“A Shropshire Lad LXII” by A.E. Housman: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “A Shropshire Lad LXII” by A.E. Housman

“A Shropshire Lad LXII,” by A.E. Housman, first appeared in 1896 as part of his celebrated poetry collection A Shropshire Lad. This work delves into themes of pastoral beauty, loss, mortality, and the fleeting nature of youth, reflecting the melancholic tone and poignant simplicity that characterize much of Housman’s poetry. Known for its stoic and reflective voice, A Shropshire Lad gained popularity for its exploration of rural English life intertwined with universal emotions of longing and resignation, resonating deeply with readers, especially as Europe moved closer to the upheavals of the early 20th century. The collection’s enduring appeal lies in its lyrical expression of human fragility and timeless meditation on life’s brevity, themes that Housman crafted with precision, clarity, and emotional depth, making his verses widely cherished in both literary and popular circles.

Text: “A Shropshire Lad LXII” by A.E. Housman

Terence, this is stupid stuff:
You eat your victuals fast enough;
There can’t be much amiss, ’tis clear,
To see the rate you drink your beer.
But oh, good Lord, the verse you make,
It gives a chap the belly-ache.
The cow, the old cow, she is dead;
It sleeps well, the horned head:
We poor lads, ’tis our turn now
To hear such tunes as killed the cow.
Pretty friendship ’tis to rhyme
Your friends to death before their time
Moping melancholy mad:
Come, pipe a tune to dance to, lad.

Why, if ’tis dancing you would be,
There’s brisker pipes than poetry.
Say, for what were hop-yards meant,
Or why was Burton built on Trent?
Oh many a peer of England brews
Livelier liquor than the Muse,
And malt does more than Milton can
To justify God’s ways to man.
Ale, man, ale’s the stuff to drink
For fellows whom it hurts to think:
Look into the pewter pot
To see the world as the world’s not.
And faith, ’tis pleasant till ’tis past:
The mischief is that ’twill not last.
Oh I have been to Ludlow fair
And left my necktie God knows where,
And carried half way home, or near,
Pints and quarts of Ludlow beer:
Then the world seemed none so bad,
And I myself a sterling lad;
And down in lovely muck I’ve lain,
Happy till I woke again.
Then I saw the morning sky:
Heigho, the tale was all a lie;
The world, it was the old world yet,
I was I, my things were wet,
And nothing now remained to do
But begin the game anew.

Therefore, since the world has still
Much good, but much less good than ill,
And while the sun and moon endure
Luck’s a chance, but trouble’s sure,
I’d face it as a wise man would,
And train for ill and not for good.
‘Tis true, the stuff I bring for sale
Is not so brisk a brew as ale:
Out of a stem that scored the hand
I wrung it in a weary land.
But take it: if the smack is sour,
The better for the embittered hour;
It should do good to heart and head
When your soul is in my soul’s stead;
And I will friend you, if I may,
In the dark and cloudy day.

There was a king reigned in the East:
There, when kings will sit to feast,
They get their fill before they think
With poisoned meat and poisoned drink.
He gathered all the springs to birth
From the many-venomed earth;
First a little, thence to more,
He sampled all her killing store;
And easy, smiling, seasoned sound,
Sate the king when healths went round.
They put arsenic in his meat
And stared aghast to watch him eat;
They poured strychnine in his cup
And shook to see him drink it up:
They shook, they stared as white’s their shirt:
Them it was their poison hurt.
–I tell the tale that I heard told.
Mithridates, he died old.

