es sink away--
On dune and headland sinks the fire
Lo, all our pomp of yesterday
Is one with Nineveh and Tyre!
Judge of the Nations, spare us yet,
Lest we forget--lest we forget!

If, drunk with sight of power, we loose
Wild tongues that have not Thee in awe--
Such boasting as the Gentiles use
Or lesser breeds without the law--
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget--lest we forget!

For heathen heart that puts her trust
In reeking tube and iron shard--
All valiant dust that builds on dust,
And guarding calls not Thee to guard--
For frantic boast and foolish word,
Thy Mercy on Thy People, Lord!

371

William Ernest Henley (1849-1903) was an
English critic and journalist of great force
and a poet whose verse is full of manliness and
tenderness. His life was a constant and
courageous struggle against disease. The spirit
in which he faced conditions that would have
conquered a weaker man breathes through the
famous poem quoted below. Such a spirit is not
confined to any particular stage of maturity as
represented by years, and many young people
will find themselves buoyed up in the face of
difficulties by coming into touch with the
unconquered and unconquerable voice in this
poem. The last two lines in particular are
often quoted.

INVICTUS

WILLIAM E. HENLEY

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.

372

James Russell Lowell (1819-1891) is a poet of
such high idealisms that many of his poems seem
to form the natural heritage of youth. Among
such are