Having finished this congratulatory speech, he made repeated obeisances. The Emperor said:— ‘‘Whena sage Ruler appears in the world and rules the Empire, Heaven is responsive to him, and manifests favourable omens. In ancient times, during the reign of Ch‘eng-wang of the Chou Dynasty, a ruler of the Western land,‘ and again in the time of Ming Ti of the Han Dynasty, white pheasants were 2 So the “Shikai” edition. But it has been conjectured with some probability that Kida is really the name of the Silla scholar just mentioned, which has come in here by mistake.
KOTOKU. 239 seen. In this our Land of Japan,’ during the reign of the Emperor Homuda,’ a white crow made its nest in the Palace. In the time of the Emperor Oho-sazaki,* a Dragon-horse appeared in the West.* This shows that from ancient times until now, there have been many cases of auspicious omens appearing in response to virtuous rulers. What we call phoenixes, unicorns,’ white pheasants, white crows, and such like birds and beasts, even including herbs and trees, in short all things having the property of significant response, are favourable omens and auspicious signs produced by Heaven and Earth. Now that wise and enlightened sovereigns should obtain such auspicious omens is meet and proper. But why should We, who are so empty and shallow, have this good fortune? It is no doubt wholly due to our Assistants, the Ministers, Omi, Muraji, Tomo no Miyakko and Kuni no Miyakko, each of whom, with the utmost loyalty, conforms to the regulations that are made. For this reason, let all, from the Ministers down to the functionaries, with pure hearts reverence the Gods of Heaven and Earth, and one and all accepting the glad omen, make the Empire to flourish.”
Again he commanded, saying:— ‘The provinces and districts in the four quarters having been placed in our charge by Heaven, We exercise supreme rule over the Empire. Now in the province of Anato, ruled over by Our divine ancestors, this auspicious omen has appeared. For this reason We proclaim a general amnesty throughout the Empire, and begin a new year-period, to be called Haku-chi.° Moreover we prohibit the flying of falcons within the limits of the province of Anato.”
Presents were made to the Ministers, Daibu and officials of lower rank down to the clerks, varying in value according to their rank. Hereupon the local Governor, Shikofu, Kusakabe 1 The characters are H a, but whether the Emperor actually said Nippon or Yamato is not quite clear. The interlinear gloss has Mzkado, which is absurd.
2 Ojin Tenno. 3 Nintoku Tenno.
4 The dragon-horse has wings on its head. It crosses water without sinking. It appears when an illustrious sovereign is on the throne.
> Kirin. § White pheasant.
240 NIHONGI.
no Muraji, was commended and granted the rank of Daisen, together with liberal presents. The commuted taxes and corvées of Anato were remitted for three years.
Summer, 4th month. Silla sent Envoys to offer tribute.
One book says:—‘‘In the reign of this Emperor the three countries of Koryé, Pékché and Silla sent Envoys bearing tribute every year.”
Winter, roth month. In respect of the tombs which had been demolished in order to include the ground in a site for a Palace, and of the people who had been made to remove for the same purpose, presents were given, varying in value. This having been done, the chief builder Hirafu Aratawi no Atahe, was sent to set up the boundary posts of the Palace.
In this month the construction was begun of an embroidery’ figure of Buddha sixteen feet in height with its attendant Bosatsu,’ and of figures of beings of the eight classes *—forty- six figures in all.
In this year, Ohoguchi, Aya no Yamaguchi no Atahe, in obedience to an Imperial order, carved one thousand images of Buddha.
Agata, Yamato no Aya no Atahe, Abumi, Shiragabe no Muraji, and Agura, Naniha no Kishi, were sent to the province of Aki to build two Pékché ships.
2nd year, Spring, 3rd month, 14th day. The sixteen feet high embroidery figure of Buddha and the others were finished.
15th day. The Empress Dowager invited the ten Buddhist professors * and prepared a maigre entertainment for them.
6th month. Peékché and Silla sent Envoys to bring tribute and to offer presents.
Winter, 12th month, last day. More than 2100 priests and nuns were invited to the Palace of Ajifu, and made to read the Issaikyo.° ' No doubt what we call tapestry. 2 See above, XXI. 6.
