Page:Nihongi by Aston volume 2.djvu/8



BOOK XVII.

THE EMPEROR WOHODO.

(KEIDAI TENNŌ.)

Emperor Wohodo [otherwise called Hiko-futo no Mikoto] was the son of Prince Hiko-nushi-bito, a descendant in the fifth generation of the Emperor Homuda. His mother's name was Furuhime. She was a descendant in the seventh generation of the Emperor Ikume. The Emperor's father, hearing at his country-house at Miwo, in the district of Takashima, in the province of Ohomi, of the extreme and resplendent beauty of Furuhime's countenance, sent a messenger to Sakanawi in Mikuni to ask for her in marriage. He took her to him as his consort, and she eventually gave birth to the Emperor.

The Prince, the Emperor's father, died while the Emperor was yet a child. Furuhime thereupon made lament, saying:—"I am now far removed from my native place: how could I bring him up (here)? I will return to my parents at Takamuku [Takamuku is a village in Echizen], and there respectfully bring up the Emperor."

When the Emperor attained to manhood, he loved the people, and was courteous to men of worth. He was of a generous disposition.

The Emperor Wohatsuse died in the 8th year of his reign, in Winter, the 12th month, 8th day, at the age of fifty-seven. He had never had any children, either sons or daughters, and there was no one to succeed him.