Meaning: The quote "And malt does more than Milton can To justify the ways of God to man" is from the poem "Terence, this is stupid stuff" by Alfred Edward Housman, an English classical scholar and poet. This quote is a part of the stanza that reads:

"Then, best of all, we'll go indoors,
And see the birdies fight;
Come, let us in for fear of showers,
That's how the day is done.
We'll watch the big folks strain their throats
To bear the little ones.
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."

In this poem, the speaker, who is believed to be Housman himself, is encouraging his friend Terence to stop writing melancholic poetry and to instead write something more lighthearted and enjoyable. The quote you provided is a part of this encouragement, suggesting that enjoying a pint of malt beer can bring more joy and fulfillment than reading the works of the famous poet John Milton, who is known for his epic poem "Paradise Lost."

The quote is often interpreted as a playful and somewhat irreverent comment on the value of literature and poetry in comparison to the simple pleasures of life, such as enjoying a drink with friends. Housman's use of the phrase "justify the ways of God to man" is a direct reference to a line from Milton's "Paradise Lost," in which the poet aims to explain the ways of God to humanity through his epic work.

Housman's poem is known for its blend of humor, cynicism, and introspection. The speaker challenges the traditional notions of poetry and its purpose, suggesting that the simple act of enjoying life's pleasures may offer more fulfillment than pondering weighty philosophical questions or delving into complex literary works.

Alfred Edward Housman was a highly regarded poet of the late Victorian and early Edwardian eras. His poetry often explored themes of fleeting youth, unrequited love, and the transience of life. Housman's most famous collection of poetry, "A Shropshire Lad," became immensely popular for its nostalgic and wistful portrayal of rural life and the emotions of young men facing mortality.

While Housman's poetry is often characterized by its melancholic tone, "Terence, this is stupid stuff" stands out as a more light-hearted and satirical piece that challenges conventional ideas about poetry and the human experience. The poem's playful and irreverent attitude, along with memorable lines like the one you provided, has contributed to its enduring popularity and critical acclaim.

In conclusion, the quote "And malt does more than Milton can To justify the ways of God to man" is a thought-provoking and humorous line from Alfred Edward Housman's poem "Terence, this is stupid stuff." It challenges traditional notions of poetry and suggests that simple pleasures may offer more fulfillment than pondering weighty philosophical questions or delving into complex literary works. Housman's playful and irreverent attitude in this poem has contributed to its enduring popularity and critical acclaim.