Page:Nihongi by Aston volume 2.djvu/319

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312
Nihongi.

no Kimi, and others, together with a body of valiant men, all joined the general's standard like an echo.[1] A plan was drawn up for invading Afumi, and the bravest among the troops were selected and made lieutenants, generals, and judges.[2] First of all they marched towards Nara.

Autumn, 7th month, 2nd day. The Emperor sent Abemaro, Ki no Omi, Honji, Oho no Omi, Ko-ōdo,[3] Miwa no Kimi, and Usagi, Okizome no Muraji, in command of several tens of thousands of men, to cross over to Yamato by way of Mount Miyama in Ise. Moreover he sent Woyori, Murakuni no Muraji, Nemaro, Fumi no Obito, Kimite, Wanibe no Omi, and Abe, Ikago no Omi, in command of several tens of thousands of men, with orders to set forth from Fuha and to proceed direct to Afumi. Fearing that these troops might be difficult to distinguish from the army of Afumi, he placed a red (mark) on their clothing. When this was done, he gave separate orders to Honji, Oho no Omi, to take 3000 men and encamp on the plain of Tara. Tarumaro, Tanaka no Omi, was sent with instructions to guard the road to Kurafu.

(XXVIII. 15.) Now Afumi[4] ordered Prince Yamabe, Hatayasu, Soga no Omi, and Hito, Kose no Omi, to take command of several tens of thousands of men and proceed to attack Fuha. They encamped on the bank of the River Inugami.[5] Here Prince Yamabe was killed by Hatayasu, Soga no Omi, and Hito, Kose no Omi. The troubles which ensued prevented the army from advancing, and Hatayasu, Soga no Omi, returned from Inugami and stabbed himself in the throat so that he died. At this time, Yakuni, Hata no Kimi, an Afumi general, with his son Ushi and others, came and surrendered with their people. Accordingly he was granted the battle axe and halberd, and was appointed general. Forthwith he proceeded northwards to Koshi. Before this time, Afumi had sent picked troops to make a sudden incursion to the village of Tamakurabe, so Koma, Idzumo no Omi, was sent to attack them and drive them off.

  1. As the prompt result of Wofukehi's brilliant exploit.
  2. Gunkan, a term applied to military officers of high rank and experience whose duty it was to watch closely the behaviour of the troops in battle. Gubbins.
  3. Or Kobito.
  4. i.e. the Court of Afumi.
  5. In Afumi.