Prince Takechi, and at the head of some tens of cavalry soldiers, will issue forth and approach the camp from the road north of the Temple of Asukadera. So do you co-operate with me secretly." Having done so, he marshalled his troops at the house of Kudara and issued forth from the South Gate.[1] In the first place he caused Kuma, Hada no Miyakko, in his (XXVIII. 13.) waist-cloth, to mount a horse and gallop into the camp west of the Temple and say to them:—"The Imperial Prince Takechi has arrived from Fuha, followed by a numerous armed force." Hereupon Prince Takazaka, who had charge of the Palace in (the Emperor's) absence, Momotari, Hodzumi no Omi, who had been sent as a messenger to levy troops, and others repaired to the tsuki tree west of the Temple of Asukadera and encamped there. But Momotari remained at the arsenal of Woharida, where he transported arms to Afumi. Now when the soldiery in camp heard Kuma's outcry, they every one dispersed and ran away, and Wofukehi, Ohotomo no Muraji, with some tens of mounted troops arrived in hot haste. Kumage and the Atahe fraternized with him, and the soldiers also followed. So, saying that it was by command of the Imperial Prince Takechi, they sent to the arsenal of Woharida and summoned Momotari, Hodzumi no Omi. Upon this Momotari mounted his horse and came in a leisurely way. When he reached the tsuki tree west of the temple of Asukadera, there was a man who said:—"Get down from your horse." Momotari was slow in doing so, and the man took hold of his collar, dragged him to the ground, and shot him with an arrow. Then he drew his sword and smote him, so that he died. Then Ihoye, Hodzumi no Omi, and Hiuga, Mononobe no Obito, were bound, but presently released and placed amongst the troops. Prince Takazaka and Prince Wakasa were sent for and made to follow the army. When this was done, Yasumaro, Ohotomo no Muraji, Woyu, Sakanohe no Atahe, Sukunamaro, Sami no Kimi, and others were sent to the Palace of Fuha to report to the Emperor what had taken place. The Emperor was greatly rejoiced, and accordingly appointed Wofukehi general.
(XXVIII. 14.) At this time Takechimaro, Miwa no Kimi, Yemishi, Kamo
- ↑ Probably the official buildings of the village of Kudara. It will be remembered that Kudara is Japanese for Pèkché, the Corean kingdom.