3 The eight classes are described as I. Heaven; II. Dragons; III. Yasha, the Sanskrit Yaksha, a kind of demons; IV. Kentatsuba, the Sanskrit Gandharva, a kind of demons; V. Asura, the mightiest of all demons; VI. Karora, Sanskrit Garuda, a kind of monstrous bird; VII. Kinnara, Sanskrit Kimnara, doubtful (horned) spirits, the musicians of Kuvéra; VIII. Makoraka, Sanskrit Mahoraga, demons shaped like a boa.
4 See above, XXV. Io. 5 The complete Buddhist canon as received in China. It consists of KOTOKU. 241 That night over 2700 lights were lit in the courtyard of the Palace, and there were caused to be read the Antaku and Dosoku' Sutras, etc. Upon this, the Emperor removed his residence from Oho-gohori to the new Palace. It received the name ofthe Palace of Naniha no Nagara no Toyosaki.
This year the Silla tribute-envoys, Chi-man, of Sa-son rank, and his companions anchored at Tsukushi, wearing garments of the Thang country. The Government, disgusted at this wanton change of habit, reproved them and drove them back again. At this time Kose no Oho-omi addressed the Emperor, saying:—‘‘ If we do not give a blow to Silla at this present time, we shall certainly have to regret it afterwards. Now as to the manner of giving a blow to Silla, we can do so without raising a sword.? From the port of Naniha as far as Tsukushi let the surface of the sea be covered with ships, one touching another. Then if Silla be summoned and called to an account for her offences, it will be easy for us to gain our object.”
3rd year, Spring, Ist month, 1st day. When the New Year’s ceremonies were over, the Imperial chariot proceeded to the Palace of Oho-gohori.: From the rst month to the 2nd month the distribution of rice-lands* had been brought toaclose. As to the length‘ of the rice-fields, thirty paces made a tan, and ten tan a cho.
The tax-rice was one sheaf anda half per tan, or fifteen sheaves per cho. 3rd month, gth day. The Imperial chariot returned to the Palace. Summer, 4th month, 15th day. The SiAmen® Ye-un, was invited to the interior of the Palace and made to explain the hundreds of volumes, and was no doubt read by the femdoku system, i.e. by reading a few words at the beginning and at the end of each volume, turning rapidly over the intermediate pages by a single motion of the hand.
1 These are not known as Sutras. Probably they were litanies used as suitable for the occasion of taking up a residence in the new Palace. An-taku means ‘ peaceful-house,” and Do-soku “ earth-side,”. or perhaps “ earth- survey.” j 2 The older reading is “ without an effort.” I follow the “ Shikai” editor’s emendation of JJ for JJ. 3 See above, XXV. 17.
4 The breadth is not stated here. From other evidence it appears to have been twelve paces. 5 Sanskrit S‘ramana, Buddhist priests or ascetics. Vzde Eitel, svb voce.
VOL. Il. R SEXV, 54, 242 NIHONGI.
Murydjiu* Sutra, the Shamon Ye-ji was made lecturer and 1000 Shamon were constituted the audience.
20th day. The explanations (of the Sutras) was discontinued. From this day forward rain began to fall continually, lasting for nine days. It demolished buildings, and destroyed the young rice-plants in the fields. Many men, horses and oxen were drowned.
In this month the registers of population were prepared. Fifty houses were made a township, and for each township there was appointed an elder. The senior member of the.
family * was always made the head of the household. The houses were all associated in groups of five for mutual protec- tion, with one elder to supervise them one with another.
Silla and Pékché sent Envoys to bring tribute and offer presents.
Autumn, gth month. The building of the Palace was com- pleted. It is impossible adequately to describe the appearance of the Palace Halls.
Winter, 12th month, last day. The priests and nuns of the Empire were invited to the interior of the Palace and enter- tained with meagre fare. Plentiful alms were given, and lights kindled.
