That the princes should ask the interference of James while neglecting, despising, or fearing Henry, excited Henry's wrath.

He was ready, and avowed his readiness, to put on armour at once in behalf of the princes, and to arbitrate on the destiny of Germany, but no one seemed ready to follow his standard.

No one asked him to arbitrate.

The Spanish faction wheedled and threatened by turns, in order to divert him from his purpose, while the Protestant party held aloof, and babbled of Charlemagne and of Henry II.
He said he did not mean to assist the princes by halves, but as became a King of France, and the princes expressed suspicion of him, talked of the example of Metz, and called the Emperor their very clement lord.
It was not strange that Henry was indignant and jealous.

He was holding the wolf by the ears, as he himself observed more than once.