They probably do. They are quoted by a lot of people in a lot of places. But, barely anyone knows who first wrote them. and since these lines are from one of my all time favorite poems, I felt i should tell people about it.
These lines are from William Ernest Henley's most famous poetry "Invictus". In latin Invictus means unconquerable, which largely is the essence of this poetry.
They say William wrote this from a hospital bed, fighting for his life, while he was undergoing treatment for tubercolosis.
This poetry also raked some controversy when Timothy McVeigh, an American domestic terrorist recited it as his final statement.
Controversies apart, we would say this poetry is a testament to the nature of human spirit, really an inspiring work.
So there you go...
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.
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