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.

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

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.

My fate cannot be mastered; it can only be collaborated with and thereby, to some extent, directed. Nor am I the captain of my soul; I am only its noisiest passenger.

My soul is more at rest from the tempter when I am busily employed.

People say I am mad. I am not mad. I am trying to heal my soul.