COUNT VON BROCKDORFF - RANTZAU'S ANCESTORS. [To THE ED/TOR OF THE "
SPECTATOR."] SIR,—I/ is not generally known that Count von Brockdorff- Rantzau was not only for some years a very popular German Minister to the Court of Denmark, but also his ancient family is of pure Danish origin. This, however, did not prevent some of the members distinguishing themselves as soldiers and diplomatists in the Foreign Service, and even helping the invaders of their own country. Count Johann von Rantzau entered the service of the Duke of Holstein (afterwards King Frederick I. of Denmark), for whom he conquered Denmark in 1526. Comte Josias de Rantzau became Marshal of France, and commanded a French army with success in Flanders from 1644 to 1649. Comte Bertrand de Rantzau is one of the prin- cipal characters in Eugene Scribe's comedy, Bertrand et Raton ou L'Art de Conspirer. One of the characters, Colonel Koller, tells the Queen-Dowager of Denmark that their best plan is to-
" chercher des allies parmi nos ennemis. . . Je ne peux pas souffrir ce Bertrand de Rantzau; c'est un malin petit vieillard qui n'est l'ennemi de personne, c'est vrai, mais it n'a d'ami que lui. S'il conspire, c'est a lui tout seul at a son benefice; en un mot, un conspirateur egoists avec lequel it n'y a rien A gagner, et, par tent, rien Is faire."
—I am, Sir, &e., ANDREW DE TERNANT. 36 Somerleyton Road, Brixton, S.W.
Previous page
