Page:Nihongi by Aston volume 2.djvu/170

Rh case oppose thee and follow them. If, therefore, thou shouldst eventually disagree with me, there will be a breach between us, and there will, moreover, be civil broils in the land. Then posterity will say that thou and I have brought the country to ruin. Such would be our ill-fame with after generations. Do thou be watchful, nor allow a rebellious spirit to arise."

But he still refused compliance, and at length went to Ikaruga, where he dwelt in the Palace of Prince Hatsuse. Hereupon the Oho-omi became more and more wrathful, and sent the Ministers to make a request of Yamashiro no Ohoye, saying:—"Marise has of late been disobedient to me, and has concealed himself in the Palace of Prince Hatsuse. I pray thee, let me have Marise, so that I may examine the reasons." Hereupon, Prince Ohoye answered and said:—"Marise was always a favourite of the wise Empress, and has only come here for a short visit. How should he set himself in opposition to the sentiments of my maternal uncle? I pray thee, do not find fault with him." Accordingly he spoke to Marise, saying:—"It is most kind of thee to come, not forgetting the gratitude which thou owest to the former prince. But the peace of the Empire is now threatened on thy sole account. Moreover, the former Prince, when near his end, addressed his children, saying:—'Avoid wickedness of every kind, practise good of every kind.' I heard this speech, and have made it my constant rule of life. On this account, although I have my private sentiments, I am patient, and not wrathful. Nor can I set myself in opposition to my uncle. I pray thee, henceforward, be not afraid to reform thy views. Yield to the many, and do not withdraw thyself."

At this time, the Daibu also admonished Marise no Omi, saying:—"Thou shouldst not disobey the commands of Prince Ohoye." Hereupon Marise no Omi, having advanced to a point where he had nowhere to turn for support, burst out weeping and went home again. He remained in his house for more than ten days. Prince Hatsuse suddenly took ill and died. Hereupon Marise no Omi said:—"Though I live, on whom shall I place my trust?"