Nihon Shoki, Book XXV

¹The Emperor Ame-yorodzu toyo-hi was a younger brother by the same mother of the Empress Ame-toyo-takara ikashi-hi tarashi-hime. He honoured the religion of Buddha and despised the Way of the Gods [as is instanced by his cutting down the trees of the shrine of Iku-kuni-dama]. He was of a gentle disposition, and loved men of learning. He made no distinction of noble and mean, and continually dispensed beneficent edicts.

²In the fourth year, the sixth month, and the fourteenth day of her reign, the Empress Ame-toyo-takara ikashi-hi tarashi-hime wished to transfer the Dignity to Naka no Ohoye, and made order, saying:—"etc., etc." Naka no Ohoye, when he retired (from her presence), informed Nakatomi, Kamako no Muraji, who advised him, saying:—"Furubito no Ohoye is Your Highness's elder brother: the Imperial Prince Karu is Your Highness's maternal uncle. If at present, during the lifetime of Furubito no Ohoye, Your Highness should ascend to the Imperial Dignity, it would be a transgression against the sentiment of respect and obedience due from younger brothers. Would it not, therefore, be better to raise your maternal uncle to the throne, and so respond to the expectations of the people?" Upon this Naka no Ohoye was profoundly pleased with this advice and reported it privately to the Empress. The Empress Ame-toyo-takara ikashi-hi tarashi-hime granted the Imperial Seal and resigned the Dignity to the Imperial Prince Karu, and made a rescript, saying:—"Thou, the Imperial Prince Karu, etc., etc." The Imperial Prince Karu declined firmly and repeatedly in favour of Furubito no Ohoye [also called the Imperial Prince Furubito no Ohochi], saying:—"Ohoye no Mikoto is the offspring of the former Emperor, and he is of mature age, for both which reasons it is fit that he should occupy the Celestial Dignity." Upon this, Furubito no Ohoye left his seat, and, retiring to a distance, folded his arms and excused himself, saying:—"Let us comply with the sage will of the Empress. Why shouldst thou take the trouble to transfer it to thy servant? It is my desire to renounce the world, and to go to Yoshino, there to devote myself to the practice of the Law of Buddha, and thus render support to the Emperor." When he had concluded his refusal, he ungirt the sword which he had on, and flung it to the ground. Moreover he gave orders to all his household to ungird their swords. That same day he went to the Temple of Hōkōji, and there, between the Hall of Buddha and the pagoda, he shaved off his beard and hair, and put on the kesa. In consequence the Imperial Prince Karu was unable to persist in his refusal, and, ascending the throne, assumed the Dignity.

³At this time Ohotomo no Nagatoko no Muraji [his cognomen was Mumakahi], girt with a golden quiver, stood on the right hand of the throne, and Inugami no Takebe no Kimi, girt with a golden quiver, stood on the left hand of the throne. The functionaries, Omi, Muraji, Kuni no Miyakko, Tomo no Miyakko and the 180 Be, ranged in order, went round making obeisance. On this day the title of Kō-so-bō was conferred on the Empress Toyo-takara, and Naka no Ohoye was made Prince Imperial, Abe no Uchimaro no Omi was made Sa-dai-jin, and Soga no Kurayamada Ishikaha no Maro no Omi was made U-dai-jin. A great brocade cap of honour was given to Nakatomi no Kamako no Muraji, and he was made Naijin, with an increased feudal revenue of a large number of houses, etc., etc. Nakatomi no Kamako no Muraji cherished the most sincere loyalty. Trusting to his power as ruling Minister, he took place over the various functionaries. In respect therefore to advancements and dismissals, taking measures or abandoning them, everything was done in accordance with his counsel, etc., etc. The Buddhist priest Min Hōshi and Kuromaro Takamuko no Fubito were made national doctors.

⁴15th day. Golden tablets were granted to the Oho-omi, Abe no Kurahashi no Maro, and to the Oho-omi, Soga no Yamada no Ishikaha no Maro. [One book says they were granted refined gold.]

⁵19th day. The Emperor, the Empress Dowager, and the Prince Imperial summoned together the Ministers under the great tsuki tree, and made an oath appealing to the Gods of Heaven and Earth, and saying:—

⁶"Heaven covers us: Earth upbears us: the Imperial way is but one. But in this last degenerate age, the order of Lord and Vassal was destroyed, until Supreme Heaven by Our hands put to death the traitors. Now, from this time forward, both parties shedding their heart's blood, the Lord will eschew double methods of government, and the Vassal will avoid duplicity in his service of the sovereign! On him who breaks this oath, Heaven will send a curse and earth a plague, demons will slay them, and men will smite them. This is as manifest as the sun and moon."

⁷The style 4th year of the Empress Ame-toyo-takara ikashi-hi tarashi-hime was altered to Daikwa, 1st year.

⁸Daikwa, 1st year, Autumn, 7th month, 2nd day. The Imperial Princess Hashibito, daughter of the Emperor Okinaga tarashi-hi hiro-nuka, was made Empress. Two consorts were appointed. The senior was Wo-tarashi-hime, daughter of the Oho-omi, Abe no Kurahashi no Maro. She was the mother of the Imperial Prince Arima. The junior consort was Chi-iratsume, daughter of the Oho-omi, Soga no Yamada no Ishikaha no Maro.

⁹10th day. Koryö, Pèkché, and Silla all sent Envoys at the same time bearing tribute. The Pèkché tribute-envoys were also charged with the office of Envoys from Imna and with the Imna tribute. But the Pèkché Chief Envoy, the Cha-phyöng Yön-pok, fell ill, and remained in the official residence of the Port, so that he did not enter the capital. Kose no Tokuda no Omi addressed the Koryö Envoys on the Emperor's behalf, saying:—"This is the mandate of the Emperor of Japan, who rules the world as a God incarnate. 'The Envoys sent by the Emperor and the Envoys sent by the Koryö Sons of the Gods, have a brief past, but a long future. Let them, therefore, simply continue to pass backwards and forwards with friendly hearts.'" Next he addressed the Pèkché Envoys on the Emperor's behalf, saying:—"This is the mandate of the Emperor of Japan, who rules the world as a God incarnate. 'At first, in the reign of our remote Imperial ancestor, the Land of Pèkché was made an interior Miyake which might be compared to a three-fold cord. In more recent times Imna was handed over to be a dependency of Pèkché. After that, Adzumabito, Miwa no Kurikuma no Kimi, was sent to inspect the frontier of the Land of Imna, and the King of Pèkché, in obedience to the Emperor's behest, showed him all the frontier. Yet there is a deficiency in the tribute, and it is therefore returned. The articles which are the produce of Imna are distinctly observed by the Emperor. Now for the future the country should be noted down as well the tribute which comes from it. May you, the Cha-phyöng and the others, come back unchanged in appearance, and speedily bring us a clear answer. Adzumabito, Miwa no Kimi, and Mŭmakahi no Miyakko will now be sent again.'"

¹⁰A further Imperial order was given—"Let the wife and children of Wi-sa, a Talsol of Kwipu, be sent away."

¹¹12th day. The Emperor gave command to the Oho-omi, Abe no Kurahashi no Maro, and the Oho-omi, Soga no Ishikaha no Maro, saying:—"The Empire should be ruled by following in the footsteps of the Emperors of antiquity. Moreover, in your government of the Empire, you should preserve fidelity."

¹²13th day. The Emperor gave command to the Oho-omi, Abe no Kurahashi no Maro, and the Oho-omi, Soga no Ishikaha no Maro, saying:—"Inquire of the Daibu and the hundred Tomo no Miyakko, one after another, as to the method of making gladness the means of using the people's services.

¹³14th day. The Oho-omi, Soga no Ishikaha no Maro, addressed the Emperor, saying:—"First of all the Gods of Heaven and Earth should be propitiated by worship; thereafter affairs of government ought to be considered."

¹⁴On this day, Hirafu, Yamato no Aya no Atahe, was sent to the province of Wohari and Komaro, Imbe no Obito to the province of Mino, to levy offerings for the Gods.

¹⁵8th month, 5th day. Governors of the Eastern provinces were appointed. Then the Governors were addressed as follows:—"In accordance with the charge entrusted to Us by the Gods of Heaven, We propose at this present for the first time to regulate the myriad provinces.

¹⁶When you proceed to your posts, prepare registers of all the free subjects of the State and of the people under the control of others, whether great or small. Take account also of the acreage of cultivated land. As to the profits arising from the gardens and ponds, the water and land, deal with them in common with the people. Moreover it is not competent for the provincial Governors, while in their provinces, to decide criminal cases, nor are they permitted by accepting bribes to bring the people to poverty and misery. When they come up to the capital they must not bring large numbers of the people in their train. They are only allowed to bring with them the Kuni no Miyakko and the district officials. But when they travel on public business they may ride the horses of their department, and eat the food of their department. From the rank of Suke upwards those who obey this law will surely be rewarded, while those who disobey it shall be liable to be reduced in cap-rank. On all, from the rank of Hangwan downwards, who accept bribes a fine shall be imposed of double the amount, and they shall eventually be punished criminally according to the greater or less heinousness of the case. Nine men are allowed as attendants on a Chief Governor, seven on an assistant, and five on a secretary. If this limit is exceeded, and they are accompanied by a greater number, both chief and followers shall be punished criminally.

