Jupiter Neptune Minerva and Momus

According to an ancient legend, the first man was created by Jupiter, the first bull by Neptune, and the first house by Minerva. Once their labors were completed, a dispute arose regarding which of them had produced the most perfect creation. They decided to appoint Momus as the judge and agreed to abide by his decision.

However, Momus, being envious of each creator's handiwork, found fault with all of them. He first criticized Neptune's work, arguing that the horns of the bull should have been positioned below its eyes, allowing it to better see where to strike. Next, he condemned Jupiter's creation, claiming that the heart of man should have been placed on the outside, so that everyone could read the thoughts of the ill-intentioned and take precautions against their mischief.

Finally, he turned his attention to Minerva, chastising her for not incorporating iron wheels into the foundation of her house, which would allow its inhabitants to move more easily if a neighbor became troublesome.

Jupiter, indignant at such persistent faultfinding, dismissed Momus from his role as judge and expelled him from the halls of Olympus.