Page:Nihongi by Aston.djvu/297

and visit them." So he granted her permission, and summoning eighty fishermen of Mihara in Ahaji and making sailors of them, sent her to Kibi.

Summer, 4th month. Yehime set sail from Ohotsu^[1] and departed.

(X. 15.) The Emperor, standing on the high tower, looked towards Yehime's ship and made a song, saying:—

Thou Island of Ahaji
With thy double ranges;^[2]
Thou Island of Adzuki
With thy double ranges—
Ye good islands

*⁠*⁠*⁠*^[3]

Ye have seen face to face

My spouse of Kibi.

Autumn, 9th month, 6th day. The Emperor hunted in the Island of Ahaji. This island lies beyond the sea to the west of Naniha. There is a confusion of peaks and cliffs; hills and valleys succeed to one another. Fragrant herbs grow luxuriantly; it is washed by the long billows. Moreover, great deer, wild ducks, and wild geese are abundant in that island. Therefore the Emperor made frequent excursions thither.^[4] Now the Emperor, going round by way of Ahaji, made a progress to Kibi and went on an excursion to the Island of Adzuki.

11th day. He again removed his dwelling to the Palace of (X. 16.) Ashimori in Hata. Then Mitomo wake presented himself and entertained the Emperor, employing his brother, children and grandchildren as stewards. Hereupon the Emperor, observing the reverential fear with which Mitomo wake waited on him, was pleased, and accordingly, having divided the province of Kibi, granted it in fee to his children; that is to say, dividing off the district of Kahashima, he granted it to the eldest son, Inehaya wake. He was the first ancestor of the Omi of Shimo-

1. Ohotsu is literally "great port." Perhaps Ohosaka is meant.
2. Showing a double row of mountain peaks.
3. The sixth line of the original is unintelligible.
4. Riding in his carriage, says the original, a Chinese expression which is not meant to be taken literally.