Page:Nihongi by Aston volume 2.djvu/251

244 no Omi [son of Toyotari no Omi], and Okina, Hi no Muraji [son of Madama. Another book adds the student priests Chiben and Gitoku and the student Ihatsumi, Sakahibe no Muraji], in all 121 persons, who sailed together in the same ship. Mita, Nunobara no Obito, was appointed as envoy to accompany them. Again, the Chief Ambassador Nemaro [also called Yatsukahagi], Takada no Obito, of Lower Daisen rank, and the Associate Ambassador Womaro, Kamori no Muraji, of Upper Shō-otsu rank, with the student priests Dōfuku and Gikō, in all 120 persons, sailed together in one ship. Yatsute, Hashi no Muraji, was appointed as Envoy to escort them.

In this month the Emperor visited the chamber of the priest Bin, inquired after his illness, and at length from his own mouth delivered his gracious commands.

One book says:—"In the 7th month of the 5th year, the priest Bin took ill in the Temple of Adzumi. Thereupon the Emperor paid him a visit of inquiry, and taking him by the hand, said:—'If your Reverence dies to-day, We shall follow you in death to-morrow.'"

6th month. Pèkché and Silla sent Envoys bearing tribute and offering presents.

The highways of various places were repaired.

The Emperor was informed of the death of the priest Bin, and sent a messenger of condolence and also numerous presents.

The Empress Dowager, the Prince Imperial, etc., all sent messengers to offer condolences on the death of the priest Bin. Eventually the Emperor commanded Komaro, Koma no Tachibe, a painter, with Funado no Atahe and others to make a large number of figures of Buddha and Bosatsu, to be placed in the Temple of Kahara [one book says they are in the Temple of Yamada].

Autumn, 7th month. Takada no Nemaro and his colleagues, the Ambassadors sent to Great Thang, were drowned by the sinking of their ship in the Gate of Takashima, off the coast of Satsuma. Only five men who lashed themselves to a plank,