Aesop's Fables
ACCORDING to an
ancient legend, the first
man was made by
Jupiter, the first
bull by
Neptune, and the first
house by
Minerva. On the
completion of their labors, a dispute arose as to which had made the most perfect work. They agreed to appoint
Momus as
judge, and to abide by his
decision. Momus, however, being very envious of the
handicraft of each, found
fault with all. He first blamed the work of Neptune because he had not made the
horns of the bull below his eyes, so he might better see where to strike. He then condemned the work of Jupiter, because he had not placed the heart of man on the outside, that everyone might read the
thoughts of the
evil disposed and take
precautions against the intended mischief. And, lastly, he inveighed against Minerva because she had not contrived
iron wheels in the foundation of her house, so its
inhabitants might more easily remove if a neighbor proved unpleasant. Jupiter,
indignant at such
inveterate faultfinding, drove him from his office of judge, and expelled him from the mansions of
Olympus.