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Ōjin.
259

A.D. 280. (X. 7.) 11th year, Winter, 10th month. The Tsurugi, Kakaki, and Mumaya-zaka ponds were made.

This year there was a man who made representation to the Emperor, saying:—"There is in the land of Hiuga a maiden whose name is Kami-naga-hime.[1] She is the daughter of Ushi-morowi, the Kimi of Muragata. She is distinguished for beauty over all the Land." The Emperor was pleased, and wished in his heart to obtain her.

A.D. 282. 13th year, Spring, 3rd month. The Emperor sent a special messenger to summon Kami-naga-hime.

Autumn, 9th month. Kami-naga-hime arrived from Hiuga, and was straightway settled at the village of Kuhadzu. Now the Imperial Prince, Oho-sazaki no Mikoto, when he saw Kami-naga-hime, was struck with the beauty of her form, and had a constant love for her. Hereupon the Emperor became aware of Oho-sazaki no Mikoto's passion for Kami-naga-hime, and wished to unite her to him. Therewith the Emperor, on the day that he gave a banquet in the hinder palace,[2] sent for Kami-naga-hime for the first time, and so gave her the upper seat in the banqueting-room. Then he brought in Oho-sazaki no Mikoto, and pointing to Kami-naga-hime, made a song, saying:—

Come! my son!
On the moor, garlic to gather,
Garlic to gather
On the way as I went,
Pleasing of perfume
Was the orange in flower.
Its branches beneath
Men had all plundered,
Its branches above
(X. 8.) Birds perching had withered.
[Of three chestnuts][3]
Midmost, its branches
Held in their hiding
A blushing maiden.
Come! and for thee, my son,
Let her burst into blossom.

Hereupon Oho-sazaki no Mikoto, being favoured with this

  1. The long-haired lady.
  2. i.e. the women's apartments.
  3. This is a mere makura-kotoba of little or no meaning.