Annotations: “A Shropshire Lad LXII” by A.E. Housman

Line	Annotation
Terence, this is stupid stuff:	The speaker addresses Terence (a fictional character or friend), critiquing his pessimistic poetry as unnecessarily gloomy.
You eat your victuals fast enough;	Suggests Terence is physically well, perhaps contradicting the dark tone of his poetry.
There can’t be much amiss, ’tis clear,	The speaker believes there’s no apparent reason for Terence’s gloomy outlook, as his appetite shows he’s in good health.
To see the rate you drink your beer.	The line implies that Terence enjoys his food and drink, which doesn’t align with his melancholy writing.
But oh, good Lord, the verse you make,	Expresses frustration or mock surprise at Terence’s choice of somber topics in his poetry.
It gives a chap the belly-ache.	Hyperbolically suggests that Terence’s verse is so gloomy it causes physical discomfort to the reader.
The cow, the old cow, she is dead;	A reference to a simple fact of life—death is inevitable, even for familiar creatures like cows.
It sleeps well, the horned head:	Death brings rest, free from life’s burdens—a theme often addressed in Housman’s work.
We poor lads, ’tis our turn now	Acknowledges that everyone must eventually face hardships and mortality.
To hear such tunes as killed the cow.	Implies that hearing dark, melancholy tales can bring despair, symbolically “killing” the audience’s joy, like the cow.
Pretty friendship ’tis to rhyme	Sarcastically remarks that it’s not very friendly of Terence to write poetry that depresses his friends.
Your friends to death before their time	Critiques that Terence’s poetry might metaphorically “kill” the spirit of his listeners.
Moping melancholy mad:	Describes Terence’s poetry as excessively gloomy and despondent.
Come, pipe a tune to dance to, lad.	Encourages Terence to write something more uplifting or joyful instead.
Why, if ’tis dancing you would be,	The speaker notes that if one seeks enjoyment, there are more spirited ways to find it than through poetry.
There’s brisker pipes than poetry.	Argues that other forms of pleasure, like drinking or dancing, can be more immediately satisfying than reading melancholic poetry.
Say, for what were hop-yards meant,	Refers to hops (used in brewing beer), implying that alcohol might be more enjoyable and escapist.
Or why was Burton built on Trent?	Refers to Burton-on-Trent, famous for brewing beer, emphasizing the pleasure in drinking as opposed to dwelling on somber thoughts.
Oh many a peer of England brews	Suggests that even noblemen partake in brewing and enjoying ale, contrasting with the seriousness of literary endeavors.
Livelier liquor than the Muse,	Compares alcohol, a livelier and more immediate source of joy, to the Muse, which represents more reflective or melancholic inspiration.
And malt does more than Milton can	Implies that beer (malt) provides more comfort or relief than reading John Milton’s (often serious) works.
To justify God’s ways to man.	Refers to Milton’s Paradise Lost, suggesting ale offers simpler answers to life’s troubles than religious or philosophical explanations.
Ale, man, ale’s the stuff to drink	Declares that ale is the best way to ease one’s worries.
For fellows whom it hurts to think:	Drinking is recommended for those who find life’s reflections painful, echoing an escapist philosophy.
Look into the pewter pot	Suggests finding solace or an altered perspective through drinking from a beer mug (often made of pewter).
To see the world as the world’s not.	Drinking can distort reality, providing temporary relief from harsh truths.
And faith, ’tis pleasant till ’tis past:	Acknowledges that drinking brings temporary pleasure but doesn’t offer lasting solutions.
The mischief is that ’twill not last.	Emphasizes that the effects of alcohol wear off, leaving one back in reality.
Oh I have been to Ludlow fair	References a lively town fair, suggesting the speaker’s own escapades into revelry.
And left my necktie God knows where,	Implies the speaker had a wild, carefree time, even losing track of his belongings.
And carried half way home, or near,	Likely suggests he was escorted home, further implying intoxication and abandonment of responsibility.
Pints and quarts of Ludlow beer:	Indicates he drank heavily at the fair, indulging fully in the moment.
Then the world seemed none so bad,	In his drunken state, life appeared more enjoyable and less troubling.
And I myself a sterling lad;	His self-esteem is inflated due to alcohol’s influence.
And down in lovely muck I’ve lain,	Describes a carefree moment of abandonment, lying in the mud after a night of drinking.
Happy till I woke again.	Expresses temporary happiness, ultimately shattered upon returning to sober reality.
Then I saw the morning sky:	The next morning brings clarity, symbolized by the morning light, and he faces reality again.
Heigho, the tale was all a lie;	Realizes the illusion of happiness from drinking was only temporary, not a lasting truth.
The world, it was the old world yet,	The unchanged, sober world is still as it was before his night of escapism.
I was I, my things were wet,	Finds himself unchanged, damp and back in reality.
And nothing now remained to do	Accepts the necessity of facing reality and continuing on.
But begin the game anew.	Acknowledges the cyclic nature of life’s hardships and brief escapes.
Therefore, since the world has still	Shifts to a contemplative tone, discussing the balance of good and ill in the world.
Much good, but much less good than ill,	Cynically notes that life contains more hardship than joy.
And while the sun and moon endure	References the constancy of life’s challenges as long as time exists.
Luck’s a chance, but trouble’s sure,	Suggests that fortune is fleeting and unpredictable, while hardship is inevitable.
I’d face it as a wise man would,	Advocates for preparing oneself to endure life’s struggles.
And train for ill and not for good.	Encourages resilience by expecting hardship rather than relying on fleeting good fortune.
‘Tis true, the stuff I bring for sale	Acknowledges that his poetry may be unappealing but serves a purpose.
Is not so brisk a brew as ale:	Contrasts his somber poetry with the liveliness of alcohol, admitting it’s less immediately enjoyable.
Out of a stem that scored the hand	Describes his poetry as hard-won, a result of struggle and hardship.
I wrung it in a weary land.	Suggests that his poetry is born from a place of suffering and reflection.
But take it: if the smack is sour,	Advises readers to accept his poetry’s bitterness as part of its truth.
The better for the embittered hour;	Claims that his poetry is suited for times of hardship, providing solace in dark moments.
It should do good to heart and head	Suggests that his verse offers insight and comfort during hard times.
When your soul is in my soul’s stead;	His poetry may resonate with those facing similar suffering.
And I will friend you, if I may,	Offers companionship and empathy to readers who may be going through hardship.
In the dark and cloudy day.	Emphasizes that his poetry is meant for difficult times, a source of solidarity in hardship.
There was a king reigned in the East:	Begins an anecdote, referencing Mithridates, a king who built immunity to poison.
There, when kings will sit to feast,	Alludes to royal feasts in ancient Eastern kingdoms.
They get their fill before they think	Suggests the potential dangers faced by royalty, including poison.
With poisoned meat and poisoned drink.	Implies that royal feasts were fraught with danger, specifically through poisoned food.
He gathered all the springs to birth	Mithridates famously took small doses of poison to build resistance, symbolizing preparation against harm.
From the many-venomed earth;	Suggests the vast sources of danger and adversity in the world.
First a little, thence to more,	Mithridates began by taking small doses, gradually increasing them, a metaphor for resilience.
He sampled all her killing store;	Refers to Mithridates’ exposure to various poisons, metaphorically embracing hardship.
And easy, smiling, seasoned sound,	Describes Mithridates as calm and untroubled after his self-immunization.
Sate the king when healths went round.	Emphasizes his immunity, as he could safely participate in drinking rituals.
They put arsenic in his meat	Describes an instance where poison was added to the king’s food.
And stared aghast to watch him eat;	Observers are shocked by his immunity, symbolizing resilience against life’s hardships.
They poured strychnine in his cup	Continues the poisoning attempts, with more powerful toxins.
And shook to see him drink it up:	His calm demeanor unsettles the observers, highlighting his strength.
They shook, they stared as white’s their shirt:	Emphasizes the fear and surprise of the onlookers.
Them it was their poison hurt.	Concludes that the poison harmed only those who feared it, not the king who was prepared.
–I tell the tale that I heard told.	Acknowledges the story as a moral lesson from another source.
Mithridates, he died old.	Ends by noting Mithridates’ long life, underscoring the power of resilience and preparation.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “A Shropshire Lad LXII” by A.E. Housman

