Page:Nihongi by Aston volume 2.djvu/268

Rh of Ihashiki no Muraji met crosswise with a contrary wind and was driven to an island in the Southern Sea, named Erh-kia-wei, where it was destroyed by the islanders. Arima, Yamato no Aya no Wosa no Atahe, with Inadzumi, Sakahibe no Muraji, and three others, stole a ship belonging to the islanders, and embarking in it, escaped to Kwa-chow. The officials of this district sent them under escort to the capital, Loh-yang. At midnight on the 16th day, the ship of Kiza no Muraji arrived at Mount Hsu-an near Kuei-chi in the Yueh district, when a north-east wind sprang up and blew with such violence that on the 23rd they reached the district of Yü-yao. The great ship on which they were embarked, with all its gear, was left behind at this place, and on the 1st day of the 11th intercalary month, they arrived at the seat of Government of the Yueh district. On the 15th they entered the capital, riding on post-horses. On the 29th, travelling with all speed, they reached the Eastern capital, where the Emperor had then his residence. On the 30th they had an audience of the Emperor, who inquired of them, saying:—"Is the Empress of your country in good health?" The Envoys answered respectfully:—"Her virtue is in harmony with Heaven and Earth, and she therefore naturally enjoys good health." The Emperor inquired of them:—"And the Ministers in charge of affairs—is it well with them?" The Envoys answered respectfully:—"As they enjoy the favour and esteem of our Empress, it is well with them also." The Emperor inquired of them, saying:—"Is there peace within your country or not?" The Envoys answered respectfully, saying:—"The Government accords with Heaven and Earth, and therefore there is nothing untoward among the multitude." The Emperor inquired of them, saying:—"In what quarter is the Land of these Yemishi situated?" The Envoys answered respectfully, saying:—"It lies to the north-east." The Emperor inquired of them, saying:—"How many tribes of Yemishi are there?" The Envoys answered respectfully, saying:—"There are three kinds. The most distant are called Tsugaru, the next Ara-Yemishi, and the nearest