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nushi no Kimi, Mononobe no Ikuhi no Muraji, and Ohotomo (VIII. 9.) no Takemotsu no Muraji, saying:—"The Empire is still ignorant of the Emperor's decease. If the people were to know of it, there would be negligence." So she instructed the four high officials to cause the functionaries to keep watch within the Palace while the body of the Emperor was secretly taken up and entrusted to Takechi no Sukune. He removed it by sea to Anato, and buried it temporarily in the Palace of Toyora, giving it a fireless temporary burial.^[1]

22nd day. The Prime Minister, Takechi no Sukune, returned from Anato, and made his report to the Empress. This year, owing to the expedition against Silla, it was impossible to bury the Emperor.^[2]

1. The commentators say that for the sake of secrecy there were no lights used.
2. An army of labourers was needed to build one of the enormous tumuli which were the fashion at this time.