Literary Device	Example	Explanation
Alliteration	“Livelier liquor”	The repetition of the “L” sound adds a musical quality to the line, enhancing its rhythm and drawing attention to “liquor.”
Allusion	“Malt does more than Milton can”	Refers to John Milton, specifically Paradise Lost, comparing the solace of beer to Milton’s attempts to explain suffering.
Anaphora	“And easy, smiling, seasoned sound”	The repetition of “and” emphasizes Mithridates’ calmness, creating a rhythmic emphasis on his strength and composure.
Assonance	“Ale, man, ale’s the stuff to drink”	The repetition of the “a” sound in “ale” and “man” gives a fluid quality to the line, emphasizing the speaker’s endorsement of ale.
Caesura	“Ale, man, ale’s the stuff to drink”	The comma after “Ale, man” creates a pause, emphasizing the speaker’s enthusiasm for drinking.
Consonance	“brisker pipes than poetry”	The repetition of the “p” sound emphasizes the contrast between energetic music and somber poetry.
Diction	“stupid stuff”	The use of simple, colloquial language (“stupid stuff”) conveys a casual, conversational tone, making the critique feel relatable.
Enjambment	“Then I saw the morning sky: / Heigho, the tale was all a lie;”	The line flows into the next, reflecting the fleeting nature of joy and the quick return to reality.
Hyperbole	“It gives a chap the belly-ache”	Exaggerates the discomfort the speaker feels reading Terence’s melancholy verse, adding humor and criticism.
Imagery	“The cow, the old cow, she is dead”	Visual imagery depicts the dead cow, invoking a vivid rural image that reflects the inevitability of death.
Irony	“Mithridates, he died old.”	It’s ironic that Mithridates survived despite taking poison, emphasizing resilience through this unexpected survival.
Metaphor	“Look into the pewter pot / To see the world as the world’s not.”	The “pewter pot” symbolizes escapism through drinking, suggesting alcohol distorts reality.
Metonymy	“the Muse”	Refers to poetic inspiration or poetry in general, implying that beer offers a simpler solace than lofty poetic musings.
Oxymoron	“lovely muck”	Combines “lovely” with “muck” to describe a moment of happiness in an unpleasant situation, capturing the paradox of joy in recklessness.
Paradox	“It should do good to heart and head / When your soul is in my soul’s stead”	Suggests that dark poetry, despite its gloom, can provide comfort, highlighting the paradox of finding solace in sorrow.
Personification	“the verse you make, / It gives a chap the belly-ache.”	The verse is given the human ability to cause physical pain, emphasizing its depressing effect on the reader.
Rhyme Scheme	“drink / think”	The poem has a consistent AABB rhyme scheme, which creates a musical rhythm and makes it more memorable.
Satire	“Ale’s the stuff to drink / For fellows whom it hurts to think”	Satirizes escapism through drinking, poking fun at those who avoid life’s challenges by seeking oblivion in ale.
Simile	“They shook, they stared as white’s their shirt”	Compares the color of the onlookers’ faces to their shirts, highlighting their shock at Mithridates’ poison immunity.
Symbolism	“The cow, the old cow”	Symbolizes inevitable death and the cycle of life, a recurring theme in Housman’s work.

