Page:Nihongi by Aston volume 2.djvu/309

302 before you speak." Upon this the Heir Apparent suspected a secret plot and was cautious. When the Emperor gave him his commands and bestowed on him the vast undertaking, he declined, saying:—"Thy servant has unfortunately always had bad health: how could he maintain the State? I beseech Your Majesty, bestow the entire Empire on the Empress-consort, and let the Imperial Prince Ohotomo be established as successor to the throne. I will to-day renounce the world, and it is my desire for Your Majesty's sake to perform acts of merit." The Emperor gave his consent, and on the same day he renounced the world and put on the priestly garb. He accordingly collected his private weapons and deposited them every one in the Department.

19th day. He went to the Palace of Yoshino. At this time, Soga no Akaye no Omi, Prime Minister of the Left, Nakatomi no Kane no Muraji, Prime Minister of the Right, and Soga no Hatayasu no Omi, the Dainagon, etc., escorted him. They returned from Uji. Some one said:—"Give a tiger wings and let him go." This evening he occupied the Palace of Shima.

20th day. He arrived at Yoshino and took up his abode there.

At this time he assembled his toneri, and addressed them, saying:—"I am now entering religion, and will carry out its practices. Let those therefore who wish to follow my example and practise religion remain here. If any of you wish by serving the Government to gain a name, let them return and do so." But there were none who would go away.

He again assembled the toneri and addressed them as before. Upon this one half of the toneri stayed with him, and one half withdrew.

12th month. The Emperor Ame mikoto hirakasu wake died.

1st year, Spring, 3rd month, 18th day. Inashiki, Adzumi no Muraji, of Inner Lesser seventh rank, was sent to Tsukushi to announce the mourning for the Emperor to Kuo Ya-ts‘ung and the others. Upon this Kuo Ya-ts‘ung and his people all put on