Hans von Bulow was once delighted to receive an invitation to perform for Napoleon III. He was somewhat less delighted however when, midway through the performance, the emperor began speaking with one of his guests.
Von Bulow, understandably TETCHY, simply stopped playing. "When his majesty speaks," he explained to the assembled audience, "all must be silent."
Bulow, Hans Guide, Baron von (1830-1894) German conductor and pianist noted for his instrumental role in popularizing the works of Brahms and Wagner