A cautionary tale indeed, lads and lassies:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johann_Heinrich_Schmelzer
Schmelzer started publishing his music in 1659.
He was appointed vice-Kapellmeister on 13 April 1671. On 14 June 1673, after the composer petitioned for ennoblement, the Emperor raised Schmelzer to the ranks of nobility; Schmelzer now added von Ehrenruet to his name.
Eventually, after his predecessor had died, Schmelzer became Kapellmeister on 1 October 1679.
Unfortunately, he fell victim to the plague early in 1680, and died in Prague (requiring but one change of letter), where the Viennese court moved in an attempt to evade the epidemic. Were they cu’ssed?
There ye go now. A mysterious legend (which I just invented) stated that anyone listening to this music below and starting to cough or develop a sore throat: