So, begging his sons to help him, he came on Karl, who happened then to be tarrying on those borders of his empire.

Intercepting his sentries, he eluded the watch that was posted on guard.

But while he thought that all the rest would therefore be easy and more open to his attacks, suddenly a woman who was a soothsayer, a kind of divine oracle or interpreter of the will of heaven, warned the king with a saving prophecy, and by her fortunate presage forestalled the mischief that impended, saying that the fleet of Siward had moored at the mouth of the river Seine.

The emperor, heeding the warning, and understanding that the enemy was at hand, managed to engage with and stop the barbarians, who were thus pointed out to him.

A battle was fought with Ragnar; but Karl did not succeed as happily in the field as he had got warning of the danger.