and, placing it in a pure place, with song and dance invoked happiness. They threw away their treasures, but to no purpose whatever. The loss and waste was extreme. Hereupon Kahakatsu, Kadono no Hada no Miyakko, was wroth that the people should be so much deluded, and slew[1] Ohofu Be no Oho. The wizards and witches were intimidated, and ceased to persuade people to this worship. The men of that time made a song, saying:—
Udzumasa[2]
Has executed
The God of the Everlasting World
Who we were told
Was the very God of Gods.
This insect is usually bred on orange trees, and sometimes on (XXIV. 21.) the Hosoki.[3] It is over four inches in length, and about as thick as a thumb. It is of a grass-green colour with black spots, and in appearance entirely resembles the silkworm.[4]
Winter, 11th month. Iruka no Omi, son of Yemishi, Soga no Oho-omi, built two houses on the Amagashi Hill. The Oho-omi's house was called the Palace-Gate:[5] Iruka's house was called the Valley-Palace-Gate. Their sons and daughters were styled Princes and Princesses. Outside the houses palisades were constructed, and an armoury was erected by the gate. At each gate there was set a tank for water, and several tens of wooden hooks as a provision in case of fire.[6] Stout fellows were constantly employed to guard the houses, with arms in their hands.
The Oho-omi made Osa no Atahe build the Temple of Hokonuki on Mount Ohoniho. Moreover, he built a house on the east side of Mount Unebi and dug a pond,[7] so as to make of it a
- ↑ The original is 打, strike, which I take to be a euphemism for slay.
- ↑ i.e. Hada no Miyakko.
- ↑ The Chinese characters used mean "creeping pepper." I have not been able to identify this plant or tree. It is also called itachi-hajikami, i.e. weasel-ginger.
- ↑ It was evidently a caterpillar of some kind.
- ↑ The interlinear Kana version has Uhe no Mikado, Upper Palace, which suggests that a character has been lost here.
- ↑ A pole with a hook at the end is in use by Japanese firemen at the present day for pulling down houses.
- ↑ i.e. a moat.
