Invictus
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.
Commentary
Note: The title is Latin for ‘unconquerable’
This is undoubtedly Henley’s most famous poem, and his most popular. Henley work is at its best, I feel, when steeped in an atmosphere of savage gloom, and today’s poem is no exception.
‘Invicitus’ is sweeping; passionate; larger than life in a way that few modern poems can get away with. It is also an oft quoted poem, lines of it having almost passed into the language. While these are invariably the ones that involve hurling defiance into the teeth of the storm, note that the poem itself hinges just as strongly on the ‘storm’ itself. It is the tension between the strongly contrastive elements that raises ‘Invicitus’ from a series of platitudes to a great poem.
— Martin
Biography: See poem #117
Notes
But what inspired “Invictus” ?? At the age of 12 Henley became a victim of tuberculosis of the bone. In spite of it all, in 1867 he successfully passed the Oxford local examination as a senior student. But a hospital was to be Henley’s University. His diseased foot, treated by crude methods, had to be amputated directly below the knee. Worse yet, physians announced the only way to save his life was to amputate the other also. Henley fought this with all his spirit.
He came out with his foot and his life. He was dicharged in 1875, and was able to lead an active life for nearly 30 years, though he was of course a cripple. With an artificial foot, he suffered horribly all his life from his disease before it killed him at 54. “Invictus” was written from a hospital bed.
– http://www2.rpa.net/~jlungu/poem.htm
Links
http://elnom.com/eom/invictus.html
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From the Wondering Minstrels mailing list, 1999–2008.
RPKrecker · 11 June 2001
I am pleased to be able to be reintroduced to this poem through the convenience of the web. Unfortunately it was distorted and stained today at the execution of Mc Veigh.
Thank you for your site.
Richard P. Krecker
Tony MacDonald · 11 June 2001
This poem, stressing the struggle of the individual, has forever been smeered by a coward. A man oppressed faces his persecutors. If McVeigh, or others, believe “Invictus” is an anthem then there is one ironical question. What is an anarchist doing with an anthem?
Ruth Bonner · 11 June 2001
If this is Rice from Elwood we gotta talk.
otherwise.
This is the New anthem of the freedom fighter. Tim McVeigh just put this poem into the history books in more ways than one.
HPazmino · 4 July 2001
This beautiful poem is a testament to the nature of the human spirit. It is an inspiring work to read in dificult times. It is the type of ideals that encourage patriots like the ones we had figthing for us in wwII and wwI. It is not meant to inspire criminals or mass murderous. These so called freedom fighters are nothing but ignorant rednecks that need to be put away for good. A true American
Urska Dolinsek · 31 August 2001
All I wanted to say is that people shouldn’t judge a poem by a person who happened to quote it. Just enjoy the poem itself.
Urska
Queen_Mary_Lee · 5 February 2002
I am a Wiccan. This poem speaks volumes for me! It is about personal responsibility, the Wiccan way.
Bright Blessings!
Kjetil A. Halleraker · 28 July 2002
“Invictus” describes the mindset of heroes, the struggle of good vs. evil.
McVeigh was not the master of his fate.
McVeigh was a terrorist and a coward; thus the poem remains unstained.
-K. Halleraker
Elise Wiliams · 17 August 2002
To whom it may concern, my name is Melissa Williams and I live in Pensacola, Florida. I am writing you because I wanted to tell William E. Henley that me and my Business systems and technology class typed his poem “Invictus”. But as I see he has deceased. But what I am wondering is, if he died in 1903, how did he write “Indictus” in 1999? Well, thank you for your time and please do not reply to this e-mail address. Please reply to . Thank you.
P.S. Sincerely, to send me a message Melissa R. Williams to ,
just click on the blue address.
Happydap · 20 January 2003
For those who are personally unfamilar with the mental condition of depression, it is understandable why they may not see that the poem “Invictus” is about living this life fully despite suffering the affliction of depression. “Out of the night that covers me, black is the pit from pole to pole”……….need anyone say more?
PARIS ROSS · 10 February 2003
THIS MAN WAS YET ANOTHER LOST AND DEPRESSED
SOUL. THIS POEM IS HIS WAY OF GIVING HIMSELF THE STRENGTH TO GO ON. THIS WAS MOST LIKELY ONE OF THE POINTS IN HIS LIFE WHEN SUICIDE WAS LOOKING LIKE AN OPTION.
GeminiPrncess688 · 23 March 2003
hey a book published his work in 1999 but he wrote it during his life time
RobRoyB · 23 August 2004
Anyone who thinks he is the “master of his fate” or the “captain of his soul” is a fool. The poem is an anthem for Secular Humanists who think they control their life. God is in control. He is the Master. He is the Captain. If you choose not to believe that you are in for a surprise.
