I'm a sucker for Housman. He is probably my favorite (I am, like Cope, in love...). Yes, he is a Minor poet (according to Auden's definition), but certainly a Great poet nonetheless. Many a Major poet is only fair-to-middling in my book.
And surely, with the Stoppard play, his stock is on the rise.
I think I can say with some confidence, however, that Housman would NEVER have rimed "came" with "flames." It surely should read "flame" here. Although he of all people would appreciate the vagaries of textual transmission.
Thanks for sharing this gem.
Alicia
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