The Church at Stratford-On-Avon
by Horatio Alger
One autumn day, when hedges yet were green,
And thick-branched trees diffused a leafy gloom,
Hard by where Avon rolls its silvery tide,
I stood in silent thought by Shakespeare’s tomb.

happy church, beneath whose marble floor
His ashes lie who so enriched mankind;
The many-sided Shakespeare, rare of soul,
And dowered with an all-embracing mind.

Through the stained windows rays of sunshine fall
In softened glory on the chancel floor;
While I, a pilgrim from across the sea,
Stand with bare head in reverential awe.

Churches there are within whose gloomy vaults
Repose the bones of those that once were kings;
Their power has passed, and what remains but clay?
While in his grave our Shakespeare lives and sings.

Kings were his puppets, kingdoms but his stage, —
Faint shadows they without his plastic art, —
He waves his wand, and lo! they live again,
And in his world perform their mimic part.

Born in the purple, his imperial soul
Sits crowned and sceptred in the realms of mind.
Kingdoms may fall, and crumble to decay,
Time but confirms his empire o'er mankind.

Which statement expresses two themes evident in The Church at Stratford-On-Avon?

A
Death is inescapable; great artistic achievement may persevere and enrich humanity throughout time.

B
Some environments nurture artists; others confront them, but both can inspire greatness.

C
Some works of art are treasured at the national level; others are respected throughout the world.

D
Artists are valuable national assets; they should be championed in life and honored in death.