This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

BOOK XXIV.

THE EMPRESS AME TOYO-TAKARA IKASHI-HI TARASHI HIME.[1]

(KŌGYOKU[2] TENNŌ.)

The Empress Ame toyo-takara ikashi-hi tarashi hime was the great-granddaughter of the Emperor Nuna-kura futo-dama-shiki,[3] granddaughter of the Imperial Prince Ohoye, Oshizaka no hiko-bito, and daughter of Prince Chinu. Her mother's name was Princess Kibi.

This Empress conducted the government in conformity with the ancient path.

In the second year of the Emperor Okinaga tarashi-hi hiro-nuka,[4] she was appointed Empress-consort. This Emperor died in the 10th month of the 13th year of his reign.

A.D. 642. 1st year, Spring, 1st month, 15th day. The Empress-consort assumed the Imperial Dignity. Yemishi, Soga no Omi, was made Oho-omi as before. The Oho-omi's son, Iruka [also called Kuratsukuri], took into his own hands the reins of government, and his power was greater than his father's. Therefore thieves and robbers were in dread of him, and things dropped on the highways were not picked up.

29th day. The Dainin, Hirafu, Adzumi no Muraji, who had gone as Envoy to Pèkché, returned from Tsukushi, riding on post-horses, and said:—"The Land of Pèkché, hearing of the Emperor's death, has sent Ambassadors of condolence, along with whom I arrived in Tsukushi. But I wished to take part

  1. Heaven-rich-treasure-great-sun-suffice-princess.
  2. This word occurs in the "Shooking," p. 328 of Legge's edition, where it is translated "royal perfection."
  3. Bidatsu Tennō.
  4. Jomei Tennō.