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.