Quicksilver, in Roman mythology, was the messenger of the Gods – he flitted tirelessly between the kingdom in the sky and the real world to spread the good word, verbatim.

At first, his audience hung on his every syllable, grateful for the divine tidings, but gradually, in true human fashion, grew bored. The powers that were didn’t really have too much to say, after all, and were apt to repeat themselves. The crowds began to ebb.

The enterprising Quicksilver was swift to change tack – he began to intertwine humour, anecdotes and (sometimes) even shock value, to liven up the news and decrees.

Overnight, he became a sell-out act. The people couldn’t get enough of him, and even began to apply his wisdom to their daily lives. It was the beginning of an age of prosperity and joy, and the Gods nodded their approval impassively, laughing only on the way to the bank.