¹⁷If there be any persons who lay claim to a title, but who, not being Kuni no Miyakko, Tomo no Miyakko, or Inaki of districts by descent, unscrupulously draw up lying memorials, saying:—'From the time of our forefathers we have had charge of this Miyake or have ruled this district'—in such cases, ye, the Governors, must not readily make application to the Court in acquiescence in such fictions, but must ascertain particularly the true facts before making your report.

¹⁸Moreover on waste pieces of ground let arsenals be erected, and let the swords and armour, with the bows and arrows of the provinces and districts, be deposited together in them. In the case of the frontier provinces which border close on the Yemishi, let all the weapons be mustered together, and let them remain in the hands of their original owners. In regard to the six districts of the province of Yamato, let the officials who are sent there prepare registers of the population, and also take an account of the acreage of cultivated land.

¹⁹This means to examine the acreage of the cultivated ground, and the numbers, houses, and ages of the people.

²⁰Ye Governors of provinces, take careful note of this and withdraw." Accordingly presents were made them of silk and cloth, which varied in the case of each person.

²¹This day a bell and box were provided in the Court. The Emperor issued an order, saying:—"If there be a complainant, in case the person in question belongs to a Tomo no Miyakko, let the Tomo no Miyakko first make inquiry and then report to Us. In case the person in question has an elder, let the elder first make inquiry and then report to Us. If, however, the Tomo no Miyakko or the elder does not come to a clear decision respecting the complaint, let a document be received and placed in the box, and punishment will be inflicted according to the offence. The person who receives the document should at dawn take it and make report to the Inner Palace, when We will mark on it the year and month, and communicate it to the Ministers. In case there is any neglect to decide it, or if there are malpractices on the part of intriguing persons, let the complainant strike the bell. This is why the bell is hung and box provided in the Court. Let the people of the Empire know and appreciate Our intention.

²²Moreover the law of men and women shall be that the children born of a free man and a free woman shall belong to the father: if a free man takes to wife a slave woman, her children shall belong to the mother: if a free woman marries a slave man, the children of the marriage shall belong to the father; if they are slaves of two houses, the children shall belong to the mother. The children of temple serfs shall follow the rule for freemen. But in regard to others who become slaves, they shall be treated according to the rule for slaves. Do ye now publish this well to the people as a beginning of regulations."

²³8th day. A messenger was sent to the Great Temple to summon together the Buddhist priests and nuns, and to address them on the part of the Emperor, saying:—"In the 13th year of the reign of the Emperor who ruled the world in the Palace of Shikishima, King Myöng of Pèkché reverently transmitted the Law of Buddha to our great Yamato. At this time the Ministers in a body were opposed to its transmission. Only Soga no Iname no Sukune believed in this Law, and the Emperor accordingly instructed him to receive it with reverence. In the reign of the Emperor who ruled the world in the Palace of Wosada, Soga no Mŭmako no Sukune, influenced by his reverence for his deceased father, continued to prize highly the doctrines of Buddha. But the other Ministers had no faith in it, and its institutes had almost perished when the Emperor instructed Mŭmako no Sukune reverently to receive this Law. In the reign of the Empress who ruled the world in the Palace of Woharida, Mŭmako no Sukune, on behalf of the Empress, made an embroidered figure of Buddha sixteen feet high and a copper image of Buddha sixteen feet high. He exalted the doctrine of Buddha and showed honour to its priests and nuns. It is Our desire anew to exalt the pure doctrine and brilliantly to promulgate great principles. We therefore appoint as professors the following ten persons:—The S‘ramana, Pok-nyang, Hyé-un, Syang-an, Nyöng-un, and Hyé-chi, Taihōshi of Koma, and Sōbin, Dōto, Yerin, Yemyō and Yeon, chief priests of temples. We separately appoint the Hōshi, Yemyō, chief priest of the Temple of Kudara.

²⁴Let these ten professors well instruct the priests in general in the practice of the teachings of Shaka. It is needful that they be made to comply with the Law. If there is a difficulty about repairing Temples built by any from the Emperor down to the Tomo no Miyakko, We will in all cases assist in doing so. We shall also cause Temple Commissioners and Chief Priests to be appointed, who shall make a circuit to all the temples, and having ascertained the actual facts respecting the priests and nuns, their male and female slaves, and the acreage of their cultivated lands, report all the particulars clearly to us."

²⁵Accordingly Kume no Omi, Miwa no Shikobu no Kimi, and Ohi, Nukadabe no Muraji, were appointed Hōtō.

²⁶9th month, 1st day. Officials were sent on a mission to all the provinces to regulate the matter of weapons.

²⁷One book says:—"From the 6th to the 9th month messengers were sent to the provinces of the four quarters to collect weapons of all kinds."

²⁸3rd day. The Imperial Prince Furubito, Kahahori, Soga no Taguchi no Omi, Shihimi, Mononobe no Yenowi no Muraji, Shidaru, Kibi no Kasa no Omi, Maro, Yamato no Aya no fumi no Atahe, and Takutsu, Yechi no Hada no Miyakko, plotted rebellion.

²⁹One book says:—"The Heir Apparent Furubito." One book says:—"Furubito no Ohoye." This Imperial Prince repaired to the mountains of Yoshino, and he is therefore sometimes styled the Heir Apparent of Yoshino.

³⁰12th day. Shidaru, Yoshino no Kasa no Omi, surrendered himself to Naka no Ohoye, saying:—"The Imperial Prince Yoshino no Furubito and Kahahori, Soga no Taguchi no Omi, etc., having plotted rebellion, thy servant became an accomplice of their party."

³¹One book says:—"Shidaru, Kibi no Kasa no Omi, told Abe no Oho-omi and Soga no Oho-omi that he was an accomplice of the band of rebels of the Imperial Prince of Yoshino, and that he therefore now surrendered himself."

³²Naka no Ohoye straightway sent Uda no Yenomuro no Furu and Koma no Miyachi with a considerable force to attack the Imperial Prince Furubito no Ohoye and his companions.

³³One book says:—"11th month, 30th day. Naka no Ohoye sent Abe, Kosobe no Omi, and Sahekibe no Komaro, these two, with a force of thirty men to attack Furubito no Ohoye. They slew Furubito no Ohoye and his children. His consorts strangled themselves." One book says:—"11th month. Prince Yoshino no Ohoye plotted rebellion, but the matter having become public, he was executed."

³⁴19th day. Commissioners were sent to all the provinces to take a record of the total numbers of the people. The Emperor on this occasion made an edict, as follows:—

³⁵"In the times of all the Emperors, from antiquity downwards, subjects have been set apart for the purpose of making notable their reigns and handing down their names to posterity. Now the Omi and Muraji, the Tomo no Miyakko and the Kuni no Miyakko, have each one set apart their own vassals, whom they compel to labour at their arbitrary pleasure. Moreover they cut off the hills and seas, the woods and plains, the ponds and rice-fields belonging to the provinces and districts, and appropriate them to themselves. Their contests are never-ceasing. Some engross to themselves many tens of thousands of shiro of rice-land, while others possess in all patches of ground too small to stick a needle into. When the time comes for the payment of taxes, the Omi, the Muraji, and the Tomo no Miyakko, first collect them for themselves and then hand over a share. In the case of repairs to palaces or the construction of misasagi, they each bring their own vassals, and do the work according to circumstances. The Book of Changes says:—"Diminish that which is above: increase that which is below: if measures are framed according to the regulations, the resources (of the State) suffer no injury, and the people receive no hurt."

³⁶"At the present time, the people are still few. And yet the powerful cut off portions of land and water, and converting them into private ground, sell it to the people, demanding the price yearly. From this time forward the sale of land is not allowed. Let no man without due authority make himself a landlord, engrossing to himself that which belongs to the helpless."

³⁷The people were greatly rejoiced.

³⁸Winter, 12th month, 9th day. The Emperor removed the capital to Toyosaki in Nagara at Naniha. Old people, remarking upon this to one another, said:—"The movement of rats towards Naniha from spring until summer was an omen of the removal of the capital."

³⁹24th day. It was reported from the land of Koshi:—"Drift-wood of the sea shore passed away towards the east, leaving an impression on the sand like a ploughed rice-field in appearance."

⁴⁰This year was the year Kinoto Mi (42nd) of the Cycle.

⁴¹2nd year, Spring, 1st month, 1st day. As soon as the ceremonies of the new year's congratulations were over, the Emperor promulgated an edict of reforms, as follows:—

⁴²"I. Let the people established by the ancient Emperors, etc., as representatives of children be abolished, also the Miyake of various places and the people owned as serfs by the Wake, the Omi, the Muraji, the Tomo no Miyakko, the Kuni no Miyakko and the Mura no Obito. Let the farmsteads in various places be abolished." Consequently fiefs were granted for their sustenance to those of the rank of Daibu and upwards on a descending scale. Presents of cloth and silk stuffs were given to the officials and people, varying in value.

⁴³"Further We say. It is the business of the Daibu to govern Bell-token.the people. If they discharge this duty thoroughly, the people have trust in them, and an increase of their revenue is therefore for the good of the people.

⁴⁴II. The capital is for the first time to be regulated, and Governors appointed for the Home provinces and districts. Let barriers, outposts, guards, and post-horses, both special and ordinary, be provided, bell-tokens made, and mountains and rivers regulated.

