Who is the "Captain of Thy Soul?"

These two poems juxtaposed next to each other was absolutely instrumental to my conversion to the church.  The first poem is a by a well known and celebrated poet and writer from the 19th century, the other is simply a member of the Quorum of the Twelve responding to the first, as he was apparently offended by it.  Both poems are powerful, but I myself see the second as truly beautiful & masterful.

What do you think?  Here they are:

************************************

INVICTUS by 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.

************************************

THE SOUL'S CAPTAIN [The Answer] by Elder Orson F. Whitney (Quorum of 12)

Art thou in truth? Then what of him

Who bought thee with his blood?

Who plunged into devouring seas

And snatched thee from the flood?

Who bore for all our fallen race

What none but him could bear. –

The God who died that man might live,

And endless glory share?

Of what avail thy vaunted strength,

Apart from his vast might?

Pray that his Light may pierce the gloom,

That thou mayest see aright.

Men are as bubbles on the wave,

As leaves upon the tree.

Thou, captain of thy soul, forsooth

Who gave that place to thee?

Free will is thine -- free agency

To wield for right or wrong;

But thou must answer unto him

To whom all souls belong.

Bend to the dust that head "unbowed,"

Small part of Life's great whole!

And see in him, and him alone,

The Captain of thy soul.