Page:Nihongi by Aston volume 2.djvu/226

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Kōtoku.

219

Their outer limits shall be seven fathoms square, and they shall be three fathoms in height.^[1] The work shall be completed by 500 labourers in five days. At the time of interment white cloth shall be used for the hangings of the bier, which shall be borne on men's shoulders.

The inner dimensions of a tomb of a Minister of a lower class shall be in every respect similar in length, breadth, and height to the above. Their outer limits shall be five fathoms square, and they shall be two and a half fathoms in height. The work shall be completed by 250 labourers in three days. At the time of interment white cloth shall be used for hangings. In other matters the same rule as before is to be followed.

(XXV. 31.) The inner dimensions of the tombs of persons of the rank of Dainin and Shōnin shall be nine feet in length and four feet in height and breadth. The ground shall be made level and no mound raised. The work shall be completed by 200 labourers in one day.

In the case of persons from the rank of Dairei to that of Shōchi inclusive, the tombs shall in all respects follow the rule of Dainin; but the work shall be completed by fifty labourers in one day.

Let small stones^[2] be used for the tombs of all from the rank of Prince down to that of Shōchi, and let white cloth be used for the hangings.

When ordinary persons die, let them be buried in the ground, and let the hangings be of coarse cloth. Let the interment not be delayed for a single day.

The construction of places of temporary interment is not allowed in any case, from Princes down to common people.

Not only in the Home provinces, but in the provinces generally, let plots of ground be set apart for interments.^[3] It

↑ Or 24 feet, says the "Shūkai".
↑ The reference is doubtless to the stones covering the roof of the vault, which were of great size, some which I have seen weighing many tons. A note to the "Shukai" says that stones with monumental inscriptions are meant. But no such stones have been found in connection with the tombs of this period.
↑ There are numerous groups of these tombs still to be seen, more especially in the Home provinces, sometimes thirty or forty together, usually on the lower slopes of the hills.

[1] Or 24 feet, says the "Shūkai".

[2] The reference is doubtless to the stones covering the roof of the vault, which were of great size, some which I have seen weighing many tons. A note to the "Shukai" says that stones with monumental inscriptions are meant. But no such stones have been found in connection with the tombs of this period.

[3] There are numerous groups of these tombs still to be seen, more especially in the Home provinces, sometimes thirty or forty together, usually on the lower slopes of the hills.

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