4th year, Summer, 5th month, 12th day. There were sent to Great Thang, as Chief Ambassador, Kishi no Nagani, of Upper Shisen rank, as Associate Ambassador, Kishi no Koma also called Ito] of Upper Sho-otsu rank, as Student Priests,, Dogen, Dodtsi, Dokwo, Yese, Gakusho, Bensho, Yesho, Sonin, Chiso, Disho, Joye* [Joye was the eldest son of the Oho-omi of the Middle*], Adachi [Adachi was the son of Nakatomi no 1 i.e. immortal life, called in Sanskrit the Sukhavati Vydha Sutra.
2 i.e. the eldest son or heir, to the exclusion of uncles, say the commen- tators. This would be primogeniture. This principle had not yet become established for the succession to the throne.
3 There is a biography of Joye extant. He remained for many years studying in China. On his return to Japan he had the body of his father | removed from the old-fashioned dolmen-tomb in which he had been interred, and buried under a miniature pagoda of stone. This marks the decline of the old style of interment. The original tomb is still in existence. It is shown in the annexed illustration, which is reproduced with the kind per- mission of the editor of the “ Asiatic Quarterly Review,” where it appeared, 4 Naidaijin.
KOTOKU.
the son of Kome no Muraji}] and Ddkwan _Dodkwan was ASH IIE Uh NSIS *11ByeUeyy £9}21G JO IO}SIUTT, OY} JO quioy, Kudara, Kasuga no Ahata no Omij as students,’ Kusuri, Kose 1 i.e. students of Chinese literature.
244 NIHONGI.
no Omi {son of Toyotari no Omi], and Okina, Hi no Muraj [son of Madama. Another book adds the student priests Chiben and Gitoku and the student Ihatsumi, Sakahibe no Muraji|, in all r2z persons, who sailed together in the same ship. Mita, Nunobara no Obito, was appointed as envoy to accompany them. Again, the Chief Ambassador Nemaro [also called Yatsukahagi], Takada no Obito, of Lower Daisen rank, and the Associate Ambassador Womaro, Kamori’ no Muraji, of Upper Sho-otsu rank, with the student priests Dofuku and Giko, in all 120 persons, sailed together in one ship. Yatsute, Hashi no Muraji, was appointed as Envoy to escort them. | In this month the Emperor visited the chamber of the priest Bin, inquired after his illness, and at length from his own ‘mouth delivered his gracious commands, One book says:—‘‘ In the 7th month of the 5th year, the priest Bin took ill in the Temple of Adzumi. There- upon the Emperor paid him a visit of inquiry, and taking him by the hand, said:—‘If your Reverence dies to-day, We shall follow you in death to-morrow.’ ”’ 6th month. Pékché and Silla sent Envoys bearing tribute and offering presents.
The highways of various places were repaired.
The Emperor was informed of the death of the priest Bin, and sent a messenger of condolence and also numerous presents.
The Empress Dowager, the Prince Imperial, etc., all sent messengers to offer condolences on the death of the priest Bin. Eventually the Emperor commanded Komaro, Koma no Tachibe, a painter, with Funado no Atahe and others to make a large number of figures of Buddha and Bosatsu, to be placed in the Temple of Kahara [one book says they are in the Temple of Yamada}.
Autumn, 7th month. Takada no Nemaro and his colleagues, the Ambassadors sent to Great Thang, were drowned by the sinking of their ship in the Gate? of Takashima, off the coast of Satsuma. Only five men who lashed themselves to a plank, 1 See above, XXV. 45. 2 A narrow passage between two islands. Or it may mean the entrance to a harbour. 1 —Koroxu. 245 floated ashore on the island of Takashima. They knew not what to do, until one of the five, named Kadobe no Kogane, gathered bamboos’ and made of them a raft, with which they anchored at the island of Shitoji-shima. These five men passed six days and six nights without any food whatever. Thereupon Kogane was complimented (by the Emperor), advanced in rank, and presents given him.
This year the Prince Imperial petitioned the Emperor, saying:—‘‘ I wish the Imperial residence were removed to the Yamato capital.”” The Emperor refused to grant his request. Upon this the Prince Imperial took with him the Empress Dowager, the Empress Hashibito, and the younger Imperial Princes, and went to live in the temporary Palace of Asuka no Kahabe in Yamato. At this time the Ministers and Daibu, with the various functionaries, all followed and changed their residence. The Emperor resented this, and wished to cast away the national Dignity. He had a palace built in Yama- zaki and sent a song to the Empress Hashibito, saying:— The pony which I keep, I put shackles on And led it not out: Can anyone have seen The pony which I keep?
5th year, Spring, ist month, 1st day. In the night the rats migrated towards the Yamato capital.
Nakatomi no Kamatari no Muraji was granted the Shikwan,’ and his fief increased by a number of houses. 2nd month. The Controlling Envoys sent to Great Thang, namely, Kuromaro Takamuku no Obito, of Upper Daikin XXV. 6.
rank [one book says:—‘‘ Summer, 5th month. There were sent — to Great Thang the Controlling Envoy Takamuku no Kuromaro, of Lower Daikwa rank ’’|, the Chief Ambassador Maro, Kahabe no Omi, of Lower Shokin rank, the Associate Ambassador Kusushi* Yenichi, of Lower Daisen rank, the two Hangwan, Maro Fumi no Atahe, of Upper Daiotsu rank, and Miyaji no Amida fone book says:—‘‘ The Hangwan, Maro, Fumi no Atahe, of Lower Shésen rank”], Yoroshi, Oka no Kimi, of Upper Takashima means “ bamboo island.” 2 Or purple cap. 3 Doctor.
246 NIHONGI.
Shé-otsu rank, Daihaku, Okizome no Muraji, Oyu, Nakatomi no Hashibito no Muraji, of Lower Sho-otsu rank, Tori, Tabe no Fubito, and others. They embarked separately on two ships. Having delayed for several months, they proceeded by way of Silla, and anchored at Laichou.’ At last they reached the capital, where they had an audience of the Emperor. There- upon Kuo Weén-chii, superintendent of the guards of the Prince Imperial’s Palace, inquired particularly of them regarding the geography of the Land of Japan, and the names of the Gods of the beginning of the country. To all which inquiries suitable answers were given.
The Controlling Envoy Takamuku no Kuromaro died in Great Thang.
Yuki no Hakatoko says:—‘“‘ The student-priest Yemyo died in Thang; Chiso died at sea; Chikoku died at sea; Chiso? returned in a Silla ship in the year Kanoye Tora’; Gakusho died in Thang; Gitst died at sea; Joye returned in the year Kinoto Ushi‘ in the ship of Liu Teh-kao’; Myoi, Hosho and the students Okina, Hi no Muraji and Ko Wo-gon,° twelve persons in all, with Kan Chiko and Cho Gempo, of foreign Japanese birth, came back this year along with the envoys.”
Summer, 4th month. Two men and two women of the Land of Tukhara‘ and one woman of S‘ravasti* were driven by a storm to Hiuga.
Autumn, 7th month, 24th day. Kishi no Nagani and his colleagues, who had gone as Envoys to the Western Sea,’ 1 In Shantung.
Spelt with a different Chinese character to the other.
° A Japanese who had taken a Chinese name.
7 The region round Badakshan in India. Vide Eitel, sub voce.
8 An ancient city of India situated near Sirkhee or Fuzabad. Vzde Eitel. It is absurd to speak of natives of India being cast ashore in Hiuga. | It is plain from a comparison of the passage in Book XXVI., 4, in which these persons are again referred to, that the place here called Tukhara is really the island of Tokara, one of the Loochoo group. The writer of the “ Nihongi,” however, shows by the characters with which he writes the name, and by his poetic license of associating S‘ravasti with it, that he was thinking of the Indian locality. The native commentators follow him in this.
® China.
KOoroxu. 247 anchored in Tsukushi with Escorting Envoys from Silla and Pékché. This month the Emperor commended the Envoys to the Western Sea for having had a personal audience of the Emperor of the Thang country, and for having obtained numerous books and precious objects. He bestowed on the Chief Ambassador Kishi no Nagani, of Upper Shosen rank, the lower grade of Shokwa rank, and granted him a fief of 200 houses with the name of the Kure House. On the Associate Ambassador, Kishi no Koma, of Lower Sho-otsu rank, there was bestowed the upper grade of the Shdsen rank.
