Ever hear the story of Claude, the celebrated stage hypnotist? It's said that no one ever exerted more complete mesmeric control over his subjects than he did.
It was the crowning night of Claude's professional life. An audience of 5,000 crowded into a massive auditorium to see him perform. First, Claude produced a fabulously ornate golden watch from his vest pocket and dangled it before the patrons.
"Regard this bauble!" he orated. "Beautiful, is it not? Well it should be... over 200 years old, built at a time when master craftsmen really understood the watchmaking art! Absolutely unique, it has been in my family for generations, handed down from father to son as a peerless heirloom. Those who concentrate their attention on it cannot fail to be hypnotized, however stubbornly they may resist."
Claude then went on to address his claim with the aid of various volunteers. By employing the fabled timepiece, grown men were drawn instantly under his spell, barking like dogs at his command. Austere women abandoned their dignity, clucking like hens and squatting down to deliver imaginary eggs.
After half an hour of such diversions, Claude turned to confront the house.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I now offer you all an opportunity to experience the wonders of mesmerism for yourselves. Any who dare to, gaze deeply at my golden watch!" And he hefted it high for everyone to see.
10,000 eyes riveted on the mythical instrument. Not a single soul looked away. When Claude saw that he was in complete control, he spoke to them once again.
"I order each and every one of you to rise to your feet!" he thundered.
5,000 people stood in unison.
"Lift up your right hand!"
5,000 arms went up as one.
"Lower your right hand!"
5,000 arms complied without hesitation.
"Lift up your left leg!"
5,000 feet left the auditorium floor.
Claude smirked satanically, drunk with power at his absolute command.
But alas! The antique watch chain which had served so faithfully for so long had developed a fatal weakness in one of its links. It snapped, and with sickening inevitability the irreplaceable golden watch plummeted to the stage floor, striking and shattering into a thousand pieces.
"Fuck! Shit!" Claude shrieked in anguish.
... and that, of course, was the final performance of Claude's career.