Jupiter, one day, enjoying himself over a bowl of nectar, and in a merry humour,
determined to make mankind a present.
Momus was appointed to convey it, who, mounted on a rapid car, was presently
on earth. "Come hither," said he, "ye happy mortals; great Jupiter has opened for
your benefit his all-gracious hands. 'Tis true he made you somewhat short-
sighted, but, to remedy that inconvenience, behold now he has favoured you!"
So saying, he opened his portmanteau, when an infinite number of spectacles
tumbled out, and were picked up by the crowd with all the eagerness imaginable.
There were enough for all, for every man had his pair.
But it was soon found that these spectacles did not represent objects to all
mankind alike; for one pair was purple, another blue; one was white and another
black; some of the glasses were red, some green, and some yellow. In short,
there were all manner of colours, and every shade of colour. However,
notwithstanding this diversity, every man was charmed with his own, as
believing it the best, and enjoyed in opinion all the satisfaction of truth.
The Bear and the Fowls
A Bear, who was bred in the savage desert, wished to see the world, and he
travelled from forest to forest, and from one kingdom to another, making many
profound observations on his way.
One day he came by accident into a farmer's yard, where he saw a number of
Fowls standing to drink by the side of a pool. Observing that after every sip they
turned up their heads toward the sky, he could not forbear inquiring the reason of
so peculiar a ceremony.
They told him that it was by way of returning thanks to Heaven for the benefits
they received; and was indeed an ancient and religious custom, which they could
not, with a safe conscience, or without impiety, omit.
Here the Bear burst into a fit of laughter, at once mimicking their gestures, and
ridiculing their superstition, in a most contemptuous manner.
On this the Cock, with a spirit suitable to the boldness of his character, addressed