SOURCE: Dow, Eddy. “Self-Validation in Housman's A Shropshire Lad LXII (‘Terence, This Is Stupid Stuff’).” Victorian Newsletter (fall 1982): 30-31.

In the following essay, Dow discusses the style and thematic significance “Terence” (poem LXII) in A Shropshire Lad.

The first speaker in this poem [A Shropshire Lad] begins his criticism of his friend Terence's poetry with these words:

“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.” 

(ll. 1-4)

Thirty-eight lines later, Terence defends his work in this way:

'Tis true, the stuff I bring for sale Is not so brisk a brew as ale: 

(ll. 49-50)

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; 

(ll. 53-56)

Though “Terence” is...