34. The Roof of the House of the Great Departmental Lord of Shiki

1In the beginning, when the Empress dwelt at Kusaka, [the Heavenly Sovereign] made a progress into Kafuchi by way of the Tadagoye road at Kusaka. Then, on climbing to the top of the mountain and gazing on the interior of the country, [he perceived that] there was a house built with a raised roof-frame. The Heavenly Sovereign sent to ask [concerning] that house, saying: “Whose roof with a raised frame is that?” The answer was: “It is the house of the great Departmental Lord of Shiki.” Then the Heavenly Sovereign said: “What! a slave builds his own house in imitation of the august abode of the Heavenly Sovereign!”—and forthwith he sent men to burn the house [down], when the Great Departmental Lord, with trembling and dread, bowed his head, saying: “Being a slave, I like a slave did not understand, and have built overmuch. I am in great dread.” So the thing that he presented as an august offering [in token] of his entreaty was a white dog clothed in cloth, and with a bell hung [round its neck]; and he made a kinsman of his own, named Koshihaki, lead it by a string and present it [to the Heavenly Sovereign]. So the Heavenly Sovereign ordered them to desist from burning [the house].