Danny
Pulleys and ropes reminds me of The Bricklayer's Lament - by Gerard Hoffnung as told to the Oxford Union way back in 1958.
One of the funniest story's you're likely to hear. It can be found on YouTube here:
The Bricklayer's story begins about 9 min 15 sec in.
But keep listening as there is another very funny story about the letter from a Tyrolean landlady responding to enquiries about accommodation in her hotel (starts at 18.30 in). Example: "We have a French Widow in every bedroom affording delightful prospects" etc. etc.