Winter, roth month, 1st day. The Prince Imperial, being informed that the Emperor had taken ill, proceeded to the Naniha Palace with the Empress Dowager, the Empress Hashibito, and also accompanied by the younger Imperial Princes and the Ministers.
roth day. The Emperor died in the State Bedchamber. He was temporarily interred in the southern courtyard. Dotoko, Mozu no Hashi no Muraji, of Upper Shosen rank, superintended the business of the Palace of Temporary Interment. | 12th month, 8th day. He was buried in the misasagi of Shinaga at Ohosaka.’
- On this day, the Prince Imperial, accompanied by the Empress Dowager, changed his residence to the Temporary Palace of Kahabe in Yamato. Old people said:—‘‘ The migration of the rats to the Yamato capital was an omen of the transference of the capital thither.”
In this year, Koryo, Pekché and Silla sent ambassadors of condolence.
1 In the province of Kahachi.
XXV. 8.
BOOK XXVI.
THE EMPRESS AME-TOYO-TAKARA IKASHI-HI TARASHI-HIME. (SAITMEI! TENNO.)
Tue Empress Ame-toyo-takara ikashi-hi tarashi-hime first married the Emperor Tachibana no toyohi’s” grandson, Prince Takamuku, and bore to him the Imperial Prince Aya. She was afterwards married to the Emperor Oki-naga tarashi-hi hiro-nuka,* to whom she bore two sons and one daughter. In his second year she was raised to the rank of Empress-consort, as may be seen in the history of the Emperor Oki-naga tarashi- hi hiro-nuka. In the thirteenth year of his reign, Winter, the tenth month, the Emperor Oki-naga tarashi-hi hiro-nuka died. In the first month of the following year the Empress assumed the Imperial Dignity. In the sixth month of the fourth year of the new reign, she resigned the Dignity to the Emperor Ame-yorodzu-toyo-hi, and was entitled Empress Dowager. The Emperor Ame-yorodzu-toyohi died in the tenth month of the later fifth year.* Ist year, Spring, 1st month, 3rd day. The Empress Dowager assumed the Imperial Dignity in the Palace of Asuka no Itabuki.
Summer, 5th month, rst day. In the midst of the Void? there was seen one riding on a dragon, who resembled a man 1 Uniform-bright. The Empress Kogyoku restored.
2 Yomei Tenno. % Jomei Tennd.
‘4 i.e. the later of the two year-periods of his reign, viz. Hakuchi. ® Sora. To be distinguished from Ten, heaven or firmament.
i i eee a a SAIMEI. 249 of Thang in appearance. He had on a broad hat of green oiled stuff. He rode fast from the peak of Katsuraki and disappeared on Mount Ikoma. When it became noon, he galloped off over the firs of Sumiyoshi in a westerly direction.
Autumn, 7th month, r1th day. There were entertained at the Court of Naniha of the Northern Yemishi ninety-nine persons, and of the Eastern Yemishi ninety-five persons. At the same time entertainment was provided for 150 persons who came as tribute envoys from Pékché. Caps of honour, of two grades in each case, were bestowed on nine Yemishi of Kikafu ' and on six Yemishi of Tsugaru.”
8th month, 1st day. Maro, Kahabe no Omi, and others returned from Great Thang.
Winter, roth month, 13th day. There was a Palace in course of construction at Woharida which it was intended to roof with tiles. Rut in the recesses of the mountains and on the broad valleys, much of the timber with which it was proposed to erect the Palace buildings rotted. In the end the work was put a stop to, and no building was erected.’
This winter the Palace of Asuka no Itabuki* was burnt, and the Empress therefore removed her residence to the Palace of Asuka no Kahara.?
This year Koryo, Pékché and Silla sent Envoys together to offer tribute.
The Pékché Chief Ambassador was Talsol of the Western division, by name Y06-wi-syu; the Associate Ambassador was an Eunsol of the Eastern division, by name Tyo-sin-in, There were over one hundred persons altogether.
Yemishi and Hayato,’ attended by a large number of fol- lowers, offered homage and came to Court with presents for the Empress.