GMCoffey · 31 October 2004
The last verse was my spouse’s motto when first we met and later married many years ago.
I was looking up the rest to quote to a friend and found the information on the author whose ability to overcome such horrific circumstances is as informative and inspiring as his poem.
Thank you for making it available for we who allow petty grievances to sometimes overtake us.
Gerry
David Anderson · 12 December 2004
As a plebe (freshman) at the U.S. Naval Academy, I was reqquired to memorize this poem. Now, 45 years later I can see how this attitude has made all the difference. I am now 4 years distant from brain surgery and streatment of a malgnant tumor and have, among other things, leaned on this poem for support and healing.
D.M. Anderson
phubeli · 30 December 2004
To me Inviticus talks about the strength of soul and heart that is needed to live a full and productive life while living with a very painful and incurable disease. This poem says that he will not let his disease conquer him. He marches forth, taking full responsibility for himself. How rare that is in today’s world where we are all to apt to lay responsibility for things on the shoulders of others.
Mallika Chellappa · 12 January 2005
I think this just carries the theme of the karma-yogi. Do your duty and leave everything else to Fate or God. Don’t wallow in self-pity, at any cost. PG Wodehouse fans will recognise Bertie’s frequent references to this poem: “under the umpty-tums of tiddly-pom”, ably completed by Jeeves. Thus are classics reduced to venality - maybe the fore-runner to “familiarity breeds contempt”? BTW the phrase “captain of my soul” brings to mind the Edgar Wallace novel “Captains of Souls”, which again reminds me of Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities”. Mallika
Samuelh8 · 24 April 2005
Henley’s Invictus is a typical example of one man’s triumph over adversity, and as human beings we can take solace from his words when we are faced with ours. Our spirits are enriched in the sharing of such profound lines, as they apply to our everyday lives.
I have not met the man, but my life is richer by his words.
Kaththea · 22 June 2005
Response to your inquiry about Invictus and William Ernest Henley. I read this poem in the 7th grade in 1957. It was a part of our literature class. It wasn’t written in 1999. The poem remained obscure and known only to poetry lovers until Timothy McVeigh managed to deface it by using it as his (anthem?) at his execution. It is an embarrassment to find that a murderer and terrorist recited a poem I truly love. It has been my inspiration since the 7th grade to hold my head high, no matter what, and to do good works. Not go around murdering people. Don’t you know that now, even the FBI will be looking askance at those of us who truly understand the meaning of the poem written by a cripple facing death because of a bone disease and not by a murder facing execution for his evil deeds. You are evidently too young to know the meaning of the poem since you thought it was written in 1999, 93 years after the authors death. I’m 60 years old and sometimes it is a toss up between “The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner” and Invictus. “The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner” was also written before our time and I also learned that long poem in the 7th grade. It was written by Samuel Tyler Colleridge.
A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. This is a quote from those who advised me with I was young. So, as you learn one thing, face the fact that there is so much more you need to know. Don’t limit your knowledge.
Roger W.Ek · 18 July 2005
Invictus should not be associated with terrorists and murderers. It is the anthem of patriots everywhere. It is far more known and understood in the patriot community than liberals knew before their discovery of it. The ideas are not new. The spirit is timeless.
“First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.”
– Epictetus
Robinson Mary J · 11 October 2005
I too went through a very rough time and the poem by William Ernest Henley helped me through those times. It has become my anthem in bad times, a pick-me-up as it were! Some think this poem cannot be embraced by Christians but I disagree. I think as we are made in God’s image he has given us the grace to make choices and thereby becoming the Master of our fate.
Mary J. Robinson
Asset Management
Ph. 858-1413
Pastor Kipp · 28 January 2006
In my Harvard Classics, (Vol. 42 - Pg. 1258) instead of giving the title “Invictus” the poem is given the title “To R.T.H.B.” – What does that mean?
Nardi58 · 15 April 2006
i would like to know what R.T.H.B. mean I received the the poem from one of my instructors in Long Beach Ca, the year 1999 and the poem has been with me ever since. I ‘m going through some rough times now but i enjoy reading William Ernest Hennely.A litle back ground about me i’m a returning student after 30 years and i am enjoying my self 48 and in college for the first time i’m not ready to grow up yet.
Bill Hinkel · 19 June 2006
For the life of me, I do not understand why HPazmino uses the term “ ignorant rednecks” in his/her comments. Of course, rednecks, what ever the term means, are not allowed to be patriots and no redneck fought in WW11 or W1. Perhaps he/she should have signed off
“ A true ignorant American “
FontanezVIDA · 23 June 2006
What if TM quoted the 23 Psalm? Would he have deminished it? I think not. Tim McViegh quoted this poem out of bravado becasue he knew his ass was grass. This poem is an eternal testament to those who refuse to allow circumstances to control or defeat them. It will never be such for someone who tries to excuse or rationalize acts against humanity.