Themes: “A Shropshire Lad LXII” by A.E. Housman

1. Escapism and the Fleeting Nature of Pleasure: Throughout the poem, the speaker discusses the allure of temporary escapes, particularly through alcohol, as a way to cope with life’s hardships. He states, “Ale, man, ale’s the stuff to drink / For fellows whom it hurts to think,” highlighting how ale offers a brief reprieve from painful reflections. The speaker recounts his own experiences of fleeting joy, recalling his drunken happiness at Ludlow Fair: “And down in lovely muck I’ve lain, / Happy till I woke again.” This temporary relief, however, vanishes with sobriety, leaving him in the same unchanged world. The theme suggests that while pleasure and escapism may offer a momentary refuge, they ultimately fail to provide lasting solace.
2. The Inevitable Reality of Suffering: Housman confronts the certainty of hardship in life, illustrating a stoic acceptance of sorrow and suffering. The speaker notes, “Luck’s a chance, but trouble’s sure,” asserting that while happiness may be fleeting, suffering is a constant part of the human condition. He advises training oneself for adversity: “I’d face it as a wise man would, / And train for ill and not for good.” This theme emphasizes the inevitability of pain, underscoring the need to mentally prepare for life’s difficulties rather than relying on the ephemeral comfort of joy.
3. The Power of Resilience: Through the story of Mithridates, the poem explores the theme of resilience and the importance of building strength to withstand adversity. Mithridates, a king who consumed poison to develop immunity, becomes a metaphor for resilience: “Mithridates, he died old.” Despite the various attempts to poison him, Mithridates survives due to his careful preparations. This tale within the poem serves as a moral, suggesting that resilience and endurance are necessary tools to navigate life’s inevitable trials.
4. Disillusionment and the Search for Meaning: Housman addresses the disillusionment that follows attempts to find meaning in life through pleasure or philosophical musings. The speaker contrasts the lively escapism of drinking with the weighty seriousness of poetry, remarking that “malt does more than Milton can / To justify God’s ways to man.” Here, he questions the adequacy of both drink and intellectual pursuits to provide a satisfying answer to life’s troubles. This tension reflects a deeper search for purpose and suggests a disillusionment with conventional sources of comfort, ultimately conveying a sense of unresolved existential questioning.

