Mithridates, he died old. Housman's passage is based on the belief of the ancients that Mithridates the Great [c. 135-63 B.C.] had so saturated his body with poisons that none could injure him. When captured by the Romans he tried in vain to poison himself, then ordered a Gallic mercenary to kill him.

Three minutes thought would suffice to find this out; but thought is irksome and three minutes is a long time.

Tell me not here, it needs not saying, What tune the enchantress plays In aftermaths of soft September Or under blanching mays, For she and I were long acquainted And I knew all her ways.

Ten thousand times I've done my best and all's to do again.

Give crowns and pounds and guineas But not your heart away; Give pearls away and rubies, But keep your fancy free.

Some men are more interesting than their books but my book is more interesting than its man.

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.