1 In Mutsu. 2 In Mutsu.
3 This shows that roofing with tiles was considered an innovation. To this day the shrines of Ise have not tiled roofs.
5 This name is written with characters which mean river-bed. But kahara also means tiles, which in this connection does not seem a mere fortuitous coincidence.
DOXVilie 2: XXVI.
3.
250 NIHONGI.
Silla sent specially Mi-mu of Keup-son' rank as a hostage, and twelve men as skilled workmen.
Mi-mu fell ill and died.
This year was the year Kinoto U (52nd) of the Cycle.
2nd year, Autumn, 8th month, 8th day. Koryé sent Tal-sa and others to offer tribute. [The Chief Ambassador was Talsa, and the Associate Ambassador I-li-chi. There were _ eighty-one persons in all.]
gth month. There were sent to Koryo, as Chief Ambassador, Hatsumi, Kashihade no Omi, and as Associate Ambassador Thasuki, Sakahibe no Muraji, as Senior Hangwan, Shiromaro, Inugami no Kimi, as Second Class Hangwan, Kahachi no. Fumi no Obito, and as Junior * Hangwan, Maro, Ohokura no: Kinunuhi no Miyakko.
In this year a fresh site for a Palace was fixed upon at Asuka no Wokamoto.
At this time, Kory6, Pékché and Silla together sent envoys. to offer tribute. Dark purple curtains were drawn round this Palace site for them, and they were entertained there. At last the Palace buildings were erected, and the Empress removed into them. This Palace was called the later Palace of Asuka no Wokamoto.
Tamu Peak was crowned with a circular enclosure. More- over on the summit of the Peak, close by where two tsuki trees. grew, a lofty building was erected to which the name was given of the Palace of Futa-tsuki.* It was also called Amatsu* miya.
At this time public works were in favour. Navvies° were employed to dig a canal from the western end of Mount Kagu yama as far as the Mountain of Iso no kami. Two hundred ' Ninth of the seventeen grades. * Including artists. ’ For Junior (Jy) the interlinear gloss is Sunai. Ohoi and Sunai were: respectively the Japanese terms applied to Senior and Junior degrees of rank. Sunai would therefore appear to be abbreviated from sukunaki, which now means few, scanty, but which anciently meant also small, as in the case of the dwarf god Sukuna-bikona. Cf. Corean chak-eun, small. From this it would appear that the colloquial abbreviation of the termination of the adjective had already come into use when these glosses were added— ong after the time of the “ Nihongi.”
* Le. the two tsuki trees. 5 Palace of Heaven.
Lit. “ water workmen,” a closely parallel expression to our “ navigators ” ‘“‘navvies,” whose original business it was to dig canals.
SAIMEI. 251 barges were loaded with stones from the Iso no Kami Moun- tain and hauled with the current to the mountain on the east of the Palace, where the stones were piled up to form a wall. The people of that day reviled the work, saying:—‘‘ This mad canal, which has wasted the labour of over 30,000 men! This wall-building, which has wasted the labour of over 70,000 men! And the timber for the Palace which has rotted!’ And the top of the mountain which has collapsed! ” Again they reviled, saying:—‘*‘ May the mound built at Iso no kami break down of itself as fast as it is built!’ [This abuse was probably uttered while the work was incomplete.| A Palace was also built at Yoshino.
The Ambassadors to the Western Sea,? Takunaha, Saheki no Muraji, and Kunikatsu, Naniha no Kishi, of Lower Shosen rank, with their companions returned from Pékché and pre- sented the Empress with a parrot.
The Palace of Wokamoto took fire.
3rd year, Autumn, 7th month, 3rd day. Two men and four women of the Land of Tukhara® who had drifted to Tsukushi, said:—‘* We first of all drifted to the island of Amami.’’* So they were sent for by post-horses.
15th day. A model of Mount Sumi’ was constructed to the west of the Temple of Asuka-dera. Moreover the festival of All Souls ° was held. In the evening the people from Tukhara were entertained. [One book says, ‘‘ the people of Tora.” | gth month. The Imperial Prince Arima’ was of a deceitful disposition, and pretended insanity, etc., etc. He went to the hot baths of Muro, under the pretence of treatment of disease. On his return he praised the quality of the country, saying:— “Scarce had I seen that region, when my complaint disap- peared of itself,’ etc., etc. The Empress, hearing this, was rejoiced, and wished to go and visit it.
