That night over 2700 lights were lit in the courtyard of the Palace, and there were caused to be read the Antaku and Dosoku[1] Sutras, etc. Upon this, the Emperor removed his (XXV. 52.) residence from Oho-gohori to the new Palace. It received the name of the Palace of Naniha no Nagara no Toyosaki.
This year the Silla tribute-envoys, Chi-man, of Sa-son rank, and his companions anchored at Tsukushi, wearing garments of the Thang country. The Government, disgusted at this wanton change of habit, reproved them and drove them back again. At this time Kose no Oho-omi addressed the Emperor, saying:—"If we do not give a blow to Silla at this present time, we shall certainly have to regret it afterwards. Now as to the manner of giving a blow to Silla, we can do so without raising a sword.[2] From the port of Naniha as far as Tsukushi let the surface of the sea be covered with ships, one touching another. Then if Silla be summoned and called to an account for her offences, it will be easy for us to gain our object."
A.D. 652. 3rd year, Spring, 1st month, 1st day. When the New Year's ceremonies were over, the Imperial chariot proceeded to the Palace of Oho-gohori.
From the 1st month to the 2nd month the distribution of rice-lands[3] had been brought to a close. As to the length[4] of the rice-fields, thirty paces made a tan, and ten tan a chō.
The tax-rice was one sheaf and a half per tan, or fifteen sheaves per chō.
3rd month, 9th day. The Imperial chariot returned to the Palace.
Summer, 4th month, 15th day. The Shamon,[5] Ye-un, was invited to the interior of the Palace and made to explain the
- ↑ These are not known as Sutras. Probably they were litanies used as suitable for the occasion of taking up a residence in the new Palace. An-taku means "peaceful-house," and Do-soku "earth-side," or perhaps "earth-survey."
- ↑ The older reading is "without an effort." I follow the "Shūkai" editor's emendation of 刀 for 力.
- ↑ See above, XXV. 17.
- ↑ The breadth is not stated here. From other evidence it appears to have been twelve paces.
- ↑ Sanskrit S‘ramana, Buddhist priests or ascetics. Vide Eitel, sub voce.
hundreds of volumes, and was no doubt read by the tendoku system, i.e. by reading a few words at the beginning and at the end of each volume, turning rapidly over the intermediate pages by a single motion of the hand.
