The Empress replied, saying:—
My good Soga!
The sons of Soga—
Were they horses,
They would be steeds of Hiuga:
Were they swords,
They would be good blades of Kure.[1]
Right indeed
Seems the Great Sovereign
To have in her service
The sons of Soga!
2nd month, 28th day. The body of the former Empress-consort Katashi-hime[2] was removed and re-interred in the Great Misasagi of Hinokuma.
On this day funeral orations were pronounced on the Karu[3] highway. First of all, Tori, Abe no Uchi no Omi, pronounced an eulogistic decree of the Empress, and made offerings to the spirit of the deceased of such things as sacred utensils and sacred garments,[4] fifteen thousand kinds in all.
Secondly, the Imperial Princes, each in the order of their rank, pronounced funeral orations. Thirdly, Womaro, Nakatomi no Miyatokoro no Muraji, pronounced the eulogistic address of the Oho-omi. Fourthly, the Oho-omi, at the head (XXII. 26.) of the Omi of the eight families,[5] caused Marise, Sakahibe no Omi, to read the written eulogiums of the nobility.[6] The people of that time said that Marise and Womaro delivered their eulogiums well, but that Tori no Omi delivered his badly.
5th month, 5th day. An excursion was made to gather medicinal herbs. They assembled at Hada and proceeded together to the Court. The dress was the same as for the Uda excursion.
- ↑ Kure is Wu in China. See above, XXII. 22. The "Shiki" says this is the name of a good sword.
- ↑ Wife of Kimmei Tennō and mother of Yōmei Tenno and Suiko Tennō. The Misasagi named was that of her husband. This is a case of double interment. Two stone coffins have been found in some misasagi.
- ↑ Or Karo.
- ↑ The "Shukai" gives what appears to me a violent and unnecessary emendation of this passage.
- ↑ Lit. bellies. Eight is here used loosely for a great number, all.
- ↑ 氏姓. In Japanese Uji and Kabane, i.e. noble houses and titles or surnames.
