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290
Nihongi.

this. However, it will last for just 700 years."[1] The downfall of this kingdom at this time took place just at the end of its existence for 700 years.

11th month, 1st day. There were presented to the King of Silla 50 pieces of fine silk, 500 kin of floss silk, and 100 hides of leather. These were delivered to Tong-wön and his companions.

Presents were given to Tong-wön and his companions, the value of which varied in each case.

5th day. Maro, Chimori no Omi, of Lower Shōsen rank, (XXVII. 20.) and Kishi no Woshibi were sent to Silla. On this day, Kim Tong-wön and his people took their departure.

In this year the Buddhist priest Dōgiō stole the Kusanagi[2] sword and escaped with it, making for Silla. But wind and rain so perplexed him on his way, that he came back again.[3]

A.D. 669. 8th year, Spring, 1st month, 9th day. Soga no Akaye no Omi was appointed Governor of Tsukushi.

3rd month, 11th day. Tamna sent Prince Kumaki and others with tribute.[4]

18th day. A present of seed-grain was made to the King of Tamna. On this day Prince Kumaki and his people took their departure.

Summer, 5th month, 5th day. The Emperor went hunting on the plain of Yamashina.[5] The Prince Imperial, who was the Emperor's younger brother, Fujihara no Naidaijin, and all the Ministers without exception followed in his train.

Autumn, 8th month, 3rd day. The Emperor ascended the peak of Takayasu. He took counsel as to a project of repairing[6] the castle there, but in pity for the labour which it would entail on the people, he abandoned this idea, and did not go on with

  1. The "Tongkam" gives Ko Chyung-mu as the name of the founder of the Kingdom of Kokuryö. The prediction is not given in this work.
  2. See above, Vol. I. p. 205.
  3. This story has been considerably developed by later writers.
  4. Tamna, known to us as Quelpaert, and to modern Coreans as Ché-ju, was for a long time more or less independent of the rest of Corea. In the 13th century the inhabitants were in continual rebellion.
  5. Now a station on the railway between Kiōto and Ōtsu. See above XXVII. 17.
  6. See above, XXVII. 14, and below, XXVII, 22.