⁴⁵For each ward in the capital let there be appointed one alderman, and for four wards one chief alderman, who shall be charged with the superintendence of the population, and the examination of criminal matters. For appointment as chief aldermen of wards let men be taken belonging to the wards, of unblemished character, firm and upright, so that they may fitly sustain the duties of the time. For appointments as aldermen, whether of rural townships or of city wards, let ordinary subjects be taken belonging to the township or ward, of good character and solid capacity. If such men are not to be found in the township or ward in question, it is permitted to select and employ men of the adjoining township or ward.

⁴⁶The Home provinces shall include the region from the River Yokogaha at Nabari on the east, from Mount Senoyama in Kiï on the south, from Kushibuchi in Akashi on the west, and from Mount Afusaka-yama in Sasanami in Afumi on the north. Districts of forty townships are constituted Greater Districts, of from thirty to four townships are constituted Middle Districts, and of three or fewer townships are constituted Lesser Districts. For the district authorities, of whatever class, let there be taken Kuni no Miyakko of unblemished character, such as may fitly sustain the duties of the time, and made Tairei and Shōrei. Let men of solid capacity and intelligence who are skilled in writing and arithmetic be appointed assistants and clerks.

⁴⁷The number of special or ordinary post-horses given shall in all cases follow the number of marks on the posting bell-tokens. When bell-tokens are given to (officials of) the provinces and barriers, let them be held in both cases by the chief official, or in his absence by the assistant official.

⁴⁸III. Let there now be provided for the first time registers of population, books of account and a system of the receipt and re-granting of distribution-land.

⁴⁹Let every fifty houses be reckoned a township, and in every township let there be one alderman who shall be charged with the superintendence of the population, the direction of the sowing of crops and the cultivation of mulberry trees, the prevention and examination of offences, and the enforcement of the payment of taxes and of forced labour.

⁵⁰For rice-land, thirty paces in length by twelve paces in breadth shall be reckoned a tan. Ten tan make one chō. For each tan the tax is two sheaves and two bundles (such as can be grasped in the hand) of rice; for each chō the tax is twenty-two sheaves of rice. On mountains or in valleys where the land is precipitous, or in remote places where the population is scanty, such arrangements are to be made as may be convenient.

⁵¹IV. The old taxes and forced labour are abolished, and a system of commuted taxes instituted. These shall consist of fine silks, coarse silks, raw silk, and floss silk, all in accordance with what is produced in the locality. For each chō of rice-land the rate is one rod of fine silk, or for four chō one piece forty feet in length by two and a half feet in width. For coarse silk the rate is two rods (per chō), or one piece for every two chō of the same length and width as the fine silk. For cloth the rate is four rods of the same dimensions as the fine and coarse silk, i.e. one tan for each chō. [No rates of weight are anywhere given for silk or floss silk.] Let there be levied separately a commuted house tax. All houses shall pay each one rod and two feet of cloth. The extra articles of this tax, as well as salt and offerings, will depend on what is produced in the locality. For horses for the public service, let every hundred houses contribute one horse of medium quality. Or if the horse is of superior quality, let one be contributed by every two hundred houses. If the horses have to be purchased, the price shall be made up by a payment from each house of one rod and two feet of cloth. As to weapons, each person shall contribute a sword, armour, bow and arrows, a flag, and a drum. For coolies, the old system, by which one coolie was provided by every thirty houses, is altered, and one coolie is to be furnished from every fifty houses [one is for employment as a menial servant] for allotment to the various functionaries. Fifty houses shall be allotted to provide rations for one coolie, and one house shall contribute two rods and two feet of cloth and five masu of rice in lieu of service.

⁵²For waiting-women in the Palace, let there be furnished the sisters or daughters of district officials of the rank of Shōrei or upwards—good-looking women [with one male and two female servants to attend on them], and let 100 houses be allotted to provide rations for one waiting-woman. The cloth and rice supplied in lieu of service shall, in every case, follow the same rule as for coolies."

⁵³In this month the Emperor occupied the separate Palace of Koshiro. He sent messengers to command the provinces and districts to repair the arsenals. Yemishi came and did homage.

⁵⁴One book says:—"The Miyake of Koshiro, in the village of Sayabe, at Naniha, was pulled down, and a temporary Palace erected."

⁵⁵2nd month, 15th day. The Emperor proceeded to the Eastern Gate of the Palace, where, by Soga, Oho-omi of the Right, he decreed as follows:—

⁵⁶"The God Incarnate, the Emperor Yamato-neko, who rules the world, gives command to the Ministers assembled in his presence, to the Omi, Muraji, Kuni no Miyakko, Tomo no Miyakko, and subjects of various classes, saying:—

⁵⁷'We are informed that wise rulers of the people hung a bell at their gate, and so took cognizance of the complaints of their subjects; they erected buildings in the thoroughfares, where they listened to the censures of the passers-by. Even the opinions of the grass and firewood gatherers they inquired personally and used for their guidance. We therefore, on a former occasion, made an edict, saying:—"In ancient times the Empire was ruled by having at the Court flags of honour for the encouragement of good, and a board of censure, the object being to diffuse principles of Government and to invite remonstrances." All this served widely to ascertain the opinions of those below. Kwan-Tsze said:—"The Emperor Hwang, by establishing the Conferences of the Bright Hall, observed the opinions of the wise on the upper hand, while the Emperor Yao, having the inquiries of the street-houses, listened to the people on the lower hand. Shun again had flags to proclaim merit and thus secure publicity; and Yü set up a drum at his Court, thus providing for the investigation into expectations. T'ang had the Court of the general control of Districts, whereby he observed the faults of the people. King Wu had the park of the Spirit terrace, and therefore the wise had advancement. Thus the sage Emperor and Illustrious Sovereigns of antiquity possessed and did not lose; they gained and did not destroy."

⁵⁸The object of hanging up a bell, of providing a box, and of appointing a man to receive petitions, is to make those who have grievances or remonstrances deposit their petitions in the box. The receivers of petitions are commanded to make their report to Us every morning. When We receive this report We shall draw the attention of the Ministers to it, and cause them to consider it, and We trust that this may be done without delay. But if there should be neglect on the part of the Ministers, and a want of diligence or partizan intrigues, and if We, moreover, should refuse to listen to remonstrance, let the complainant strike the bell. There has been already an Imperial command to this effect. But some time afterwards there was a man of intelligence and uprightness who, cherishing in his heart the spirit of a national patriot, addressed Us a memorial of earnest remonstrance, which he placed in the box prepared for the purpose. We therefore now publish it to the black-haired people here assembled. This memorial runs as follows:—"Those subjects who come to the capital in connection with the discharge of their duty to the Government of the Country, are detained by the various public functionaries and put to forced labour of various kinds, etc., etc." We are still moved with strong sympathy by this. How could the people expect that things would come to this? Now no long time has elapsed since the capital was removed, so that so far from being at home, we are, as it were, strangers. It is therefore impossible to avoid employing the people, and they have therefore been, against Our will, compelled to labour. As often as Our minds dwell on this We have never been able to sleep in peace. When We saw this memorial we could not refrain from a joyous exclamation. We have accordingly complied with the language of remonstrance, and have put a stop to the forced services at various places.

⁵⁹In a former edict, We said:—"Let the man who remonstrates sign his name." Those who disobey this injunction are doubtless actuated by a wish to serve their country, and not by a desire of personal gain. Whether a man signs his name or not, let him not fail to remonstrate with Us on Our neglect or forgetfulness.'"

⁶⁰Another edict was made as follows:—"There are many things of which the assembled people of the land complain. We are now about to explain our principles. Listen attentively to what We say. Those who come to the capital and assemble at Court in order to obtain decisions of doubtful points, should not disperse in the morning, but remain together in attendance at Court."

⁶¹Koryö, Pèkché, Imna, and Silla all together sent envoys to offer tribute.

⁶²22nd day. The Emperor returned from the detached Palace of Koshiro.

⁶³3rd month, 2nd day. An edict was issued to the Governors of the Eastern provinces, saying:—"Do all ye Ministers and Daibu assembled in attendance on Us, as well as ye Omi, Muraji, Kuni no Miyakko, and Tomo no Miyakko, and also ye subjects of every class, listen to this:—He that is lord between Heaven and Earth and rules the myriad people ought not to exercise control alone: he must have Ministers to support him. From generation to generation, therefore, Our Imperial ancestors have governed along with the ancestors of you, My Ministers. It is Our wish also, with the protecting power of the Gods, to associate you with Ourselves in the government. We therefore, on a former occasion, appointed Daibu, of good family, to the government of the eight Eastern provinces. Then the Governors went to their posts. Six obeyed the laws, and two were regardless of Our commands. In each case censure or praise became audible. We thereupon commended those who kept the law, and were severe with those who disregarded the instructions given them. He that would be a ruler, whether he be Lord or Minister, should first correct himself, and then correct others. If he do not correct himself, how shall he be able to correct others? He therefore who does not correct himself, be he Lord or be he Minister, will meet with calamity. Should one not be watchful? If ye, the leaders, are upright, who shall presume to be otherwise? Do ye now be guided by Our former commands in dispensing your judgments."

