Page:Nihongi by Aston volume 2.djvu/174

Rh 7th year, Spring, 1st month. The besom-star went round and was seen in the East.

Summer, 6th month, 10th day. Pèkché sent the Tal-sol, Yu and others with tribute.

Autumn, 7th month, 7th day. The Pèkché guests were entertained at Court. In this month a lotus of auspicious omen grew in the Tsurugi pond. There were two flowers on one stalk.

8th year, Spring, 1st month, 1st day. There was an eclipse of the sun.

3rd month. All those who had had illicit intercourse with the Uneme were put on their trial, and were all punished.

At this time Wosazaki, Miwa no Kimi, by reason of the pain of the examination, committed suicide by stabbing himself in the throat.

Summer, 5th month. There were great rains and floods.

6th month. The Palace of Okamoto having been destroyed by fire, the Emperor removed his residence to the Palace of Tanaka.

Autumn, 7th month, 1st day. Prince Ohomata addressed Toyora no Oho-omi, saying:—"The Ministers and functionaries are remiss in their attendance at Court. Henceforward, let them attend at the beginning of the hour of the Hare, and withdraw after the hour of the Serpent. Regulate this by means of a bell." The Oho-omi, however, did not take this advice.

This year there was a great drought, and there was famine throughout the Empire.

9th year, Spring, and month, 23rd day. A great star floated from East to West, and there was a noise like that of thunder. The people of that day said that it was the sound of the falling star. Others said that it was earth-thunder. Hereupon the Buddhist Priest Bin said:—"It is not the falling star, but the Celestial Dog, the sound of whose barking is like thunder."