Page:Nihongi by Aston volume 2.djvu/382

Rh them presents of coarse silk, floss silk, and cloth, varying according to the rank of each.

On this day conundrums were put to the Ministers, and more presents of fine and coarse silk given to those who made the right answers on the spot.

17th day. A banquet was given in the hinder Palace.

18th day. There was a great revel at Court.

On this day the Emperor took his place in front of the Imperial muro building and made presents to performers, of various values. He also gave presents of clothing to singers.

9th day. There was an earthquake.

In this month Prince Kahachi, of Jō-kwō-shi rank, Yasumaro, Ohotomo no Sukune, of Jiki-kwō-san rank, Ohoshima Fujihara no Ason, of Jiki-dai-shi rank, Konoshiro, Sakahibe no Sukune, of Jiki-kwō-shi rank, and Mushimaro, Hodzumi no Ason, of Jiki-kwō-shi rank, were sent to Tsukushi to entertain Kim Chi-syang, of Silla.

2nd month, 4th day. The Emperor took his place in the Great Reception Hall and conferred the rank of Gon-i on six Ministers who attended him personally.

5th day. The Emperor commanded that nine meritorious governors of provinces should be selected and the rank of Gon-i conferred on them.

3rd month, 6th day. Yakuni, Hata no Mabito, of Jiki-dai-san rank, holding the office of Daiben, took ill. On his behalf three men entered religion as priests.

10th day. Snow.

25th day. Yakuni, Hata no Mabito, died. On account of his services in the year Midzunoye Saru, he was granted the posthumous rank of Jiki-dai-ichi.

Summer, 4th month, 8th day. The rank of Jiki-kwō-shi was bestowed on Kato, Kuhabara no Sukuri, the Emperor's body-physician. He was also granted the title of Muraji.

13th day. For the entertainment of the Silla guests, the music of the Temple of Kahara was transported to Tsukushi. Accordingly, 5000 sheaves of rice, the private property of