Cure for neurosis – Gerald Berners and Robert Helpman

Ballet artist Robert Helpman (1909-1986) was very honored when he was invited to an afternoon visit to the house of English baron Gerald Berners (1883-1950), musician who was otherwise known as an eccentric man.

Mr. Helpman was received politely and escorted to the salon of the beautiful castle, not far from Oxford. To his immense surprise, in the saloon he came across – a horse.

Then, as if nothing unusual was happening, he was served with tea. Baron Berners asked Helpman whether he is drinking his tea with lemon or milk, and then he fed his horse with sugar cubes.

There was no one to explain to the startled guest what was happening. Finally, the Baron said that the horse ate enough and that the servant could escort him to the barn... Not long after, Helpman also left the baron’s home.

After some time, Baron and ballet dancer met again. Unable to restrain himself, Robert Helpman asked him:

- I do not understand. Why was a horse present in your luxurious salon during my visit to your castle?

Baron gave him an unusual explanation:

- You see, when people see a horse in the saloon, they immediately become nervous. I like that because I myself am a very nervous man. But when I see that my guests are nervous, I relax.

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Wise prediction – Louis XI, King of France

Louis XI, King of France who lived in the 15th century, believed in astrological interpretations. He often made decisions according to predictions of his personal astrologer who took care of his daily horoscope.

The King was unpleasantly surprised when one day his astrologer told him that one very influential person from his court - female - will die in eight days. Believing that this prophecy, and the event itself, could in some way, threaten his reign, Louis XI gave order to his men to kill the astrology expert, by will throwing him from the highest tower of his castle.

However, curiosity, and belief in the power of stars, gave no peace to the king. Without mentioning that he gave the order to kill him, the king called his astrologer.

"You claim to know everything about the position of stars and their impact on human destiny. Now tell me, what is your destiny? Do you know when you will die? " the king asked his astrologer.

"Of course I know, " replied the wise astrologer. "I will die exactly three days before you!"

After that, of course, Louis XI canceled his order and let his astrologer live.

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Who is that man? – William Randolph Hearst

When William Randolph Hearst (1861-1951), famous American newspaper publisher (and millionaire), bought St. Donat's Castle in Wales, he said nothing to his wife. He knew that she did not have much understanding for historical monuments, no matter how luxurious they were.

However, one day, Hearst was forced to admit to her what he did.

"So, who is the main architect of that big old house?“,  Mrs. Hearst asked.

 

 

"How could I know?" Hearst said. "I suppose some Norman ..." (He refers to Normans, descendants of Vikings)

"Nonsense! " Mrs. Hearst sighed in disappointment. "Who is that Norman? I've never heard of him. "

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I Hear Again - Lajos Esterhazy!

In his castle in Hungary sat already an aging nobleman Lajos Esterhazy. He was almost totally deaf, and he did not even know that the First World War raged around him.

When strong detonation sounded near of his castle, Esterhazy, referring to a knock on the door, shouted with joy:

- Please, come in!

At first, he was surprised thinking that he can hear again. However, he was disappointed when he saw that all windows in the castle were broken...

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