Page:Nihongi by Aston volume 2.djvu/23

16 Autumn, 8th month, 1st day. The Emperor made a decree, saying:—"Ah, Ohomuraji! here is this Ihawi who will not obey us. Do thou go and chastise him." The Ohomuraji, Mononobe no Arakahi, with repeated obeisances, said:—"Ah! Ihawi, that unprincipled knave of the western wilds, relies on the impediments of rivers, and does not appear at Court. He trusts to the steepness of the mountains, and stirs up disorder. He subverts virtue and acts contrary to principle; he is insolent and wise in his own conceit. From Michi no Omi in ancient times down to Muruya at present (there have been ministers who) have fought at the same time both for their Emperor and to rescue the people from misery. This is simply owing to the help of Heaven, and thy servant has always been impressed with its importance. How should he fail reverently to smite them?"

The Emperor charged him, saying:—"The generalship of a good commander consists in dispensing kindness and exercising forbearance: he rules others with the leniency he shows to himself. In attack he is like the bursting forth of a river, in combat he resembles the rising of the storm." Again he charged him, saying:—"On a great commander depends the lives of the people and the existence of the State. Be earnest, and reverently execute the Celestial punishment." The Emperor took up the battle-axe in his own hands, and delivered it to the Ohomuraji, saying:—"We will control the country from Anato eastward; do thou hold sway over the land from Tsukushi westwards. Dispense rewards and punishments absolutely, and trouble not thyself to make frequent reference to Us."

22nd year, Winter, 11th month, 11th day. The Commander-in-chief Arakahi, Mononobe no Ohomuraji, taking personal command, engaged battle with the rebel leader, Ihawi, in the district of Miwi in Tsukushi. The flags and drums approached close to each other, the dust (from both armies) became mingled. The critical moment for the two armies arrived, and the position was such that ten thousand deaths seemed