Instantly evacuating Suabia, he led his powerful army toward Saxony.

He had deployed twelve thousand peasants to cut off the two dukes, and advanced with the rest of his force to the banks of the Strewe.

Before reaching the river, he ascertained that Rodolph was encamped on the opposite side.

It now occurred to his unprincipled mind, that he might deprive his rival even of the warning which his open approach would give, by deputing a flag of truce to solicit a parley.
The artifice succeeded.

Scarcely had the deputation left the Saxon camp, before Henry began the attack.