He returned to Paris, fetched Guy de Dampierre from the tower of the Louvre, and charged him to go and negotiate peace under a promise of returning to his prison if he were unsuccessful.

Guy, respected as he was throughout Flanders on account of his age and his long misfortunes, failed in his attempt, and, faithful to his word, went back and submitted himself to the power of Philip.

"I am so old," said he to his friends, "that I am ready to die whensoever it shall please God." And he did die, on the 7th of March, 1304, in the prison of Compiegne, to which he had been transferred.

Philip, all the while pushing forward his preparations for war, continued to make protestation of pacific intentions.

The Flemish communes desired the peace necessary for the prosperity of their commerce; but patriotic anxieties wrestled with material interests.