Page:Nihongi by Aston volume 2.djvu/29

22 During the twenty-four years which have elapsed since we took over the Imperial office, the Empire has enjoyed prosperity, and there have been no anxieties at home or abroad. The veins of the earth have been fertile and the crops have reached maturity. Our secret fear is that the masses may in consequence of this acquire a habit, and that depending on it they may become proud. Therefore let men be made to practise honest thrift, and let the Great Morality be inculcated, so that a mighty progress may be diffused abroad. From of old it has been hard to appoint the right men to office. Now that this duty has devolved upon Ourselves, ought we not to be watchful?"

Autumn, 9th month. An envoy from Imna made representation to the Emperor, saying:—"It is now two years since Kena no Omi proceeded to Kusamura, where he built a house and took up his residence.

The statement in one book that it was three years includes the year of going and coming.

But he is remiss in the discharge of his Governmental duties. Now there are frequent disputes between the people of Japan and the people of Imna respecting children, which are difficult to settle. None of these has ever been decided. Kena no Omi is fond of setting (the caldrons for) the ordeal by boiling water, and saying:—'Those who are in the right will not be scalded: those who are false will certainly be scalded.' Owing to this many persons have been scalded to death by plunging into the hot water. Moreover he has put to death Natari and Săpuri, Corean children of Kibi.

The children born of Japanese marriages with barbarian women were accounted Kara-ko.

He constantly harasses the people, and there is never any amicable solution of difficulties." Hereupon the Emperor, hearing of this conduct, sent a man to recall him. But he would not come. He took the trouble, however, to send Mikari, Kahachi no Mŭma-kahi no Obito up to the capital with a message for the Emperor, saying:—"If thy servant returned to the capital before carrying out the Imperial instructions, his toil of travel would come to nothing. How should he get over