To Be or..?

I've a soul to sell, Devil Dear,
as pure and white as heaven's clouds,
so for sure, death, I do not fear
my soul shan't lie long in my shroud.
So, devil dear, be not so proud
to spurn an innocent such as I
as I call out to you aloud
for a change of talent, place and time.
 
Before I lie, in Stratford, on my bier
and my heart, post haste, to London town
leaving in Burbage's hands my sphere
the world will know who wears the bard's crown.
Not Bacon in his clown lord's gown
nor poor peasant Will. But I! I!
I tell you! Not under billions drown
" To be or not to be? " I shall be. Aye!
 
I prepare for gross stinks, foul beer,
in stews of turd-strewn London town,
Hogarth-like sneers, brutish male leers
the sedative, gin, there, I'd drown...
Thankfully the devil spurns me
lest my petty ink dims, hell's fire,
thus fails my naked infamy
I'm released, relieved, from desire...