Page:Nihongi by Aston volume 2.djvu/300

At this time the Emperor visited the plain of Himo in the district of Kamafu, and inspected a site for a Palace.

Moreover, the Castle of Takayasu was repaired, and stores of grain and salt collected.

Moreover, one castle was built in Nagato, and two in Tsukushi.

3rd month, 9th day. Close to Miwi,^[1] on the mountain, Shintō places of worship were laid out, and offerings of cloth distributed to them. The litany was pronounced by Nakatomi no Kane no Muraji.^[2]

Summer, 4th month, 30th day. After midnight a fire broke out in Hōriuji.^[3] Not a single building was left.

There was great rain, with thunder.

5th month. There was a popular ditty, as follows:—

To sport by the end
(XXVII. 24.) Of the bridge thrown across^[4]
Come forth, my boy!
To the eight-fold wooden doors
Of the house of Tamate
If thou comest forth
Thou shalt not repent it.
Come forth, my boy!
To the eight-fold wooden doors
Of the house of Tamate.^[5]

6th month. Within the capital a tortoise was caught. On its back was written the character for Saru.^[6] It was

1. Where the well-known Temple of Miwidera now stands—not far from Ōtsu. Miwi means august well. It was with water from this well that the Emperors Tenchi and Temmu and the Empress Jitō were washed at birth. Hence the name.
2. It was the province of the Nakatomi to read the norito, or Shintō prayers, while the Imbe laid out the offerings.
3. The same as the Ikaruga Temple mentioned above, XXVII. 22. Vide "Murray's Handbook," 2nd ed. p. 394.
4. i.e. a slight, temporary bridge.
5. By the house of Tamate one commentator understands the Temple of Hōriuji. Another thinks the poem may, perhaps, be an advice to the Emperor Temmu to enter religion, and avoid the Imperial Dignity. To me its application is wholly obscure. The metre is irregular naga-uta.
6. The monkey, one of the years of the Duodenary Cycle. It recurred two years later, and was marked by civil disturbances, of which this was supposed to be an omen.