This year envoys were sent to Silla with the following mes- 1 See above, XXVI. 2. 2 China. * See above, XXV. 57.
* Now called Amami no Ohoshima, or oftener simply Ohoshima. The chief northern island of the Loochoo group.
* Sanskrit, Suméru or Méru, ° Urabonye, in Sanskrit Ullambana, called by Europeans the Feast of Lanterns.
7 Son of Kotoku Tenno. doakcas.
XXVI. 4.
KV ics OQ ee 252 NIHONGI.
sage:—‘‘ We wish to send to Great Thang under the charge ot your country’s envoys the Buddhist priest Chitatsu, Mimtmaya, Hashibito no Muraji, and Wakugo, Yozami no Muraji.” Silla refused to grant such escort, and therefore the Buddhist priest Chitatsu and his colleagues returned.
The Ambassadors to the Western Sea, Tsuratari, Adzumi no Muraji, of Lower Sho-kwa rank, and Kutsuma, Tsu no Omi, of Lower Shésen rank, returned from Pekché. They brought presents for the Empress of one camel and two asses.
The people of Ihami said that a white fox’ had been seen.
4th year, Spring, ist month, 13th day. Kose no Tokuda no Omi, Oho-omi of the Left, died.
Summer, 4th month. Abe no Omi went on an expedition against the Yemishi in command of a fleet of 180 ships. The Yemishi of the two districts of Aita? and Nushiro * were struck with fear, and tendered their submission. Hereupon the ships were drawn up in order of battle in the bay of Aita. A Yemishi of Aita named Omuka came forward and made an oath, say- ing:—‘“‘ It is not by reason of the arrival of the Imperial forces that we slaves carry bows and arrows, but because it is our nature to live upon animal food. If we have provided bows and arrows against the Imperial forces, may the Gods of the bay of Aita take note of it! We will serve the Government with pure hearts.”
Omuka ‘was accordingly granted the rank of Upper Sh6-otsu, and local governors were established in the two districts of Nushiro and Tsugaru. Ultimately the Yemishi of Watari no Shima * were summoned together at the shore of Arima and a great feast provided them, after which they were dismissed home.
5th month. A grandson of the Empress named Prince Takeru died. He was eight years of age. His remains were deposited in a temporary tomb which was raised for him over ' A good omen. Perhaps they expected a remission of their taxes, as was the case when a white pheasant was reported from the adjoining province of Anato.
? District of Akita, province of Deha. The former place is also read Agida. It is probably identical with the present Akita.
3 By Watari no Shima, “the island of the crossing, or ferry,” is no doubt meant the island of Yezo. Arima cannot be identified.
SAIMEL. 253 the Imaki valley. The Empress had always esteemed her grandson highly for his obedient conduct. She was therefore beside herself with grief, aud her emotion was exceeding great. Sending for the Ministers, she said:— “After ten thousand years and a thousand sear ey he must be interred along with us in our own misasagi.”
So she made songs, saying:— On the Hill of Womure? In Imaki— If but a cloud Arose, plain to be seen, Why should I lament?
This was the first song.
I never thought That he was young * As the young grass By the riverside whither one tracks The deer wounded by an arrow.
This was the second song.
Like the flowing water Of the River Asuka Which surges as it flows, Unceasingly I long for him!
This was the third song. The Empress sang these songs from time to time, and lamented bitterly.
1 A Chinese expression for the date of the death of an Emperor.
2 A native commentator remarks that mure is the Corean word for moun- tain. Womure would therefore mean little-mount. There were Corean settlers in Imaki. The modern Corean word for mountain is moi, which is, no doubt, a contraction of mure. Cf. né (nai) for nari or nare, river. As shown by Chamberlain in his Loochooan Grammar, “ T.A.S.J.” XXIII. Supplement, Loochooan resembles modern Corean in dropping 7 in words where this letter is retained in Japanese. An example quoted by him is Loochooan mui, a wood, for Japanese mori. I suspect that the Loochooan mui, wood, the Japanese mori, wood, and the Corean moi, mountain, are identical roots.
