Ludwig van Beethoven
Beethoven’s parents had him instructed in music at a very early age. When he was only eight years old he played the violin so well as to astonish all his hearers. In the little room under the roof, where he practiced, he noticed one day a very large spider, leaving her web and coming close to him to listen. By and by she grew so tame, that she came and sat first on his desk, then on the artist, and finally made herself at home on the arm which held the bow. Her interest spurred on the boy to do his best, and helped not a little in his progress. One day, his aunt, who filled his mother’s place, came into the little room, bringing a friend who wished to hear the boy play. As he began, the spider came from her corner and settled upon his arm. The aunt seeing the insect, pounced upon her, and crushed her under her foot. Beethoven, horror-stricken at his comrade’s fate, fell fainting to the floor.