Invictus William Ernest Henley [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).