⁶⁴19th day. The Emperor made a decree to the Chōshūshi of the Eastern provinces, saying:—

⁶⁵"Hear this, all ye Ministers and Daibu assembled in Our presence, as well as ye Kuni no Miyakko and Tomo no Miyakko, together with the subjects of all classes! In the 8th month of last year, We in person admonished you, saying:—'Do not use your official authority to appropriate public or private property: you should consume food of your own domain, and ride horses of your own domain. Those who disregard this admonition, if of the rank of Assistant Governor or higher, shall be degraded in official rank, if of the rank of Clerk or lower, shall be sentenced to flogging. Those who convert property to their own use shall be mulcted in double its value.' Such was the edict which We issued. Now, when We inquired from the Chōshūshi and the Miyakko of the various provinces whether the local Governors, when they proceeded to their posts, attended to this admonition or not, the Chōshūshi and the others informed Us fully of the facts, to wit:—The offence of Kuhi, Hodzumi no Omi, consists in having made exactions from each family among the people, and though he repented and gave back the things, not doing so completely. His two assistants, Fuse no Omi and Shidamu, Kose no Omi, have offended by not correcting the error of their chief, etc., etc. The inferior officials have all been guilty of offences. The offence of Kose no Tokune no Omi consists in having made exactions from each family among the people, and though he repented and returned the things, not doing so completely. He has moreover taken away the horses of the agricultural serfs. His two assistants, Yenowi no Muraji and Oshizaka no Muraji, did not correct the faults of their chief, but on the contrary joined with him in prosecuting their own advantage. They have moreover taken away horses belonging to the Kuni no Miyakko. Sumi, Utena no Atahe, although at first he remonstrated with his chief, yet at last became corrupt along with him. The inferior officials are all guilty of offences. The offence of Ki no Marikida no Omi consists in having sent men to Asakura no Kimi and Winouhe no Kimi to fetch their horses for him to look at. Further, he made Asakura no Kimi manufacture swords. Further, he got from Asakura no Kimi his bow-cloth. Further, he did not honestly return to their owners the articles sent by the Kuni no Miyakko in lieu of weapons, but delivered them to the Kuni no Miyakko in an irregular manner. Further, in the province committed to his charge, he allowed himself to be robbed of a sword. Further, in the province of Yamato he allowed himself to be robbed of a sword. These are the offences of Ki no Omi and of his assistants, Oho-guchi, Miwa no Kimi, and Momoyori, Kahabe no Omi. Their subordinate officials, Shihatsu, Kahabe no Omi, Tajihi no Fukame, Mozu no Nagaye, Katsuraki no Saigusa, Naniha no Kuhikame, Inukahi no Isogimi, Maro, Iki no Fubito, Tajihi no Inume—these eight persons, all are guilty of offences. The offence of Adzumi no Muraji consists in this—that when Wadoku no Fubito was ill, he caused the Kuni no Miyakko to send (him?) government property. Further, he took horses belonging to the Yube. The offence of his assistant Momoyori, Kashihade no Omi, consists in his having received and stored in his house articles paid in lieu of hay. Further, he took the horses of the Kuni no Miyakko and exchanged them for others. The two brothers, Ihatsutsu and Yumaro, Kahabeno Omi, have also been guilty of offences. Ohochi no Muraji's offence consists in his having disobeyed Our former decree, which was as follows:—'Let not the local Governors personally judge the plaints of the people in the districts placed under their charge.' He has disobeyed this edict in that he has taken it upon himself personally to judge the plaints of the men of Udo, and the matter of the slaves of Nakatomi no Toko. Nakatomi no Toko is equally guilty with him in this matter. The offence of Kishida no Omi consists in his having had his official sword stolen when he was in the province of Yamato. This showed a want of circumspection. As for Womidori no Omi and Tamba no Omi, they have been simply incompetent, but not guilty of any offence. The two men, Imbe no Konomi and Mutsuki, Nakatomi no Muraji, have also been guilty of offences. Neither of these two men, viz. Hada no Omi and Taguchi no Omi, have committed any offence. The offence of Heguri no Omi consists in his having neglected to investigate the plaints of the men of Mikuni. Upon a review of these facts we find that all this is owing to the neglect and incompetence of you three, viz. Ki no Mariki no Omi, Kose no Tokune no Omi and Hodzumi no Kuhi no Omi. Is it not painful to Us to think of your disobedience to Our edict? Now if he who has pastoral care of the people, whether as Lord or Minister, gives a personal example of upright conduct, who shall presume to do otherwise? But if he, whether Lord or Minister, be not upright in heart, it is fit that he should bear the guilt. What avails it to repent afterwards? We shall therefore consider the cases of all these local Governors and punish them according to the gravity of their offences.

⁶⁶With regard moreover to the Kuni no Miyakko who have disobeyed Our edict by sending presents to the Governors of their provinces, and, at length joining with them in the pursuit of gain, constantly conceive foul wickedness, repressive measures are indispensable. But although such are Our thoughts, we have only begun to occupy our new palace, and are about to make offerings to all the Kami, both which matters belong to the present year. Moreover it is not meet to employ the people in labour during the months of agriculture. But in connection with the building of a new palace, it was decidedly impossible to avoid doing so. Deeply conscious of both these considerations, We proclaim a general amnesty throughout the Empire. From this time forward, let the local Governors of provinces and districts be zealous and do their utmost. Let them avoid profligacy. Let messengers be sent to release all banished men of the various provinces, and all prisoners in the gaols without exception.

⁶⁷In contradistinction from the rest, the following six men, viz. Shihoya no Konoshiro, Kamikozo no Saigusa, Asakura no Kimi, Mariko no Muraji, Mikaha no Oho-tomo no Atahe and Suzuki wo no Atahe, have been obedient to the Emperor. We profoundly commend their sentiments.

⁶⁸Let the official rice-fields belonging to the public offices in various places be done away with, as well as the lent-rice in various places belonging to the Kō-so-bō Kibishima and let her official rice-lands be distributed among all Our Ministers and Tomo no Miyakko. Moreover, let rice-land and hill-tracts be given to those temples which are omitted from the registers."

⁶⁹20th day. The Prince Imperial, by a messenger, addressed a petition to the Emperor, saying:—"In the reigns of the former Emperors, they treated the Empire as a whole, and so ruled it. But, when we come to the present time, there was division and separation, to the injury of the Work [the work of the State is meant]. Now that it has devolved on the Emperor our Sovereign to have pastoral charge of the myriad people, Heaven and Man respond harmoniously to each other, and the government has been reformed. I, therefore, filled with joy and veneration, place it on my head, and prostrating myself, address Your Majesty:—'The Emperor who now rules the Land of the Eight Islands as an Incarnate Deity inquired of thy servant, saying:—"Should the Koshiro no Iribe in the possession of Ministers, Muraji, Tomo no Miyakko, Kuni no Miyakko, and established in the days of former Emperors, the Mina no Iribe in the private possession of Imperial Princes, and the Mina no Iribe belonging to the Imperial Father Ohoye [Hikobito Ohoye is meant], as well as their Miyake, be allowed to remain the same as in former generations, or not?" Thy servant having received this command with reverence, replies respectfully, saying:—"In Heaven there are not two suns: in a country there are not two rulers. It is therefore the Emperor alone who is supreme over all the Empire, and who has a right to the services of the myriad people. Make a special selection of labourers from the Iribe and from the people granted in fee, and follow the former arrangement. For the rest, it may be feared that they will be put to forced labour on private authority. I therefore offer to the Emperor 524 men of the Iribe, and 181 Miyake."'"

⁷⁰22nd day. The Emperor made a decree, as follows:—"We are informed that a Prince of the Western Land admonished his people, saying:—'Those who made interments in ancient times resorted to a high ground which they formed into a tomb. They did not pile up a mound, nor did they plant trees. The inner and outer coffin were merely enough to last till the bones decayed, the shroud was merely sufficient to last till the flesh decayed. I shall therefore cultivate the unproductive pieces of land occupied by these tombs, to the end that their place may be forgotten after changing generations. Deposit not in them gold or silver or copper or iron, and let earthenware objects alone represent the clay chariots and straw figures of antiquity. Let the interstices of the coffin be varnished. Let the offerings consist of rice presented three times, and let not pearls or jewels be placed in the mouth of the deceased. Bestow not jewel-shirts or jade armour. All these things are practices of the unenlightened vulgar.' Again it is said:—'Burial is putting away, and proceeds from the desire to prevent the dead from being seen by people.' Of late, the poverty of our people is absolutely owing to the construction of tombs. We now issue regulations making distinction of noble and mean.

⁷¹The inner dimensions of tombs of persons of the rank of Princes and upwards shall be nine feet in length by five in width. Their outer limits shall be nine fathoms square and their height five fathoms. The work shall be completed by 1000 labourers in seven days. At the time of interment white cloth shall be used for the hangings (of the bier), etc. A hearse may be used.

⁷²The inner dimensions of tombs of Superior Ministers shall be similar in length, breadth and height to the above. Their outer limits shall be seven fathoms square, and they shall be three fathoms in height. The work shall be completed by 500 labourers in five days. At the time of interment white cloth shall be used for the hangings of the bier, which shall be borne on men's shoulders.

⁷³The inner dimensions of a tomb of a Minister of a lower class shall be in every respect similar in length, breadth, and height to the above. Their outer limits shall be five fathoms square, and they shall be two and a half fathoms in height. The work shall be completed by 250 labourers in three days. At the time of interment white cloth shall be used for hangings. In other matters the same rule as before is to be followed.

⁷⁴The inner dimensions of the tombs of persons of the rank of Dainin and Shōnin shall be nine feet in length and four feet in height and breadth. The ground shall be made level and no mound raised. The work shall be completed by 200 labourers in one day.

