Invictus
Who was the man whose work inspired the film 'Invictus'? A weak and sickly Victorian poet from Gloucester!
William Ernest Henley was born in Gloucester in 1849 and lived for just 53 years. For much of that time he suffered ill health and pain. When he was 25 doctors amputated one of his legs below the knee, and it was only his later determined refusal to allow a second amputation that saved his other leg.
In spite of his illnesses, Henley didn't allow his physical suffering to destroy his spirit. He made a living as a publisher and poet. His poem 'Invictus' (meaning 'unconquerable'), encapsulates the bravery of the human spirit in dealing with adversity.
The words of this Victorian Englishman were to become an inspiration in the 20th century to Nelson Mandela, giving him courage in the long years of his captivity.
We too were inspired by Henley's poem, and wanted to share it with you.
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.
William Ernest Henley