Page:Nihongi by Aston.djvu/313

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282
Nihongi.

dancing on the waves, would not sink, and floated far away over the wide waters. In this way that embankment was completed, although Koromo no ko did not die. Accordingly (XI. 13.) Koromo no ko's cleverness saved his life. Therefore the men of that time gave a name to these two places, calling them "Kohakubi's Gap" and "Koromo no ko's Gap."

This year men of Silla came to the Court with tribute, and were made to labour at this public work.

A.D. 324. 12th year, Autumn, 7th month, 3rd day. The Land of Koryö sent tribute of iron shields and iron targets.

8th month, 10th day. The Koryö guests were entertained at Court. On this day the ministers and functionaries were assembled and made to shoot at the iron shields and targets presented by Koryö. Nobody could pierce the targets except Tatebito no Sukune, the ancestor of the Omi of Ikuba,[1] who shot at the iron targets and pierced them. Then the guests from Koryö, when they saw this, were struck with awe by his excellent skill in archery, and, standing up together, did obeisance to the Emperor. The next day the Emperor commended Tatebito no Sukune and gave him a title, calling him Ikuba no Toda no Sukune. On the same day a title was given to Sukune no Omi, the ancestor of the Miyakko of Ohase, and he was called Sakashi-nokori[2] no Omi.

Winter, 10th month. The Great Canal was dug in the district of Kurikuma in Yamashiro for the irrigation of the rice-fields. By this means the peasants of that district had always years of abundance.

A.D. 325. 13th year, Autumn, 9th month. Now for the first time official granaries were established at Mamuta. The Usu-me[3] Be was accordingly instituted.

Winter, 10th month. The Pond of Wani[4] was made. In (XI. 14.) the same month the Yokono Embankment was constructed.

A.D. 326. 14th year, Winter, 11th month. A bridge was made at the Wikahi ferry. It was this place which was called Wo-bashi.[5] In this year a highway was constructed and laid down within the capital from the South Gate extending in a straight line as

  1. Tatebito means shield-man, and Ikuba, target.
  2. Clever-remainder.
  3. Millers.
  4. In Kahachi.
  5. Small-bridge.