Page:Nihongi by Aston.djvu/320

Rh Again he made a song, saying:—

Then the Empress sent a message to the Emperor, saying:—"My lord has taken the Imperial Princess Yata and made her his concubine. Now I do not wish to be associated with the Princess as Consort." So she refused to enter his presence, and the Imperial carriage returned to the Palace. The Emperor hereupon resented the Empress's great indignation, but yet continued to love her.

31st year, Spring, 1st month, 15th day. Ohine-izaho-wake no Mikoto was appointed Prince Imperial.

35th year, Summer, 6th month. The Empress Iha no hime no Mikoto died in the Palace of Tsutsuki.

37th year, Winter, 11th month, 12th day. The Empress was buried on Mount Nara.

38th year, Spring, 1st month, 6th day. The Imperial Princess Yata was appointed Empress.

Autumn, 7th month. The Emperor and Empress dwelt in a high tower to escape from the heat. At this time there was heard every night from the moor of Toga the cry of deer with a musical, yet melancholy sound, so that a feeling of pity arose in them both. But when the interlune came, the cry of the deer was no longer heard. Hereupon the Emperor addressed the Empress, saying:—"This evening the deer does not bell. Wherefore is this?" The next day, a Saheki Be of the district of Wina presented a basket. The Emperor caused a steward to make inquiry of him, saying:—"What is this basket?" The answer was, "A buck." He inquired—"A deer of what place?" and was told, "Of Toga moor." The Emperor considered that this basket must be the deer which