Three Hundred Æsop's Fables/Mercury and the Sculptor
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MERCURY AND THE SCULPTOR.
Mercury once determined to learn in what esteem he was held among mortals. For this purpose he assumed the character of a man, and visited in this disguise a Sculptor's studio. Having looked at various statues, he demanded the price of two figures of Jupiter and of 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 the author of all your gain." The Sculptor replied. "Well, if you will buy these, I'll fling you that into the bargain."