Page:Nihongi by Aston volume 2.djvu/359

352 30th day. Orders were given to the whole Empire to hold a great Purification ceremony. At this time the Miyakko of each province supplied one slave to the Shrine of Purification, and thus did purification.

Intercalary 7th month, 15th day. In fulfilment of a vow of the Empress-consort a great feast of vegetable fare was given, and the Sutras were expounded in all the Temples of the capital.

8th month, 11th day. A notification was made to the people of the three Han, saying:—"On a former day, your taxes were remitted for a period of ten years, which have now come to an end. In addition to this, all forced labour is remitted for a period of ten years to you who accepted our rule, and also to your children and grandchildren who accompanied you in the first year."

11th day. Michichi, Kamitsukenu no Kimi, of Lower Daikin rank, died.

16th day. The province of Ise sent tribute of a white owl.

20th day. The Envoys sent to Tanegashima presented a map of that island. This country is more than 5000 ri distant from the capital, and lies in the middle of the sea south of Tsukushi. The inhabitants cut off their hair and wear garments of grass. Rice is always abundant. With one sowing, there are two harvests. The products of the island are Cape jasmine and bulrushes. There are also numerous marine products of different kinds.

On this day, Ya-phil took his departure for his own country.

9th month, 3rd day. The Envoys sent to Koryö and Silla arrived together and paid their respects to the Emperor.

5th day. The province of Suwō presented a red tortoise, which was let loose in the pond of the Palace of Shima.

9th day. A decree was issued, as follows:—"Let all Houses in which a senior member has not yet been fixed, each decide upon a senior member and report to the controlling department."

14th day. An entertainment was given to the men of Tanegashima on the river bank west of the Temple of Asuka. Various kinds of music were performed.