The barons of Poitou were roused to attack Philip from the south.

John bought the aid of the Count of Flanders on his northern border.

The German king, Otto, pledged himself to bring the knighthood of Germany to support an invasion of France.

But at the moment of his success in diplomacy John suddenly gave way.

It was in fact the revelation of a danger at home which shook him from his attitude of contemptuous defiance.