Mercury and the Sculptor

086. MERCURY AND THE SCULPTOR. Mercury was very anxious to know in what estimation he was held by mankind; so he disguised himself as a man and walked into a Sculptor's studio, where there were a number of statues finished and ready for sale. Seeing a statue of Jupiter among the rest, he inquired the price of it. "A crown," said the Sculptor. "Is that all?" said he, laughing; "and" (pointing to one of Juno) "how much is that one?" "That," was the reply, "is half a crown." "And how much might you be wanting for that one over there, now?" he continued, pointing to a statue of himself. "That one?" said the Sculptor; "Oh, I'll throw him in for nothing if you'll buy the other two." (V. S. Vernon-Jones) [more info]

Mercury and the Carver

176. MERCURY AND THE CARVER. Mercury having a mind to know how much he was esteemed among men, transformed himself into the shape of one of them; and going into a carver's shop where little images were to be sold, he saw Jupiter, Juno, himself, and most of the other gods and goddesses.
So, pretending that he wanted to buy, says he to the carver, “What do you ask for this?” and pointed to the figure of Jupiter: “A groat,” says the other.
“And what for that?” meaning Juno. “I must have something more for that,” says he.
“Well, and what's the price of this?” says Mercury, nodding his head at himself. “Why,” says the man, “if you are in earnest and will buy the other two, I will throw you that into the bargain.” [more info]

Mercury and the Sculptor

25. MERCURY AND THE SCULPTOR. Mercury, wishing to know the world’s opinion of him, assumed the form of a man, and visited the home of a Sculptor. Seeing the statues of Jupiter and Juno, he asked the Sculptor for what sum he would cut them. The price being named, he pointed to a figure of himself, and said, “You certainly ask more for this."
“Well,” replied the Sculptor, “if you buy these two, I will throw that into the bargain.” MORAL. Self-glorification is of little value. [more info]