Optimism; Suffering; Misery


Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud;
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate;
I am the captain of my soul.




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