Page:Nihongi by Aston volume 2.djvu/315

308 marshes. Upon this, the Imperial Prince Ohotomo addressed the Ministers, saying:—"What measures shall we take?" One of the Ministers stood forward and said:—"If we are slow to take measures, we shall certainly be too late. The best plan is with all speed to assemble our choice cavalry and to pursue in their track."

The Imperial Prince did not take this advice, but sent Ihasuki, Ina no Kimi, Kusuri, Fumi no Atahe, and Ohomaro, Wosaka no Atahe, to the East Country, and Momotari, Hodzumi no Omi, with his younger brother, Ihoye, and Hiuga, Mononobe no Obito, to the Yamato capital. Moreover, he sent Wotoko, Saheki no Muraji, to Tsukushi, and Ihate, Kusu no Omi, to the province of Kibi, all of them with orders to levy troops. He said further to Wotoko and Ihate:—"These two, viz. Prince Kurikuma, Viceroy of Tsukushi, and Hiroshima, Tahema no Kimi, Governor of the province of Kibi, were originally dependants of the Imperial younger brother the Heir Apparent, and I suspect them of treason. If there is any sign of disobedience, slay them forthwith." Now when Ihate arrived at the province of Kibi, on the day on which he presented his token of authority, he deceived Hiroshima, and got him to ungird his sword. Ihate then drew his sword and slew him.

When Wotoko reached Tsukushi, Prince Kurikuma received his token of authority, and said to him in reply:—"The province of Tsukushi has always been a defence against the calamity of foreign raids. Were these lofty battlements and deep moats overlooking the sea meant as a protection from an internal enemy? If, in awe of this command, I should now despatch troops, this province would be left unprotected, and if troubles were suddenly to arrive unexpectedly, the State would soon be overturned. What good would it then do to put me to death a hundred times? How can I dare to disregard my duty? This is my reason for refusing to set the troops in movement hastily."

Now the two sons of Prince Kurikuma, Prince Mino and Prince Takebe, stood beside him, girt with their swords, and did not withdraw. Hereupon Wotoko grasped his sword as about to rush forward. But he feared lest on the contrary he