The armistice was prolonged, in order that Father Neyen might go to Madrid for further instructions.

It was found, however, that the King of Spain would yield nothing.

The negotiations came to a standstill, and both sides began to make preparations for a renewal of the war.
President Jeannin on behalf of the French king, by his skilful mediation, in which he was supported by his English colleague, saved the situation.

He proposed as a compromise a twelve years' truce, pointing out that whatever terms were arranged would only be binding for that short period.

He managed to bring about a personal interview between Oldenbarneveldt and Maurice, who had respectively headed the peace and war parties in the provinces; and henceforth both consented to work together for this proposal of a limited truce, during which the trade to the Indies should be open and the religious question be untouched.