Page:Nihongi by Aston.djvu/272

So they sank together in the crossing-place of Seta, and died. Then Takechi no Sukune made a song, saying:—

The birds that dived,At the ferry of Seta,By the sea of Afumi.^[1]Since with my eyes I cannot see them,Can they be still alive?

Hereupon they searched for their dead bodies, and were unable to find them. But several days after, they came out on the river-bank at Uji.^[2] Then Takechi no Sukune again made a song, saying:—

In the sea of Afumi,At the ferry of Seta,The birds that dived—Passing Tanakami,^[3]Have been caught at Uji.

Winter, 10th month, 3rd day. The ministers honoured the Empress with the title of Grand Empress. This year was the year Midzunoto I (60th) of the Cycle. It was reckoned the first year of her administration of the Government.

(IX. 22.) A.D. 202. 2nd year, Winter, 11th month, 8th day. The Emperor was buried in the misasagi of Nagano, in the province of Kahachi.

A.D. 203. 3rd year, Spring, 1st month, 3rd day. The Imperial Prince Homuda-wake was appointed Prince Imperial. Accordingly, the capital was made at Ihare. It was called the Palace of Wakazakura.

A.D. 205. 5th year, Spring, 3rd month, 7th day. The King of Silla sent O-nyé-să-pöl, Mo-ma-ri Cheul-chi and Pu-ra-mo-chi with tribute. It was their desire to get back Mi-cheul Hö-chi pöl-han, who had formerly come as a hostage. With this object they tampered with Hö-chi pöl-han and caused him to use deceit, telling him to make petition and say:—"The envoys O-nyé-să-pöl, Mo-ma-ri Cheul-chi, and the other have informed me that my king, on account of my long failure to return, has wholly confiscated my wife and family and made

1. Now called Lake Biwa, in the province of Afumi or Ômi.
2. Uji is some miles further down the river issuing from Lake Biwa than Seta. Seta is just where it leaves the lake.
3. The name of the upper part of the Uji River.