The States, though friendly, were unwilling to commit themselves.

In the spring of 1620, however, by James' permission, the English regiments in the Dutch service under the command of Sir Horace Vere were sent to oppose Spinola's invasion of the Rhineland.

Accompanied by a Dutch force under Frederick Henry, they reached the Palatinate, but it was too late.
The fate of the King of Bohemia was soon to be decided elsewhere than in his hereditary dominions.

Completely defeated at the battle of Prague, Frederick with his wife and family fled to Holland to seek the protection of their cousin, the Prince of Orange.

They met with the most generous treatment at his hands, and they were for many years to make the Hague the home of their exile.
As the date at which the Twelve Years' Truce came to an end drew near, some efforts were made to avert war.