⁷⁵In the case of persons from the rank of Dairei to that of Shōchi inclusive, the tombs shall in all respects follow the rule of Dainin; but the work shall be completed by fifty labourers in one day.

⁷⁶Let small stones be used for the tombs of all from the rank of Prince down to that of Shōchi, and let white cloth be used for the hangings.

⁷⁷When ordinary persons die, let them be buried in the ground, and let the hangings be of coarse cloth. Let the interment not be delayed for a single day.

⁷⁸The construction of places of temporary interment is not allowed in any case, from Princes down to common people.

⁷⁹Not only in the Home provinces, but in the provinces generally, let plots of ground be set apart for interments. It is not permitted to pollute the earth by dispersed interments in various places.

⁸⁰When a man dies, there have been cases of people sacrificing themselves by strangulation, or of strangling others by way of sacrifice, or of compelling the dead man's horse to be sacrificed, or of burying valuables in the grave in honour of the dead, or of cutting off the hair, and stabbing the thighs and pronouncing an eulogy on the dead (while in this condition). Let all such old customs be entirely discontinued.

⁸¹A certain book says:—'No gold or silver, no silk brocades, and no coloured stuffs are to be buried.' Again it is said:—'From the Ministers of all ranks down to the common people, it is not allowed to use gold or silver.'

⁸²Should there be any cases of this decree being disregarded and these prohibitions infringed, the relations shall surely receive punishment.

⁸³Again, there are many cases of persons who, having seen, say that they have not seen, or who, having not seen, say that they have seen, or who, having heard, say that they have not heard, or who, having not heard, say that they have heard, being deliberate liars, and devoid of truth in words and in sight.

⁸⁴Again, there have been many cases in which slaves, both male and femme, false to their masters in their poverty, betake themselves of their own accord to influential houses in quest of a livelihood, which influential houses forcibly detain and purchase them, and do not send them to their original owners.

⁸⁵Again, there have been very many cases in which wives or concubines, when dismissed by their husbands, have, after the lapse of years, married other husbands, as ordinary morality allows. Then their former husbands, after three or four years, have made greedy demands on the second husband's property, seeking their own gain.

⁸⁶Again, there have been very many cases in which men, relying on their power, have rudely demanded people's daughters in marriage. In the interval, however, before going to his house, the girl has, of her own accord, married another, and the rude suitor has angrily made demands of the property of both families for his own gain.

⁸⁷Again, there have been numerous cases of this kind. Sometimes a wife who has lost her husband marries another man after the lapse of ten or twenty years and becomes his spouse, or an unmarried girl is married for the first time. Upon this, people, out of envy of the married pair, have made them perform purgation.

⁸⁸Again, there are cases in which women, who have become men's wives and who, being put away owing to their husbands' dislike of them, have, in their mortification at this injury, compelled themselves to become blemished slaves.

⁸⁹Again, there are cases in which the husband, having frequent occasion to be jealous of his wife's illicit intercourse with others, voluntarily appeals to the authorities to decide the matter. Let such persons not lay their information until they have obtained, let us say, three credible witnesses to join with them in making a declaration. Why should they bring forward ill-considered plaints.

⁹⁰Again, there have been cases of men employed on forced labour in border lands who, when the work was over and they were returning to their village, have fallen suddenly ill and lain down to die by the roadside. Upon this the (inmates of the) houses by the roadside say:—'Why should people be allowed to die on our road?' And they have accordingly detained the companions of the deceased and compelled them to do purgation. For this reason it often happens that even if an elder brother lies down and dies on the road, his younger brother will refuse to take up his body (for burial).

⁹¹Again, there are cases of peasants being drowned in a river. The bystanders say:—'Why should we be made to have anything to do with drowned men?' They accordingly detain the drowned man's companions and compel them to do purgation. For this reason it often happens that even when an elder brother is drowned in a river his younger brother will not render assistance.

⁹²Again, there are cases of people who, when employed on forced labour, cook their rice by the roadside. Upon this the (inmates of the) houses by the roadside say:—'Why should people cook rice at their own pleasure on our road?' and have compelled them to do purgation.

⁹³Again, there are cases when people have applied to others for the loan of pots in which to boil their rice, and the pots have knocked against something and have been upset. Upon this the owner of the pot compels purgation to be made.

⁹⁴All such practices are habitual among the unenlightened vulgar. Let them now be discontinued without exception, and not permitted again.

⁹⁵Again, there are cases in which peasants, when they are about to proceed to the capital, apprehensive lest their riding horses should be worn out and unable to go, give two fathoms of cloth and two bundles of hemp to men of the two provinces of Mikaha or Wohari, to hire them to feed their horses. After they have been to the capital and are on their way home, they make them a present of a spade, and then find that the men of Mikaha, etc., have not only failed to feed their horses properly, but have allowed them to die of starvation. In the case of horses of a superior class, they conceive covetous desires, and invent lying tales of their having been stolen, while in the case of mares which become pregnant in their house, they cause purgation to be made, and in the end make a plunder of the beast.

⁹⁶Such things having come to our ears, We therefore now establish the following regulation:—

⁹⁷Whenever horses are left at livery in any of the provinces along the highway, let the owner take with him the man whom he engages for this purpose, and make a full statement to the village elder, handing over (to the latter) at the same time the articles given as remuneration. It is unnecessary for him to make any further payment when he returns home. If he has caused the horse to suffer harm, he should get nothing.

⁹⁸If anyone disobeys this edict, a severe penalty shall be imposed.

⁹⁹The dues payable to Market Commissioners, for main roads, and to ferrymen; are abolished and lands are granted instead.

¹⁰⁰Beginning with the Home provinces, and embracing the provinces in all four quarters, during the agricultural months, let everyone apply himself early to the cultivation of the rice-land. It is not meet at such a time to let them eat dainty food or drink sake. Let faithful messengers be appointed to intimate this to the Home provinces. And let the Kuni no Miyakko of the provinces in every quarter choose good messengers to urge (the peasants to work) in accordance with the edict."

¹⁰¹Autumn, 8th month, 14th day. An edict was issued, saying:—

¹⁰²"Going back to the origin of things, we find that it is Heaven and Earth with the male and female principles of nature, which guard the four seasons from mutual confusion. We find, moreover, that it is this Heaven and Earth which produces the ten thousand things. Amongst these ten thousand things Man is the most miraculously gifted. Among the most miraculously gifted beings, the sage takes the position of ruler. Therefore the Sage Rulers, viz. the Emperors, take Heaven as their exemplar in ruling the World, and never for a moment dismiss from their breasts the thought of how men shall gain their fit place.

¹⁰³Now as to the names of the early Princes, the Omi, Muraji, Tomo no Miyakko and Kuni no Miyakko have divided their various Be and allotted them severally to their various titles (or surnames). They afterwards took the various Be of the people, and made them reside in the provinces and districts, one mixed up with another. The consequence has been to make father and child to bear different surnames, and brothers to be reckoned of distinct families, while husbands and wives have names different from one another. One family is divided into five or split up into six, and both Court and country are therefore filled with contentious suits. No settlement has been come to, and the mutual confusion grows worse and worse. Let the various Be, therefore, beginning with those of the reigning Emperor and including those in the possession of the Omi, Muraji, etc., be, without exception, abolished, and let them become subjects of the State. Those who have become Tomo no Miyakko by borrowing the names of princes, and those who have become Omi or Muraji on the strength of the names of ancestors, may not fully apprehend our purport, and might think, if they heard this announcement without warning, that the names borrowed by their ancestors would become extinct. We therefore make this announcement beforehand, so that they may understand what are our intentions.

¹⁰⁴The children of rulers succeed one another in the government of the Empire, and it is well known that the names of the actual Emperor and of his Imperial ancestors will not be forgotten by the world. But the names of sovereigns are lightly given to rivers and plains, or common people are called by them. This is a truly fearful state of things. The appellations of sovereigns, like the sun and moon, will float afar: the names of those of the Imperial line will last for ever, like unto Heaven and Earth. Such being our opinion, we announce as follows:—'Do ye all, from those of the Imperial line down to the Ministers, the Daibu, Omi, Muraji, and Tomo no Miyakko, who do Us service, (in short) all persons of whatever Uji [One book has 'royal subjects of whatever name'], give ear to what We say. With regard to the form of your service, We now abolish the former offices and constitute afresh the hundred bureaus. We shall, moreover, grant grades of rank and confer official dignities.

¹⁰⁵Let the local Governors who are now being despatched, and also the Kuni no Miyakko of the same provinces, give ear to what we say. In regard to the method of administration notified last year to the Court Assembly, let the previous arrangement be followed, and let the rice-lands which are received and measured be granted equally to the people, without distinction of persons. In granting rice-lands the peasants' houses should adjoin the land. Those whose houses lie near the lands must therefore have the preference. In this sense receive Our injunctions.

¹⁰⁶In regard to commuted taxes, they should be collected from males (only).

¹⁰⁷Labourers should be supplied at the rate of one for every fifty houses. The boundaries of the provinces should be examined and a description or map prepared, which should be brought here and produced for Our inspection. The names of the provinces and districts will be settled when you come.

¹⁰⁸With respect to the places where embankments are to be constructed, or canals dug, and the extent of rice-land to be brought under cultivation, in the various provinces, uniform provision will be made for causing such work to be executed.'