The sense of the poem is that the Empress would try to console herself with the imagination that a cloud over the young Prince’s tomb was his representative.
3 He was wise beyond his years.
XXVI,7 254 NIHONGI.
Autumn, 7th month, 4th day. More than two hundred Yemishi came to Court with presents for the Empress. The entertainment and largess to them was on a more liberal scale than usual. Two Yemishi of Kikafu received one grade of rank. Saniguna, the Senior Governor of the district of Nushiro, was made Lower Sho-otsu [one book says was granted two steps in rank and given the superintendence of the population (register)], the Junior Governor Ubasa received the rank of Kembu, and two brave men received one grade of rank. In addition there were given to Saniguna and the others twenty cuttle-fish flags,’ two drums, two sets of bows and arrows, and two suits of armour. Mamu, the Senior Governor of the district of Tsugaru, was granted the rank of Upper Dai-otsu, Awohiru, the Junior Governor, the rank of Lower Sh6-otsu, and two brave men received a step in rank. In addition there were granted to Mamu and the others twenty cuttle-fish flags, two drums, two sets of bows and arrows, and two suits of armour. Two grades of rank were conferred on the Miyakko of the barrier of Tsukisara, and one grade on the Hangwan. Inadzumi Ohotomo no Kimi, Miyakko of the barrier of Nutari, received the rank of Lower Sho-otsu. Moreover Sanaguna,? Senior Governor of the district of Nushiro, was commanded by the Empress to investigate the Yemishi population and the captive population.
In this month, the Buddhist priests Chitst and Chitatsu went by the Empress’s command to Great Thang on board a Silla ship, where they received instruction from the teacher of religion,® Hsiian-ts‘ang, on the philosophy of things without life and living beings.’
1 So called because the top was in this shape.
2 Same as Saniguna, mentioned above, 3 Hoshi = D‘D. This is the famous Buddhist priest (also called Yiian- chwan) who left China for India in A.D. 629, in fulfilment of a vow. After an absence of seventeen years he returned in A.D.~645, bringing with him ,657 volumes of the Buddhist scriptures, besides numerous sacred relics.
The record of his travels has been translated by Stanislas Julien under the title of “ Histoire de la vie de Hiouen-tsang et de ses voyages dans I’Inde.” Mayers, p. 290.
4 Another work states that Chitsi went to Thang to obtain instruction respecting the Greater Vehicle (Mahayana). No doubt Buddhism generally is meant by the expression in the text.
SAIMEI. 255 Winter, roth month, 15th day. The Empress visited the hot baths of Ki. The Empress, remembering her Imperial grandson, Prince Takeru, grieved and lamented. She exclaimed, xxv1.s saying:— Though I pass over the mountains And cross the seas Yet can I never forget The pleasant Region of Imaki.
The first.
With the harbour’s Ebbing tide, As the sea goes down, With the darkness behind me Leaving him, I must go— The dear one.
My young child!
Leaving him, I must go.!
The second She commanded Mari, Hada no Oho-kura no Miyakko, say- ing:—‘‘ Let these verses be handed down and let them not be forgotten by the world.”
11th month, 3rd day. Soga no Akaye no Omi, the official who had charge during the Empress’s absence, addressed the Imperial Prince Arima, saying:—‘‘ There are three faults in the Empress’s administration of the affairs of Government. The first is that she builds treasuries on a great scale, wherein she collects the riches of the people. The second is that she wastes the public grain revenue in digging long canals. The third is that she loads barges with stones and transports them to be piled up into a hill.” * The Imperial Prince Arima, recognizing Akaye’s friendly disposition towards himself, was gratified, and replied, saying:—‘‘ I have only now come to an age when I am fit to bear arms.”
5th day. The Imperial Prince Arima proceeded to the house of Akaye, where he went up into an upper storey, and conspired ' Some editions make the last three lines a distinct poem * See above, XXVI. 4.
XXVI. 9.
256 NIHONGI.