Before All Things, there was Being and Non-Being.
Being said to Non-Being, “I am, but are you, or are you not?”
Receiving no reply, Being said, “Out of you I shall bring All Things, and out of me you shall bring Nothing. Unless you object?’
Receiving no reply, Being brought forth All Things.
Being said to All Things, “Out of Non-Being you were brought and so, in time, to Non-Being you shall return, as is your nature.”
Some Things, who had now put in an appearance, objected to this and said, “We enjoy Being and do not wish to ever return to Non-Being. He is rather too laconic and aloof for our taste. Can you arrange this for us?”
Being said to Some Things, “If you can become like me you shall remain in Being for ever.”
Some Things said, “With the help of Non-Being alone, we cannot do this.”
Being said, “Very well. I shall place in you an extra portion of myself. Use this for the Good” (who had now put in an appearance) “and it shall stretch to Eternity” (who is always coming but who never arrives).
Some Things said, “This is most agreeable to us!” And so it was.