The Duke of Devonshire once impressed Bejamin Disraeli with a well-placed yawn -- in the middle of his maiden speech in the House of Commons.

"He'll do," Disraeli remarked. "To anyone who can betray such languor in such circumstances the highest posts should be open."

[Devonshire was famed for his love of sleep. One afternoon, having fallen asleep in the House of Lords, he awoke and was heard to complain: "Good heavens, what a bore -- I shan't be in bed for another seven hours."]