Destroy his fib or sophistry—in vain!

The creature's at his dirty work again.

Alexander Pope (1688-1744): Epistle to Dr. Arbuthnot. Prologue to the Satires. Line 91.

One to destroy is murder by the law,

And gibbets keep the lifted hand in awe;

To murder thousands takes a specious name,

War's glorious art, and gives immortal fame.

Edward Young (1684-1765): Love of Fame. Satire vii. Line 55.

As dreadful as the Manichean god,

Adored through fear, strong only to destroy.

William Cowper (1731-1800): The Task. Book v. The Winter Morning Walk. Line 444.