Page:Nihongi by Aston volume 2.djvu/364

Rh 8th month, 1st day. All from the Princes of the Blood down to the Ministers were each made to bring forward matters suitable for framing regulations.

3rd day. The Koryö guests were entertained in Tsukushi.

On this evening at twilight a great star passed from the East to the West.

5th day. Laws were drawn up. There was a great rainbow within the Palace.

11th day. A thing appeared in shape like a Buddhist baptismal flag, and of a flame colour. It floated through the void towards the north and was seen by all the provinces. Some said that it sank into the Sea of Koshi. On this day a white vapour arose on the Eastern Mountain, four fathoms in size.

12th day. There was a great earthquake.

—th day. The Viceroy of Tsukushi reported that there was a sparrow with three legs.

17th day. There was another earthquake. On this day there was a rainbow at dawn right in the middle of the sky and opposite to the sun.

22nd day. The Emperor issued an edict (prescribing) the character of ceremonies and language.

He decreed further, saying:—"Let the lineage and character of all candidates for office be always inquired into before a selection is made. None whose lineage is insufficient are eligible for appointment, even although their character, conduct and capacity may be unexceptionable."

28th day. On account of the illness of the Imperial Princess Hidaka [otherwise called the Imperial Princess Nihiya], an Imperial command was given for the pardon of 190 persons of both sexes who were guilty of capital or lesser crimes.

29th day. More than 140 persons renounced the world in the Great Temple of the Great Palace.

9th month, 2nd day. By Imperial command ceremonial kneeling and crawling were both abolished from this time