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380 place. The Obito of the granary ordered them to sit beside the cooking-place and hold lights to right and left. When the night had become profound, and the revel was at its height, and every one had danced in turn, the Obito of the granary addressed Wodate, saying:—"Thy servant observes that these light-holders honour others, and abase themselves; they put others before, and themselves behind. By their respectfulness they show their observance of just principles; by their retiring behaviour they illustrate courtesy. They are worthy of the name of gentlemen." Upon this Wodate played on the lute and gave orders to the light-holders, saying:—"Get up and dance." Then the elder and younger brothers declined in each other's favour for a good while and did not get up. Wodate urged them, saying:—"Wherefore all this delay? Get up quickly and dance." Prince Ohoke got up and danced. When he had done, the Emperor stood up in his turn, and having adjusted his dress and girdle, proposed a health for the Muro, saying:—

The Dolichos roots of the new muro which he has upbuilt; The pillars which he has upbuilt— These are the calm of the august heart of the master of the house: The ridge-poles which he has raised aloft— These are the grove of the august heart of the master of the house: The rafters which he has set— These are the perfect order of the august heart of the master of the house: The laths which he has placed— These are the fairness of the august heart of the master of the house: