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Kōtoku.
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floated ashore on the island of Takashima. They knew not what to do, until one of the five, named Kadobe no Kogane, gathered bamboos[1] and made of them a raft, with which they anchored at the island of Shitoji-shima. These five men passed six days and six nights without any food whatever. Thereupon Kogane was complimented (by the Emperor), advanced in rank, and presents given him.

This year the Prince Imperial petitioned the Emperor, saying:—"I wish the Imperial residence were removed to the Yamato capital." The Emperor refused to grant his request. Upon this the Prince Imperial took with him the Empress (XXV. 56.) Dowager, the Empress Hashibito, and the younger Imperial Princes, and went to live in the temporary Palace of Asuka no Kahabe in Yamato. At this time the Ministers and Daibu, with the various functionaries, all followed and changed their residence. The Emperor resented this, and wished to cast away the national Dignity. He had a palace built in Yamazaki and sent a song to the Empress Hashibito, saying:—

The pony which I keep,
I put shackles on
And led it not out:
Can anyone have seen
The pony which I keep?

A.D. 654. 5th year, Spring, 1st month, 1st day. In the night the rats migrated towards the Yamato capital.

Nakatomi no Kamatari no Muraji was granted the Shikwan,[2] and his fief increased by a number of houses.

2nd month. The Controlling Envoys sent to Great Thang, namely, Kuromaro, Takamuku no Obito, of Upper Daikin rank [one book says:—"Summer, 5th month. There were sent to Great Thang the Controlling Envoy Takamuku no Kuromaro, of Lower Daikwa rank"], the Chief Ambassador Maro, Kahabe no Omi, of Lower Shōkin rank, the Associate Ambassador Kusushi[3] Yenichi, of Lower Daisen rank, the two Hangwan, Maro Fumi no Atahe, of Upper Daiotsu rank, and Miyaji no Amida [one book says:—"The Hangwan, Maro, Fumi no Atahe, of Lower Shōsen rank"], Yoroshi, Oka no Kimi, of Upper

  1. Takashima means "bamboo island."
  2. Or purple cap.
  3. Doctor.