MERCURY ONCE DETERMINED1 to learn in what esteem2 he was held among
mortals. For this purpose he assumed the character of a man and
visited in this disguise a Sculptor3's studio having looked at
various statues, he demanded the price of two figures of Jupiter
and Juno. When the sum at which they were valued was named, he
pointed to a figure of himself, saying to the Sculptor, "You will
certainly want much more for this, as it is the statue of the
Messenger of the Gods, and author of all your gain." The
Sculptor replied, "Well, if you will buy these, I'll fling you
that into the bargain."