Thatiswattitis · 15 July 2006
I am so appalled at so many of the comments that I have read. It disheartens me that there are so many individuals “out there” that are either illiterate slobs or just so plain ignorant that they fail to grasp any the true essence of this poem. It frightens me to acknowledge that there are people such as this. I find it nothing short of a disgrace. It is bad enough that the concepts are so distorted but to actually have their words mispelled as well is more than I can stand. I not only thank God for my unconquerable soul but thank him in advance for not allowing me to ever cross their tawdry paths for it would do irreparable damage.
ROBERT R BRIGGS · 7 March 2007
I learned this poem over 60 years ago in grade school. Since that time I have found that I am NOT the master of my fate, nor the captain of my soul. Have you ever considered that maybe God has those controls? I think He does a much better job! Bob Briggs
Santa Barbara, CA
Lakia Tom · 27 March 2007
I am no fool and I am the master of my fate.
There is no god, only nonsense and superstition.
Thomas Lakia
Electrical Inspector
City of San
KERMIT LAMB · 14 May 2007
INVICTUS
William Ernest Henley
(Humanist) MY CAPTAIN
Dorothea Day
(Christian)
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. Out of the night that dazzles me, Bright as the sun from pole to pole,
I thank the God I know to be
For Christ the conqueror of my soul.
Since His the sway of circumstance,
I would not wince nor cry aloud.
Under that rule which men call chance
My head with joy is humbly bowed.
Beyond this place of sin and tears
That life with Him! And His the aid,
Despite the menace of the years,
Keeps, and shall keep me, unafraid.
I have no fear, though strait the gate, He cleared from punishment the scroll.
Christ is the Master of my fate,
Christ is the Captain of my soul.
a.. Self-sufficiency
a.. “God helps those who help themselves” (not in the Bible, despite popular opinion) a.. What we can do
a.. Total dependence on God
a.. “Justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1) a.. What Christ has done
We wanted you to view a Christian’s response to Mr Henley’s defiant sufficiency. Did he never hear of the sufficiency of Christ ? Why had he apparently rejected any form of trust in God ?
Gina Van Schoor · 19 June 2007
@ Rob Roy :
That’s rubbish!
Look, if there is a God, you still are the master of your soul. When you stand before God you cannot say “but I was told by others to do thus” or that “virtue was not convinient at the time. This will not suffice. Remember that.You cannot say before God: Under the circumstances it dind’t really fit to act to my beliefs = not staying true to your soul. you can be the captain of you soul and still belief in God
Jim Huff · 2 October 2007
R.T.H.B. stands for “Read The Holy Bible”
Henley appears to be a deeply religious person and believes (believed) God gave us the ability to choose our own fates. Thus making us the master of our souls.
hearurscream · 27 October 2007
You my friend, are the fool. Do you realize how arrogant and igorant that comment was? Stick to your own vices, that’s fine, but leave this kind of religious trash to yourself.
Kathy Sorrell · 6 November 2007
Although I can see where the secular world would get inspiration from this poem, Christians should see that he has truly denounced the one and only true God. And it does matter how strait the gate is, for Jesus said: strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Edward Goldsmith · 13 February 2008
Dear Sir:
For a while I was consulting a professional who, unasked by me, began to recite Henley’s Invictus, a poem which I had not heard of prior to then. It turned out that he was an atheist, and enjoyed flaunting that fact, once he learned that I had some religiosity.
Later on, years later, I researched that particular poem on the internet, and I enjoyed your feisty take on Henley’s poem, expressed in a “minstrels” website. Of course neither you nor the secularists can really know whether or not God is in control. Why do I say that? Because it seems quite impossible to prove whether or not God exists.
You wrote, as RobRoyB: “Anyone who thinks he is the ‘master of his fate’ or ‘the captain of his soul’ is a fool. The poem is an anthem for Secular Humanists who think they control their life. God is in control. He is the Master. He is the Captain. If you choose not to believe that you are in for a surprise.”
Your comment informed me a bit as to why the atheist recited that poem in my presence. He obviously knew that it was a secular anthem, and enjoyed throwing it in my face. If you have a comment on my email note, I would like to read it. All the best! Ed Goldsmith
Dallastls · 5 April 2008
When given the choice of a poem to memorize and present in high school, I chose this one….back in the early 70’s.
I do not think I fully appreciated it until I went thru two bouts of cancer 5 yrs ago….took on a whole new meaning.
I agree that it is horrible that McVeigh chose to quote this poem…..however, the poem will stand the test of time……