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Rh be suitable for the extension of the Heavenly task, so that its glory should fill the universe. It is, doubtless, the centre of the world. The person who flew down was, I believe, Nigi-haya-hi. Why should we not proceed thither, and make it the capital?"

All the Imperial Princes answered, and said:—"The truth of this is manifest. This thought is constantly present to our minds also. Let us go thither quickly." This was the year Kinoye Tora (51st) of the Great Year.

In that year, in winter, on the Kanoto Tori day (the 5th) of the 10th month, the new moon of which was on the day Hinoto Mi, the Emperor in person led the Imperial Princes and a naval force on an expedition against the East. When he arrived at the Haya-suhi gate, there was there a fisherman who came riding in a boat. The Emperor summoned him, and then inquired of him, saying:—"Who art thou?" He answered and said:—"Thy servant is a Country-God, and his name is Utsu-hiko. I angle for fish in the bays of ocean. Hearing that the son of the Heavenly Deity was coming, therefore I forthwith came to receive him." Again he inquired of him, saying:—"Canst thou act as my guide?" He answered and said:—"I will do so." The Emperor ordered the end of a pole of shihi wood to be given to the fisher, and caused him to be taken and pulled into the Imperial vessel, of which he was made pilot.