To hit off a few readable verses on occasions calling for patriotic tears or laughter has been the job of Britain's Poets Laureate ever since Dryden in 1670 was given that official title by Charles II, with a salary of £300, a butt of Canary wine. Though the emolument has varied with the years (Tennyson's pay was cut by three-quarters) most royal rhymesters have risen to the occasion. Outstanding exception was Wordsworth, who never produced a line to order because the spirit never moved him at the right moment. One of the conscientious was...
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