¹⁰⁹Give ear to and understand these injunctions."

¹¹⁰9th month. The Shōtoko, Kuromaro, Takamuko no Hakase, was sent to Silla to cause them to send a hostage. Ultimately the tribute from Imna was discontinued.

¹¹¹In this month the Emperor occupied the temporary Palace of Kahadzu. [Some books have "detached Palace."]

¹¹²In this year the rats of the province of Koshi drew together in troops by night and day, and took their departure towards the East.

¹¹³3rd year, Spring, 1st month, 15th day. There was archery at the Court.

¹¹⁴On this day Koryö and Silla sent messengers together to offer tribute.

¹¹⁵Summer, 4th month, 29th day. An edict was issued as follows:—

¹¹⁶"The Empire was entrusted (by the Sun-Goddess to her descendants, with the words) 'My children, in their capacity of Deities, shall rule it.' [The phrase 惟神 means to follow the way of the Gods, or again to possess in oneself the way of the Gods.] For this reason, this country, since Heaven and Earth began, has been a monarchy. From the time that Our Imperial ancestor first ruled the land, there has been great concord in the Empire, and there has never been any factiousness. In recent times, however, the names, first of the Gods, and then of the Emperors, have in some cases been separated (from their proper application) and converted into the Uji of Omi or Muraji, or they have been separated and made the qualifications of Miyakko, etc. In consequence of this, the minds of the people of the whole country take a strong partisan bias, and conceiving a deep sense of the me and thee, hold firmly each to their names. Moreover the feeble and incompetent Omi, Muraji, Tomo no Miyakko and Kuni no Miyakko make of such names their family names; and so the names of Gods and the names of sovereigns are applied to persons and places in an unauthorized manner, in accordance with the bent of their own feelings. Now, by using the names of Gods and the names of sovereigns as bribes, they draw to themselves the slaves of others, and so bring dishonour upon unspotted names. The consequence is that the minds of the people have become unsettled and the government of the country cannot be carried on. The duty has therefore now devolved on Us in Our capacity as Celestial Divinity, to regulate and settle these things. In order to make them understood, and thereby to order the State and to order the people, We shall issue, one after another, a succession of edicts, one earlier, another later, one to-day and another to-morrow. But the people, who have always trusted in the civilizing influence exercised by the Emperors, and who are used to old customs, will certainly find it hard to wait until these edicts are made. We shall therefore remit to all, from Princes and Ministers down to the common people of all classes, the tax in lieu of service."

¹¹⁷In this year Wogohori was pulled down and a Palace built.

¹¹⁸The Emperor, having taken up his residence in the Palace of Wogohori, established a Law for Ceremonies, the regulations of which were as follows:—

¹¹⁹All persons holding official rank must draw up in lines to right and left outside the south gate at the hour of the Tiger, and wait there until the first appearance of the sun. They shall then enter the Court, and having made their obeisances, shall attend in the Hall. Those who come late will not be permitted to enter and take up their attendance. When the hour of the Horse arrives, they shall retire when they hear the sound of the bell. The officer whose business it is to strike the bell shall wear a red apron. The bell-stand shall be set up in the Middle Court.

¹²⁰The engineer of the rank of Daisen, Aratawi no Hirafu, Yamato no Aya no Atahe, mistakenly dug a canal which he led to Naniha and thereby distressed the people. Upon this some one presented a memorial of remonstrance, and the Emperor made a decree, saying:—"We unwisely gave ear to Hirafu's misrepresentations, and so dug this canal to no purpose. It is We who are to blame." That same day the work was discontinued.

¹²¹Winter, 10th month, 11th day. The Emperor made a progress to the hot baths of Arima. He was accompanied by the Oho-omi of the Right and Left, and by the other Ministers and Daibu.

¹²²12th month, last day. The Emperor returned from the hot baths and stayed in the temporary Palace of Muko.

¹²³On this day the Palace of the Prince Imperial took fire, to the great marvel of the people of that time.

¹²⁴In this year there were instituted caps of seven kinds and thirteen grades.

¹²⁵The first was called Shoku-kwan. Of this there were two grades, the greater and the lesser. It was made of woven stuff, and embroidered on the borders. The colour of the clothing was in both cases dark purple.

¹²⁶The second was called Shu-kwan. Of this there were two grades, the greater and the lesser. It was made of embroidered stuff. The border of the cap and the colour of the clothing was the same as for the Shoku-kwan.

¹²⁷The third was called Shi-kwan. Of this there were two grades, the greater and the lesser. It was made of purple material, with a border of woven stuff. The colour of the clothing was light purple.

¹²⁸The fourth was called Kin-kwan. Of this there were two grades, the greater and the lesser. The greater Kin-kwan was made of Dai-haku-sen brocade, and had the cap-border of woven stuff: the lesser Kin-kwan was made of Shō-haku-sen brocade, and had the cap-border of Dai-haku-sen brocade. The colour of the clothing was in both cases true dark red.

¹²⁹The fifth was called Sei-kwan, and was made of blue silk. Of this there were two grades, the greater and the lesser. The greater Sei-kwan had a border of Dai-haku-sen brocade. The colour of the clothing was in both cases deep violet.

¹³⁰The sixth was called Kok-kwan, and was made of black silk. Of this there were two grades, the greater and the lesser. The greater Kok-kwan had a border of wheel-pattern brocade. The lesser Kok-kwan had a border of diamond-pattern brocade. The colour of the clothing was in both cases green.

¹³¹The seventh was called Kembu [the initial (or lowest) rank. It was also called Risshin]. It was made of black silk and had a border of dark violet.

¹³²In addition to the above there were Tō-kwan, made of black silk. These caps had varnished gauze stretched behind.

¹³³Distinctions of rank were indicated by the border and the hair ornaments. The latter were in shape like a cicada. The hair ornaments of the grades from the Lesser Kin-kwan upwards were of a combination of gold and silver: the hair ornaments of the Greater and Lesser Seikwan were made of silver: the hair ornaments of the Greater and Lesser Kok-kwan were made of copper. The Kembu caps had no hair ornaments.

¹³⁴These caps were worn at Grand Assemblies, when foreign guests were entertained, and at the (Buddhist) maigre feasts of the fourth month and seventh month.

¹³⁵Silla sent Kim Chhyun-chhyu, a Superior Minister, of the rank of Greater Ason, and others to accompany the Hakase, Takamuko no Kuromaro, of Shōtoko rank, and Oshikuma, Nakatomi no Muraji, of middle Shōsen rank, and bring a present to the Emperor of a peacock and a parrot. Chhyun-chhyu was made a hostage. He was a handsome man, who talked and smiled agreeably.

¹³⁶The Nutari barrier was constructed, and a barrier-settlement established. Old men talked to one another, saying:—"The migration of the rats towards the East some years ago prefigured the making of this barrier."

¹³⁷4th year. Spring, 1st month, 1st day. The ceremony of New Year's congratulations took place.

¹³⁸In the evening the Emperor proceeded to the Palace of Toyosaki in Naniha.

¹³⁹2nd month, 1st day. Student priests were sent to Corea.

¹⁴⁰8th day. The Oho-omi Abe invited the four classes to the Temple of Shitenōji, where, having brought in four images of Buddha, he had them enshrined within the pagoda. He constructed a figure of the wondrous Vulture Mountain, which he made by piling up drums on one another.

¹⁴¹Summer, 4th month, 1st day. The old caps were discontinued. The Oho-omi of the Left and Right, however, continued to wear the old caps.

¹⁴²This year Silla sent envoys bearing tribute.

¹⁴³The barrier of Ihabune was put to rights as a precaution against the Yemishi. Eventually subjects from the provinces of Koshi and Shinano were selected, and a barrier-settlement for the first time established.

¹⁴⁴5th year. Spring, 1st month, 1st day. The New Year's congratulations took place.

¹⁴⁵2nd month. Nineteen cap grades were instituted, as follows:—

¹⁴⁶First

¹⁴⁷Dai-shiki

¹⁴⁸(greater-woven-stuff)

¹⁴⁹Second

¹⁵⁰Shō-shiki

¹⁵¹(lesser-woven-stuff)

¹⁵²Third

¹⁵³Dai-shū

¹⁵⁴(greater embroidery)

¹⁵⁵Fourth

¹⁵⁶Shō-shū

¹⁵⁷(lesser embroiderydo.)

¹⁵⁸Fifth

¹⁵⁹Dai-shi

¹⁶⁰(greater purple)

¹⁶¹Sixth

¹⁶²Shō-shi

¹⁶³(lesser purpledo.)

¹⁶⁴Seventh

¹⁶⁵Upper Dai-kwa

¹⁶⁶(greater flower)

¹⁶⁷Eighth

¹⁶⁸Lower Dai-kwa

¹⁶⁹(greater flowerdo.)

¹⁷⁰Ninth

¹⁷¹Upper Shō-kwa

¹⁷²(lesser flower)

¹⁷³Tenth

¹⁷⁴Lower Shō-kwa

¹⁷⁵(lesser flowerdo.)

¹⁷⁶Eleventh

¹⁷⁷Upper Dai-sen

¹⁷⁸(greater mountain)

¹⁷⁹Twelfth

¹⁸⁰Lower Dai-sen

¹⁸¹(greater mountaindo.)

