Out of the night that covers me, br Black as the Pit from pole to pole, br I thank whatever gods may be br For my unconquerable soul. br br In the fell clutch of circumstance br I have not winced nor cried aloud. br Under the bludgeonings of chance br My head is bloody, but unbowed. br br Beyond this place of wrath and tears br Looms but the Horror of the shade, br And yet the menace of the years br Finds, and shall find, me unafraid. br br It matters not how strait the gate, br How charged with punishments the scroll. br I am the master of my fate: br I am the captain of my soul.