Page:Nihongi by Aston volume 2.djvu/173

166 Autumn, 9th month, 19th day. The Emperor made a progress to the hot springs of Arima in the Province of Settsu.

Winter, 12th month, 13th day. The Emperor arrived from the hot springs.

4th year, Autumn, 8th month. Great Thang sent Kao Piao-jên to escort Mitasuki (on his way back from China to Japan). They anchored together at Tsushima. At this time the student-priests Ryöng-un and Bin, together with Suguri no Torikahi and Silla Escort Envoys, came in their train.

Winter, 10th month, 4th day. The Envoys from the Land of Thang, Kao Piao-jên and his companions, arrived in the harbour of Naniha. Accordingly Mŭmakahi no Muraji was sent to meet them at E-guchi. There were thirty-two boats, which, as well as the drums, fifes and flags, were all gaily decorated. He addressed Kao Piao-jên and his companions, saying:—"Hearing that the Envoy appointed by the Son of Heaven has arrived at the Emperor's Court, I have come to receive him." Then Kao Piao-jên answered and said:—"On a day when the wind is so chill, it gives me great pleasure that you have been good enough to come to meet me with these gaily-decked boats." Hereupon Wotsuki, Naniha no Kishi, and Yafushi, Ohoshi-kahachi no Atahe, were appointed to be their guides as far as the front of the official residence. Then Ittō, Iki no Fubito, and Yatsushi, Naniha no Kishi, were sent to introduce the guests into the official residence. On the same day, sacred sake was given them.

5th year, Spring, 1st month, 26th day. The Envoys from Great Thang, Kao Piao-jên and his companions, returned to their own country. The envoys sent to escort them, viz. the Kishi Womaro, Kuromaro and the rest, went as far as Tsushima, and then came back.

6th year, Autumn, 8th month. A long star was seen in the south. The people of that time called it a besom-star.