It is part of the implicitness of everyday life that we eat with knife and fork. This has not always been the case. When, in the 13^th century, a Byzantine princess brought to her mouth the food, which was offered to her at the court of Venice, with the help of a small fork—made of gold and with two prongs—one was appalled. The scandal called into action the priests, who immediately conjured the punishment from the skies. This appears to have been successful, as she was soon infected with a severe illness.