to abandon the cause of the league, the new fortress of Alessandria,
situated as it was in the midst of a swampy plain and surrounded with
massive earth walls, proved an effectual stumbling-block in the way of
the avenger. Heavy rains and floods came to the aid of the besieged
city and the imperial tents and huts were almost submersed, while
hunger and other discomforts caused many of the allies of the Germans
to desert. The siege was continued for six months, but Frederick at
last abandoned it on learning that an army of the league was about to
descend on his weakened forces. He burned his besieging implements,
his catapults, battering rams, and movable towers, and retreated to
Pavian territory.

The forces of the allied cities were sufficient to alarm Frederick,
but they did not follow up their advantage. One is surprised to find
negotiations for a peace begun at a time when a decisive battle seemed
imminent. What preliminary steps were taken, or why the Lombards
should have been the first to take them, is not clear; although some
slight successes gained by Christian of Mayence at this juncture in
the neighborhood of Bologna may have been not without effect.

A commission of six men was appointed to draw up the articles of
treaty, three being chosen from the cities, three appointed by the
Emperor. The consuls of Cremona were to decide on disputed
points--points, namely, as to which it was impossible to arrive at a
mutual agreement. A truce to all hostilities was meanwhile declared,
and at Montebello both sides bound themselves to concur in whatever
arrangement should be made by the commission and the consuls. The
Lombards meanwhile went through the form of a submission, knelt at the
Emperor's feet, and lowered their standards before him. Frederick
thereupon received them into favor and dismissed the greater part of