¹⁸²Thirteenth

¹⁸³Upper Shō-sen

¹⁸⁴(lesser mountain)

¹⁸⁵Fourteenth

¹⁸⁶Lower Shō-sen

¹⁸⁷(lesser mountaindo.)

¹⁸⁸Fifteenth

¹⁸⁹Upper Dai-otsu

¹⁹⁰Sixteenth

¹⁹¹Lower Dai-otsu

¹⁹²Seventeenth

¹⁹³Upper Shō-otsu

¹⁹⁴Eighteenth

¹⁹⁵Lower Shō-otsu

¹⁹⁶Nineteenth

¹⁹⁷Risshin

¹⁹⁸(Promotion or advancement)

¹⁹⁹In this month an order was given to the Hakase, Takamuko no Kuromaro, and the Buddhist Priest Bin to establish Eight Departments of State and one hundred bureaus.

²⁰⁰3rd month, 17th day. Abe no Oho-omi died. The Emperor proceeded to the Shujaku gate, where he raised up lamentations for him and showed much emotion. The Empress Dowager, the Prince Imperial, and the other Princes, together with the Ministers of every rank, all, following his example, mourned and lamented.

²⁰¹24th day. Hiuga, Soga no Omi [styled Musashi] slandered the Oho-omi Kurayamada to the Prince Imperial, saying:—"Maro, thy servant's elder brother by a different mother, is watching the opportunity of the Prince Imperial making an excursion to the seaside, in order to do him a mischief. He will ere long commit treason." The Prince Imperial believed this. The Emperor sent Ohotomo no Komano Muraji, Mikuni no Maro no Kimi, and Hodzumi no Kurafu no Omi to the Oho-omi, Kurayamada no Maro, and questioned him as to the truth of the charge of treason. The Oho-omi answered and said:—"I will have a personal interview with the Emperor, and shall then answer to the charge brought against me." The Emperor again sent Mikuni no Maro no Kimi and Hodzumi, Kurafu no Omi, to investigate the circumstances of the treason. The Oho-omi, Maro, again answered as before. The Emperor was therefore about to raise an armed force and surround therewith the Oho-omi's house, when the Oho-omi, taking with him his two sons, Hōshi and Akagoma [also called Mawosu], fled by way of Chinu towards the boundary of the province of Yamato. Before this, Koshi, the Oho-omi's eldest son, was already staying in Yamato, where he was building the Temple. [This means that he was staying in the Yamada house.] Now being suddenly apprised that his father was coming thither in flight, he went out to meet him at the great Tsuki tree in Imaki. Having approached, he took the lead and entered the Temple. Then he looked back to the Oho-omi and said:—"Koshi desires to advance straight on in person, and oppose the army which is coming." But the Oho-omi would not allow it. That night Koshi conceived the idea of burning the Palace [the Palace of Woharida is meant], and went on assembling troops.

²⁰²25th day. The Oho-omi addressed his eldest son Koshi, saying:—"Dost thou love thy life?" Koshi answered and said:—"I love it not." The Oho-omi thereupon harangued the priests of the Yamada Temple, his eldest son Koshi and some tens of other persons, saying:—"Shall one who is in the position of vassal contrive treason against his Lord? Shall the duty of a son to a father be brought to nothing? This temple was originally built, not for me personally, but under a vow for the sake of the Emperor. I have now been slandered by Musashi, and I fear that I shall be unjustly put to death. With so near a prospect of the yellow springs, I would withdraw (from life) still cherishing fidelity in my bosom, and the object of my coming to this Temple is that my last moments may be made easier."

²⁰³When he had done speaking, he opened the door of the Buddha Hall and uttered a vow, saying:—"In all future births and existences, let me not have resentment against my sovereign!" When he had made this vow, he strangled himself and died. His wife and children, to the number of eight persons, sacrificed themselves with him.

²⁰⁴On this day, Oho-tomo no Koma no Muraji and Soga no Hiuga no Omi were sent as Generals in command of a body of troops to pursue the Oho-omi. General Ohotomo no Muraji and his colleague had gone as far as Kuroyama when Mu, Hashi no Muraji, and Omimaro, Uneme no Omi, came running from the Yamada Temple, and brought information that the Oho-omi Soga, with his three sons and one daughter, had already committed suicide together by strangulation. The Generals therefore returned from Tajihi no Saka.

²⁰⁵26th day. The wife, children, and personal attendants of the Oho-omi Yamada, who committed suicide by strangulation, were many. Kurafu, Hodzumi no Omi, arrested in a body the Oho-omi's people, viz. Tsukushi, Taguchi no Omi, and others, placed cangues round their necks, and tied their hands behind their backs. That night, Maro, Ki no Omi, Hiuga, Soga no Omi, and Kurafu, Hodzumi no Omi, having surrounded the Temple with an armed force, called Shiho, Mononobe no Futsuta no Miyakko, and ordered him to cut off the Oho-omi's head. Upon this Futsuta no Shiho drew his sword, raised up the body on its point, yelled and reviled, and then cut it off.

²⁰⁶30th day. There were executed, as implicated with the Oho-omi, Soga no Yamada, Tsukushi, Taguchi no Omi, Miminashi no Dōtoko, Takada no Shikowo, Nukadabe no Yumasu no Muraji, Hada no Adera and others, fourteen persons in all. Nine were strangled, and fifteen banished.

²⁰⁷In this month, messengers were sent to take over the property of the Oho-omi, Yamada. Among his property was a beautiful book with the inscription "Book belonging to the Prince Imperial," and a valuable object inscribed "Property of the Prince Imperial." When the messengers returned and reported the circumstances of their having taken over the property, the Prince Imperial recognized for the first time that the heart of the Oho-omi had remained pure and unspotted. He was seized with shame and remorse for the past, and bewailed his fate incessantly. Hiuga no Omi was accordingly appointed Viceroy of Tsukushi. The people of the time said to one another, "Is not this a disguised banishment?"

²⁰⁸When Soga no Miyakko hime, consort of the Prince Imperial, heard that her father the Oho-omi had been decapitated by Shiho, she took it deeply to heart, and grieved bitterly. She detested hearing Shiho's name mentioned, and so her personal attendants, whenever they had occasion to speak of salt (shiho), altered the word and called it Kitashi. At last Miyakko hime died of a broken heart. When the Prince Imperial heard that she had passed away, he was grieved and deeply shocked, and bewailed her loss exceedingly. Upon this Mitsu, Nunaka Kahara no Fubito, came forward and presented verses of poetry as follows:—

²⁰⁹This was the first verse.

²¹⁰This was the second verse.

²¹¹The Prince Imperial, with a sigh of deep despair, praised the verses, saying:—"How beautiful! how pathetic!" So he gave him his lute and made him sing them. He also presented him with four hiki of silk, twenty tan of cloth, and two bags of floss silk.

²¹²Summer, 4th month, 20th day. Kose no Tokodako no Omi, of Shōshi rank, was granted the rank of Daishi, and was made Oho-omi of the Left.

²¹³Ohotomo no Nagatoko no Muraji [styled Mŭmakahi] of Shōshi rank, was granted the rank of Daishi, and was made Oho-omi of the Right.

²¹⁴5th month, 1st day. Shikofu, Miwa no Kimi, of Lower Shōkwa rank, Tsunomaro, Harahibe no Muraji of Upper Daisen rank, and others were sent to Silla.

²¹⁵This year, the Queen of Silla sent Kim Ta-sya, Sa-son of Sa-tök-pu, as hostage. He had a suite of thirty persons.

²¹⁶One Buddhist priest, two Si-rang, one Assistant, one Usher, five Chung-kēk, ten Artists, one Interpreter, and sixteen servants of various kinds—in all thirty-seven persons.

²¹⁷Hakuchi, 1st year, Spring, 1st month, 1st day. The Imperial chariot proceeded to the Palace of Ajifu, where the Emperor viewed the ceremonies of the New Year's congratulations.

²¹⁸On this day the Imperial chariot returned to the Palace.

²¹⁹2nd month, 9th day. Shikofu, Kusakabe no Muraji, Governor of the Province of Anato, presented to the Emperor a white pheasant, saying:—"Nihe, a relation of Obito, the Kuni no Miyakko, caught it on the 9th day of the first month on Mount Wonoyama." Upon this inquiry was made of the Lords of Pèkché, who said:—"In the eleventh year of Yung-p‘ing, in the reign of Ming Ti of the Later Han dynasty, white pheasants were seen in a certain place." Further, inquiry was made of the Buddhist priests, who answered and said:—"With our ears we have not heard, nor with our eyes have we seen such. May it please Your Majesty to order a general amnesty; and so give joy to the hearts of the people."

²²⁰The Priest Dōtō said:—"At one time Koryö desired to build a Buddhist Temple. There was no place which was not examined for this purpose. Then in a certain place a white deer was seen quietly moving, and eventually a Temple was built on this spot. It was called the Temple of the park of the white deer, and the practice of the Buddhist Law was there permanently established. Again, a white sparrow was seen at the farmstead of a certain Temple. The people of the country all said that it was a good omen. Moreover, Envoys sent to Great Thang brought back a dead crow with three legs. The people of the country again said that this was a good omen. Though these things are trifles, yet they are deemed of favourable omen. Much more is this so in the case of a white pheasant."

