Poet Laureate
Imagine getting paid to write a birthday poem for someone! In the 17th and 18th centuries, writing birthday rhymes and New Year's poems for the royal family was a profession. In 1616, King James I of England first gave the poet and playwright Ben Jonson a pension, or guaranteed income, to write poetry for special occasions. When Jonson died in 1637, another poet, William Davenant, was given the job. Poet Laureate became an official designated "post" or position in the royal office in 1668.

Although the original position commanded great respect from both royals and their subjects, after about 150 years the Poet Laureate came to do little more than compose birthday poems.
Queen Victoria, however, gave the position new life, changing the focus from writing poetry for and about the royal family to honoring poets for significant achievements in poetry. Two of Britain's most famous poets, William Wordsworth and Alfred, Lord Tennyson, were named Poets Laureate during her reign.
Once appointed, an English Poet Laureate holds the title for the rest of his or her life.

In the United States, the Library of Congress established a special advisory position called the Poetry Consultant to the Library of Congress in 1937. For a long time, the position was considered a great honor but offered no salary. Finally, in 1985, Congress made Poet Laureate an official position with an annual stipend of $35,000, thanks to an endowment from the Archer M. Huntington Foundation. Unlike their British counterparts, American Poets Laureate only serve one term, from October to May. The Library of Congress continues to make the appointment, soliciting the advice of past Poets Laureate as well as esteemed poetry critics.

The main obligation of the Poet Laureate is to increase public awareness of and appreciation for poetry. The poets have great latitude in how they choose to do this, beyond presenting one annual lecture and participating in one poetry reading. Each Poet Laureate works to accomplish this mission in a different way.
Joseph Brodsky encouraged the reading and appreciation of poetry by placing poetry in public places such as airports, supermarkets, and hotels. Gwendolyn Brooks visited elementary schools and nurtured young students in developing poetry. the The position of Poet Laureate rewards poets for distinguished achievement in poetry. With that honor comes the duty to respectfully represent the profession and generate ongoing interest in poetry. The public is the beneficiary of this effort.

Which event in the passage happened first?

A. William Wordsworth became Poet Laureate.

B. A poet was given a guaranteed income for writing poetry.

C. Poet Laureate became an official position in the royal office.

D. William Davenant was given the job of writing for special
occasions.