Poet Laureate

po'et law're-at, a poet appointed by the sovereign of England to be in readiness to celebrate notable events. The position is largely honorary, although there is a salary of $1,800 to go with it. Ben Jonson was appointed in the reign of James I. If we omit the names of those unknown to fame, the position has been occupied by Jonson, Dryden, Southey, Wordsworth, and Tennyson. Alfred Austin is the present incumbent (1910).