William Ernest Henley
William Ernest Henley
William Ernest Henleywas an influential poet, critic and editor of the late-Victorian era in England that is spoken of as having as central a role in his time as Samuel Johnson had in the eighteenth century. He is remembered most often for his 1875 poem "Invictus," a piece which recurs in popular awareness. It is one of his hospital poems from early battles with tuberculosis and is said to have developed the artistic motif of poet as a patient, and...
NationalityEnglish
ProfessionPoet
Date of Birth23 August 1849
strength giving-up dont-give-up
Out of the night that covers me, Black is 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.
life fate punishment
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.
wrath tears unconquerable-will
beyond this place of wrath and tears looms but the horror of the shade
inspirational life positive
I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul.