10. A Wild-goose Lays an Egg

1Another time, the Heavenly Sovereign, when about to hold a copious feast, made a progress to the Island of Hime, just when a wild-goose had laid an egg on that island. Then, sending for His Augustness the Noble Take-uchi, he asked him in a Song about the laying of an egg by a wild goose. This Song said:

2“Court Noble of Uchi! thou indeed art a long-lived person. Hast thou [ever] heard of a wild-goose laying an egg in the land of Yamato?”

3Hereupon the Noble Take-uchi spoke in a Song, saying:

4“August Child of the High-Shining Sun, it is indeed natural that thou shouldest deign to ask, it is indeed right that thou shouldest ask. I indeed am a long-lived person, [but] have not yet heard of a wild-goose laying an egg in the land of Yamato.”

5Having thus spoken, he was granted the august lute and sang, saying:

6“Oh thou prince! the wild-goose must have laid the egg because thou wilt at last rule.”

7This is a Congratulatory Incomplete Song.