²²¹The Priest Bin said:—"This is to be deemed a lucky omen, and it may reasonably be accounted a rare object. I have respectfully heard that when a Ruler extends his influence to all four quarters, then will white pheasants be seen. They appear, moreover, when a Ruler's sacrifices are not in mutual disaccord, and when his banquets and costumes are in due measure. Again, when a Ruler is of frugal habits, white pheasants are made to come forth on the hills. Again, they appear when the Ruler is sage and humane. In the time of the Emperor Ch‘ēng Wang of the Chou Dynasty, the Yüeh-shang family brought and presented to the Emperor a white pheasant, saying:—'We were told by the old men of our country:—"What a long time it has been since there have been any exceptional storms or long-continued rains, and that the great rivers and the sea have not surged up over the land! Three years have now elapsed. We think that in the Central Land there is a Sage. Would it not be well to go and pay your respects at his Court?" We have therefore come, having tripled our interpreters.' Again, in the first year of Hien-ning in the reign of Wu-ti of the Tsin Dynasty, one was seen in Sung-tsze. This is accordingly a favourable omen. A general amnesty ought to be granted."

²²²Upon this the white pheasant was let loose in the garden.

²²³15th day. The array of guards at Court was like that on the occasion of a New Year's reception. The Oho-omi of the Right and Left and all the functionaries formed four lines outside of the purple gate. Ihimushi, Ahata no Omi, and three others were made to take the pheasant's litter and move off ahead, while the Oho-omi of the Right and Left at the head of all the functionaries and Phung-chyang, Lord of Pèkché, his younger brother Sē-syöng, Chhyung-seung, the physician to the King of Koryö, by name Mo-chhi, the scholar attached to the Court of Silla, and others, advanced into the Central Court. These four men, viz. Maro, Mikuni no Kimi, Takami, Wina no Kimi, Mikaho, Miwa no Kimi, and Maro Kida, Ki no Omi, taking up the pheasant's litter in turn, advanced in front of the Hall. Then the Oho-omi of the Right and Left approached and held the litter by the forward end. The Prince of Ise, Maro, Mikuni no Kimi, and Woguso, Kura no Omi, took hold of the hinder end of the litter and placed it before the Imperial throne. The Emperor straightway called the Prince Imperial, and they took it and examined it together. The Prince Imperial having retired, made repeated obeisances, and caused the Oho-omi Kose to offer a congratulatory address, saying:—"The Ministers and functionaries offer their congratulations. Inasmuch as Your Majesty governs the Empire with serene virtue, there is here a white pheasant, produced in the western region. This is a sign that Your Majesty will continue for a thousand autumns and ten thousand years peacefully to govern the Great-eight-islands of the four quarters. It is the prayer of the Ministers, functionaries, and people that they may serve Your Majesty with the utmost zeal and fidelity."

²²⁴Having finished this congratulatory speech, he made repeated obeisances. The Emperor said:—

²²⁵"When a 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‘ēng-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 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 phœnixes, 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."

²²⁶Again he commanded, saying:—

²²⁷"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."

²²⁸Presents 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 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.

²²⁹Summer, 4th month. Silla sent Envoys to offer tribute.

²³⁰One book says:—"In the reign of this Emperor the three countries of Koryö, Pèkché and Silla sent Envoys bearing tribute every year."

²³¹Winter, 10th 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.

²³²In 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.

²³³In this year, Ohoguchi, Aya no Yamaguchi no Atahe, in obedience to an Imperial order, carved one thousand images of Buddha.

²³⁴Agata, Yamato no Aya no Atahe, Abumi, Shiragabe no Muraji, and Agura, Naniha no Kishi, were sent to the province of Aki to build two Pèkché ships.

²³⁵2nd year, Spring, 3rd month, 14th day. The sixteen feet high embroidery figure of Buddha and the others were finished.

²³⁶15th day. The Empress Dowager invited the ten Buddhist professors and prepared a maigre entertainment for them.

²³⁷6th month. Pèkché and Silla sent Envoys to bring tribute and to offer presents.

²³⁸Winter, 12th month, last day. More than 2100 priests and nuns were invited to the Palace of Ajifu, and made to read the Issaikyō.

²³⁹That 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 of the Palace of Naniha no Nagara no Toyosaki.

²⁴⁰This 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."

²⁴¹3rd year, Spring, 1st month, 1st day. When the New Year's ceremonies were over, the Imperial chariot proceeded to the Palace of Oho-gohori.

²⁴²From the 1st month to the 2nd month the distribution of rice-lands had been brought to a close. As to the length of the rice-fields, thirty paces made a tan, and ten tan a chō.

²⁴³The tax-rice was one sheaf and a half per tan, or fifteen sheaves per chō.

²⁴⁴3rd month, 9th day. The Imperial chariot returned to the Palace.

²⁴⁵Summer, 4th month, 15th day. The Shamon, Ye-un, was invited to the interior of the Palace and made to explain the Muryōjiu Sutra, the Shamon Ye-ji was made lecturer and 1000 Shamon were constituted the audience.

²⁴⁶20th 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.

²⁴⁷In 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 protection, with one elder to supervise them one with another.

²⁴⁸Silla and Pèkché sent Envoys to bring tribute and offer presents.

²⁴⁹Autumn, 9th month. The building of the Palace was completed. It is impossible adequately to describe the appearance of the Palace Halls.

²⁵⁰Winter, 12th month, last day. The priests and nuns of the Empire were invited to the interior of the Palace and entertained with meagre fare. Plentiful alms were given, and lights kindled.

²⁵¹4th year, Summer, 5th month, 12th day. There were sent to Great Thang, as Chief Ambassador, Kishi no Nagani, of Upper Shōsen rank, as Associate Ambassador, Kishi no Koma [also called Ito] of Upper Shō-otsu rank, as Student Priests, Dōgen, Dōtsū, Dōkwō, Yese, Gakushū, Benshō, Yeshō, Sōnin, Chisō, Dōshō, Jōye [Jōye was the eldest son of the Oho-omi of the Middle], Adachi [Adachi was the son of Nakatomi no Kome no Muraji] and Dōkwan [Dōkwan was the son of

²⁵²Kudara, Kasuga no Ahata no Omi] as students, Kusuri, Kose no Omi [son of Toyotari no Omi], and Okina, Hi no Muraji [son of Madama. Another book adds the student priests Chiben and Gitoku and the student Ihatsumi, Sakahibe no Muraji], in all 121 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 Shō-otsu rank, with the student priests Dōfuku and Gikō, in all 120 persons, sailed together in one ship. Yatsute, Hashi no Muraji, was appointed as Envoy to escort them.

²⁵³In 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.

²⁵⁴One book says:—"In the 7th month of the 5th year, the priest Bin took ill in the Temple of Adzumi. Thereupon 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.'"

²⁵⁵6th month. Pèkché and Silla sent Envoys bearing tribute and offering presents.

²⁵⁶The highways of various places were repaired.

²⁵⁷The Emperor was informed of the death of the priest Bin, and sent a messenger of condolence and also numerous presents.

²⁵⁸The 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].

²⁵⁹Autumn, 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, 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.

²⁶⁰This 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 Yamazaki and sent a song to the Empress Hashibito, saying:—

²⁶¹5th year, Spring, 1st month, 1st day. In the night the rats migrated towards the Yamato capital.

²⁶²Nakatomi no Kamatari no Muraji was granted the Shikwan, and his fief increased by a number of houses.

²⁶³2nd month. The Controlling Envoys sent to Great Thang, namely, Kuromaro, Takamuku no Obito, of Upper Daikin 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 Shōkin 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 [one book says:—"The Hangwan, Maro, Fumi no Atahe, of Lower Shōsen rank"], Yoroshi, Oka no Kimi, of Upper Shō-otsu rank, Daihaku, Okizome no Muraji, Oyu, Nakatomi no Hashibito no Muraji, of Lower Shō-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. Thereupon Kuo Wēn-chü, 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.

²⁶⁴The Controlling Envoy Takamuku no Kuromaro died in Great Thang.

²⁶⁵Yuki no Hakatoko says:—"The student-priest Yemyō died in Thang; Chisō died at sea; Chikoku died at sea; Chisō returned in a Silla ship in the year Kanoye Tora; Gakushō died in Thang; Gitsū died at sea; Jōye returned in the year Kinoto Ushi in the ship of Liu Teh-kao; Myōi, Hōshō and the students Okina, Hi no Muraji and Kō Wō-gon, twelve persons in all, with Kan Chikō and Cho Gempō, of foreign Japanese birth, came back this year along with the envoys."

²⁶⁶Summer, 4th month. Two men and two women of the Land of Tukhāra and one woman of S‘râvastî were driven by a storm to Hiuga.

²⁶⁷Autumn, 7th month, 24th day. Kishi no Nagani and his colleagues, who had gone as Envoys to the Western Sea, anchored in Tsukushi with Escorting Envoys from Silla and Pèkché. 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 Shōsen rank, the lower grade of Shōkwa 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 Shō-otsu rank, there was bestowed the upper grade of the Shōsen rank.

²⁶⁸Winter, 10th 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.

²⁶⁹10th day. The Emperor died in the State Bedchamber. He was temporarily interred in the southern courtyard. Dōtoko, Mozu no Hashi no Muraji, of Upper Shōsen rank, superintended the business of the Palace of Temporary Interment.

²⁷⁰12th month, 8th day. He was buried in the misasagi of Shinaga at Ohosaka.

²⁷¹On 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."

²⁷²In this year, Koryö, Pèkché and Silla sent ambassadors of condolence.