Classic Poem

On the back of the Poet's MS of Canto I

I would to heaven that I were so much clay,
As I am blood, bone, marrow, passion, feeling —
Because at least the past were pass'd away —
And for the future — (but I write this reeling,
Having got drunk exceedingly to-day,
So that I seem to stand upon the ceiling)
I say — the future is a serious matter —
And so — for God's sake — hock and soda-water!