Page:Nihongi by Aston volume 2.djvu/15

8 united to it so as to form one country, no better measure of conservation can be adopted. It is true, no doubt, that even if ceded and united to Pèkché there will still be a danger for future generations. Much more how many years could they be defended if they became foreign territory?"

Kanamura, Ohotomo no Ohomuraji, having thoroughly comprehended this report, adopted this policy and laid it before the Emperor. Accordingly Arakahi, Mononobe no Ohomuraji, was appointed Imperial envoy. Mononobe no Ohomuraji was on the point of leaving for the official inn at Naniha in order to make known the Emperor's commands to the Pèkché guests, when his wife expostulated with him, saying:—"Originally the Deities of Sumiyoshi bestowed on the Emperor Homuda while in the womb the gold and silver lands beyond the sea, namely Koryö, Pèkché, Silla, and Imna. Therefore did the Great Empress Okinaga-tarashihime no Mikoto and the Oho-omi Takechi no Sukune first establish Government Houses in each of these countries and constitute them our screen territory beyond the sea. So that this has not come to pass without reason. If now we were to divide off (a part) and grant it to others, we should be acting contrary to the interests of our own land. How, in that case, during the long ages should reproach be sundered from men's mouths?" The Ohomuraji answered and said:—"Thy advice is reasonable, but I fear to disobey the Celestial command." His wife remonstrated with him earnestly, saying:—"Pretend that thou art ill, and do not make communication." The Ohomuraji was guided by this remonstrance, and therefore another envoy was appointed to make known the Imperial will. Presents were given, and an Imperial decree granting four districts of Imna in accordance with the petition. The Imperial Prince Ohine, owing to certain business, had not heard of the cession of territory. When it was too late he learnt that the decree had been issued. He was surprised and dissatisfied, and endeavoured to have it altered,