Literary Theories and “A Shropshire Lad LXII” by A.E. Housman

Literary Theory	Explanation	References from the Poem
Existentialism	This theory focuses on themes of individual existence, freedom, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe. Housman’s speaker grapples with disillusionment and the fleeting nature of pleasure, highlighting the difficulty of finding lasting purpose.	The speaker’s statement, “Luck’s a chance, but trouble’s sure,” reflects the existential view of life as inherently uncertain and filled with suffering. The line “The mischief is that ’twill not last” captures the transient nature of joy, emphasizing the existential challenge of finding meaning amid impermanence.
Stoicism	Stoicism emphasizes endurance and the acceptance of life’s hardships. The speaker’s advice to “train for ill and not for good” aligns with Stoic philosophy, advocating preparation for adversity as a wise way to face life’s inevitable challenges.	The lines “I’d face it as a wise man would, / And train for ill and not for good” reflect a Stoic approach to life, embracing resilience and preparation for hardships as the primary means to navigate an unpredictable world.
Marxist Theory	Marxist criticism examines themes of class struggle, social structures, and the critique of escapism through material comforts. The speaker contrasts the wealthy brewers of England with poetic reflection, critiquing material indulgence as a temporary escape for the working class.	“Oh many a peer of England brews / Livelier liquor than the Muse” critiques the upper class’s indulgence in beer, highlighting how material comforts are often seen as a remedy for life’s struggles. The poem’s focus on ale as an escape also reflects the working class’s dependence on temporary relief from hardship.

Critical Questions about “A Shropshire Lad LXII” by A.E. Housman

• How does Housman use irony to convey the limitations of escapism in the poem?
• Housman employs irony throughout the poem to critique the notion that escapism—especially through alcohol—can offer meaningful relief from life’s hardships. The speaker initially praises ale as a remedy, claiming, “Ale’s the stuff to drink / For fellows whom it hurts to think,” suggesting that alcohol provides temporary solace. Yet, this comfort is short-lived, as shown by his morning realization: “Heigho, the tale was all a lie; / The world, it was the old world yet.” The speaker’s temporary joy vanishes with sobriety, highlighting the irony that while ale may offer a fleeting escape, it ultimately fails to change reality or provide lasting satisfaction. This irony underscores Housman’s critique of escapism as an ineffective solution to deeper existential struggles.
• What role does resilience play in Housman’s philosophy as expressed in the poem?
• Resilience is a central theme in the poem, reflecting a philosophy that values endurance over fleeting joy. Through the story of Mithridates, the ancient king who developed immunity to poison, Housman suggests that facing hardship and cultivating strength can lead to a more stable, enduring approach to life’s challenges. The speaker recounts how Mithridates “sampled all her killing store” and ultimately “died old,” portraying resilience as a protective armor against life’s inevitable difficulties. By advocating to “train for ill and not for good,” Housman’s speaker promotes resilience as a way to withstand suffering, implying that facing life’s hardships with strength is wiser than relying on temporary escapes.
• In what ways does Housman address the theme of disillusionment in the poem?
• Disillusionment permeates the speaker’s reflections on life and the fleeting nature of pleasure. Initially, he embraces the temporary joy of drinking at Ludlow Fair, reveling in a carefree night. However, this happiness quickly fades, as he sobers up and realizes “the world, it was the old world yet.” This line captures his disappointment as he confronts the unchanged nature of reality despite his attempt at escapism. Housman further explores disillusionment by contrasting ale’s temporary comfort with the long-lasting endurance of hardship, as seen in, “Luck’s a chance, but trouble’s sure.” Ultimately, the speaker’s journey from pleasure to disillusionment reflects Housman’s view of life’s transient joys and the recurring need to face reality.
• How does Housman portray the balance between pleasure and suffering in life?
• Housman presents life as a complex interplay of fleeting pleasure and enduring suffering, emphasizing the need to prepare for hardship. The speaker acknowledges the appeal of joy, as seen in his admiration for ale, which he claims “does more than Milton can / To justify God’s ways to man.” However, he admits that such pleasures are impermanent and ultimately unsatisfactory, stating, “The mischief is that ’twill not last.” This acknowledgment reflects the poet’s belief that while moments of happiness are valuable, they cannot fully counterbalance life’s inherent suffering. By urging to “train for ill and not for good,” Housman suggests that life’s difficulties are more predictable than its joys, and resilience is essential to navigating this inevitable imbalance.

Literary Works Similar to “A Shropshire Lad LXII” by A.E. Housman

1. “Dover Beach” by Matthew Arnold
   Like Housman’s poem, Dover Beach explores themes of disillusionment and the loss of faith, portraying a somber reflection on life’s uncertainties and the impermanence of joy.
2. “To an Athlete Dying Young” by A.E. Housman
   Another of Housman’s works, this poem shares a similar tone and explores themes of mortality and the fleeting nature of fame and youth, using a stoic perspective on life’s brevity.
3. “The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam” (translated by Edward FitzGerald)
   This poem reflects on life’s impermanence and the allure of earthly pleasures as a temporary escape from existential questions, much like A Shropshire Lad LXII.
4. “Ode to a Nightingale” by John Keats
   Keats’s poem meditates on the temporary escape offered by beauty and art, juxtaposing fleeting pleasure with a deep awareness of life’s suffering and transience, akin to Housman’s approach.
5. “The Darkling Thrush” by Thomas Hardy
   Hardy’s poem similarly deals with themes of pessimism, existential reflection, and a search for meaning in a bleak world, mirroring the melancholic tone and themes of resilience in Housman’s work.

Representative Quotations of “A Shropshire Lad LXII” by A.E. Housman

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“Terence, this is stupid stuff”	The speaker addresses Terence directly, critiquing his melancholy poetry.	New Criticism: Focuses on the speaker’s disdain for overly dark reflections, setting a contrast with escapism.
“Ale, man, ale’s the stuff to drink”	The speaker advocates drinking as a simple solution to life’s pains.	Existentialism: Highlights the theme of escapism, suggesting that simple pleasures can momentarily distract from existential woes.
“Look into the pewter pot / To see the world as the world’s not”	Drinking distorts reality, offering a fleeting escape.	Marxism: Reflects the working-class need for escapism in a world that offers limited means of genuine relief.
“Luck’s a chance, but trouble’s sure”	A resigned statement on the inevitability of hardship in life.	Stoicism: Emphasizes a Stoic acceptance of suffering, suggesting life is filled with more struggles than fortune.
“I’d face it as a wise man would, / And train for ill and not for good”	The speaker advises preparing for life’s difficulties.	Pragmatism: Advocates a practical, realist approach to life, acknowledging the wisdom in preparing for hardship.
“Malt does more than Milton can / To justify God’s ways to man”	Suggests that beer provides more solace than philosophical works.	Modernism: Questions traditional forms of solace, favoring tangible comforts over intellectual or religious answers.
“Then I saw the morning sky: / Heigho, the tale was all a lie”	Upon sobering, the speaker realizes that the joy from drinking was an illusion.	Existentialism: Demonstrates disillusionment with transient pleasure and the challenge of finding lasting meaning.
“The cow, the old cow, she is dead”	Refers to the inevitability of death, even for familiar beings like a cow.	Naturalism: Depicts death as an ordinary part of life, illustrating humanity’s lack of control over natural forces.
“Therefore, since the world has still / Much good, but much less good than ill”	Reflects a balanced but pessimistic view of life’s pleasures versus pains.	Realism: Offers an unidealized view of life, acknowledging that hardship often outweighs joy.
“Mithridates, he died old.”	References the story of Mithridates, who survived by building immunity to poison.	Psychological Resilience: Uses Mithridates as a metaphor for developing resilience in the face of adversity.

Suggested Readings: “A Shropshire Lad LXII” by A.E. Housman

1. RICHARDSON, DONNA. “The Can Of Ail: A. E. Housman’s Moral Irony.” Victorian Poetry, vol. 48, no. 2, 2010, pp. 267–86. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/27896676. Accessed 2 Nov. 2024.
2. Evans, Mihail. “A History around Housman’s Circumcision.” Historical Reflections / Réflexions Historiques, vol. 40, no. 3, 2014, pp. 68–90. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/24720754. Accessed 2 Nov. 2024.
3. Briggs, Anthony. “THE SIMILAR LIVES AND DIFFERENT DESTINIES OF THOMAS GRAY, EDWARD FITZGERALD AND A. E. HOUSMAN.” FitzGerald’s Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám: Popularity and Neglect, edited by Adrian Poole et al., Anthem Press, 2011, pp. 73–92. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt1gxp93m.12. Accessed 2 Nov. 2024.
4. Housman, A. E. “A Shropshire Lad, LXII.” (1896).