Ludvig van Beethoven was an impossible man to work for, a genius, but impossible. His valet, Karl Loebisch, became so frustrated with the great man's tantrums and untidiness that he handed in his resignation.

Herr Beethoven was upset by this, for he was very dependent upon Karl, and called him over to the piano, where he was currently slaving over his Fifth Symphony.

"Karl", he said, "How can you possibly leave me - you are my inspiration!"

"Your inspiration?" sneered Karl, "Don't make me laugh - Ha Ha Ha HAAAAA!"