An event then came to pass which affected him still more than the sickness or cure of his children.

In 496 the Allemannians, a Germanic confederation like the Franks, who also had been, for some time past, assailing the Roman empire on the banks of the Rhine or the frontiers of Switzerland, crossed the river, and invaded the settlements of the Franks on the left bank.

Clovis went to the aid of his confederation and attacked the Allemannians at Tolbiac, near Cologne.

He had with him Aurelian, who had been his messenger to Clotilde, whom he had made Duke of Melun, and who commanded the forces of Sens.

The battle was going ill; the Franks were wavering, and Clovis was anxious.