In his later years, renowned poet and classicist A. E. Housman began to sense that his creative power was dwindling and decided to cease writing poetry. However, on hearing the news that his closest friend was terminally ill, Housman gathered up some of his best unpublished work and dedicated the volume to him. Highlights of the collection include "e;Epitaph on an Army of Mercenaries"e; and "e;The First of May."e;