Page:Nihongi by Aston volume 2.djvu/258

Rh barges were loaded with stones from the Iso no Kami Mountain and hauled with the current to the mountain on the east of the Palace, where the stones were piled up to form a wall. The people of that day reviled the work, saying:—"This mad canal, which has wasted the labour of over 30,000 men! This wall-building, which has wasted the labour of over 70,000 men! And the timber for the Palace which has rotted! And the top of the mountain which has collapsed!"

Again they reviled, saying:—"May the mound built at Iso no kami break down of itself as fast as it is built!" [This abuse was probably uttered while the work was incomplete.]

A Palace was also built at Yoshino.

The Ambassadors to the Western Sea, Takunaha, Saheki no Muraji, and Kunikatsu, Naniha no Kishi, of Lower Shōsen rank, with their companions returned from Pèkché and presented the Empress with a parrot.

The Palace of Wokamoto took fire.

3rd year, Autumn, 7th month, 3rd day. Two men and four women of the Land of Tukhāra who had drifted to Tsukushi, said:—"We first of all drifted to the island of Amami." So they were sent for by post-horses.

15th day. A model of Mount Sumi was constructed to the west of the Temple of Asuka-dera. Moreover the festival of All Souls was held. In the evening the people from Tukhāra were entertained. [One book says, "the people of Tora."]

9th month. The Imperial Prince Arima was of a deceitful disposition, and pretended insanity, etc., etc. He went to the hot baths of Muro, under the pretence of treatment of disease. On his return he praised the quality of the country, saying:—"Scarce had I seen that region, when my complaint disappeared of itself," etc., etc. The Empress, hearing this, was rejoiced, and wished to go and visit it.

This year envoys were sent to Silla with the following