The treaty of Vervins (May 2, 1598) between France and Spain, the twelve years' truce between Spain and the United Provinces (April 9, 1609), the death of Philip II.

(September 13, 1598), and the alliance between France and England seemed to have brought peace to Europe.

It might have been thought that there remained no more than secondary questions, such as the possession of the marquisate of Saluzzo and the succession to the duchies of C1eves and Juliers.

But the instinct of peoples sees further than the negotiations of diplomats.

In the public estimation of Europe Henry IV.
was the representative of and the security for order, peace, national and equitable policy, intelligent and practical ideas.