A novel rod linkage for driving a heddle shaft includes at least one strap (16), which for damping oscillation has a sandwich structure (37) oriented in the longitudinal direction (L) of the strap assembly (16). The sandwich structure includes at least one rigid element (27), extending in the longitudinal direction, which is joined to one end (17) of the strap assembly (16); a second rigid element (31), likewise extending essentially in the longitudinal direction, which is joined to the other end (19); and a two-dimensional damping element (34), again extending in the longitudinal direction, disposed between the first two. The element (34) exclusively effects the mechanical connection of the two parts (16a, 16b) of the strap assembly (16). Preferably, no additional connecting elements, such as rivets, screws, or other rigid connections, between the rigid elements (27, 31) are provided. Preferably, the rigid elements (27, 31) are embodied as wedges pointing in opposite directions, which thus define a wave resistance that varies in opposite directions in the longitudinal direction. This wave resistance brings about an intentional coupling misadaptation with respect to the oscillation transmission. The element (34) disposed between them damps the oscillations additionally, so that the strap assembly (16) transmits driving motions like a filter and destroys or absorbs interfering oscillations.