The Actual Poem Invictus by William Henley
So this is the poem that allegedly sustained Nelson Mandela through his most difficult of times and is the title of this new fashionalble rugby film directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon.It was written by a rugby sort out of Gloucester William Ernest Henley
I will not attend any premier of this film.
I may never see the film.
I have no real interest and will await the word of the Great Unwashed.
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 OR 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 SOUL.
I AM THE MASTER OF MY FATE.
I AM THE CAPTAIN OF MY SOUL.
Henley was no scholar it is true but a devoted servant of verse.
That is all.