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Spartan Surfers

1849–1903

William Ernest Henley

English poet and editor who lost a leg to tuberculosis as a young man. He wrote Invictus in a hospital bed in 1875.

4 sourced lines

Every line we carry

Each one links to its source, what it means, and the shirt in any of our looks.

  1. I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul.

    Henley wrote this after losing a leg to tuberculosis and facing the loss of the other. Circumstances can take a lot, but not command of your own response. You steer the inner ship.

    Invictus (Echoes IV, written 1875), Original English (Poems, 1898; first collected in A Book of Verses, 1888)

  2. My head is bloody, but unbowed.

    Chance hits hard and leaves marks. The point is not to avoid the blows but to refuse to bow under them. Hurt is allowed; surrender is not.

    Invictus (Echoes IV, written 1875), Original English (Poems, 1898; first collected in A Book of Verses, 1888)

  3. I thank whatever gods may be for my unconquerable soul.

    From the darkest place, Henley gives thanks for the one thing no darkness can beat. Gratitude and defiance sit together here. Find the part of you that cannot be conquered.

    Invictus (Echoes IV, written 1875), Original English (Poems, 1898; first collected in A Book of Verses, 1888)

  4. The menace of the years finds me unafraid.

    Age, illness and death are coming for everyone. Henley meets them without fear, now and later. Decide in advance how you will face what is coming.

    Invictus (Echoes IV, written 1875), Original English (Poems, 1898; first collected in A Book of Verses, 1888)