Reconciliation was not without great difficulty effected; and, indeed, peace was never really restored in the royal family.

Peace was everywhere the wish and study of King Robert; but he succeeded better in maintaining it with his neighbors than with his children.

In 1006, he was on the point of having a quarrel with Henry II., emperor of Germany, who was more active and enterprising, but fortunately not less pious, than himself.

The two sovereigns resolved to have an interview at the Meuse, the boundary of their dominions.

"The question amongst their respective followings was, which of the two should cross the river to seek audience on the other bank, that is, in the other's dominions; this would be a humiliation, it was said.