Page:Nihongi by Aston.djvu/242

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Keikō.
211

that there was no corpse. Thereupon messengers were sent to follow in search of the white bird. It stopped on the plain of Kotobiki in Yamato. Accordingly in that place a misasagi was erected. The white bird flew on again until it reached Kahachi, where it rested in the village of Furuchi, and in this (VII. 32.) place also a misasagi[1] was erected. Therefore the men of that day called these three misasagi "the white bird misasagi."[2] At last it soared aloft to Heaven, and there was nothing buried but his clothing and official cap. The Emperor, wishing to perpetuate the fame of his services, established the Takeru[3] Be. This was in the 43rd year of the Emperor's reign.

A.D. 121. 51st year, Spring, 1st month, 7th day. The Emperor summoned his Ministers, and feasted them for several days. Now the Imperial Prince Waka-tarashi-hiko no Mikoto and Takechi no Sukune did not come to the Banqueting Court. The Emperor sent for them and asked the reason. Therefore they represented to the Emperor, saying:—"On a day of festival, the Ministers and functionaries must have their minds bent on jollity, and they do not think of the State. In view of the possibility of there being madmen, who might watch for an unprotected space in the ramparts, we remain on guard beneath the Gate[4] and provide against emergencies." Then the Emperor spake and said:—"Splendid!" So he showed them an extraordinary affection.

Autumn, 8th month, 4th day. Waka-tarashi-hiko no Mikoto was appointed Prince Imperial. On this day Takechi no Sukune was appointed Prime Minister.

(VII. 33.) The cross-sword Kusanagi, which was at first worn by Yamato-dake no Mikoto, is now in the shrine of Atsuta in the district of Ayuchi, in the province of Ohari. Now the Yemishi who had been presented to the shrine brawled day and night, and were disrespectful in their goings out and comings in. Then Yamato-hime no Mikoto said:—"These Yemishi should not be allowed near the shrine." Accordingly she sent them up

  1. I have seen this tumulus. It is a very large double mound surrounded by a moat.
  2. Shira-tori no Misasagi. Many of the tumuli are favourite resorts of the white egret, whence doubtless the name.
  3. Or Take, brave.
  4. Mikado means "august gate."