Found a family, build a state,
The pledged event is still the same:
Matter in end will never abate
His ancient brutal claim.

Indolence is heaven’s ally here,
And energy the child of hell:
The Good Man pouring from his pitcher clear
But brims the poisoned well.

Herman Melville

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/fragments-of-a-lost-gnostic-poem-of-the-twelfth-century/