英語訳
【Right Page】
The grounds of the main shrine are an ancient mausoleum. A sacred fence (tamagaki) has been built around it. The center forms a single mound where verdant trees flourish. 《This place was the old Ōshū Highway, and in ancient times all the cultivated land behind the mausoleum was an inlet, and the Tamagawa River also flowed along this area. This was called the Yaguchi Marsh. It was approximately 300 ken long and 40 or sometimes 30 ken wide. Local people say this was also an old riverbed. Now the water flow has changed.》
Kurakake Enoki (Saddle-hanging Zelkova) 《Located in front of the shrine. It was an extremely old tree, but now it has withered and cannot be seen.》
Ancient Mausoleum Stele 《Erected on the left side in front of the shrine. The text was composed by Fuku Genkō, and the calligraphy by Useki Katsushin. It is said that in the past it faced toward the rear, but now it faces toward the shrine.》
Yaguchi Nitta Shinkun Mausoleum Stele
Long ago, Emperor Genkō resided in Nanzan, and the Ashikaga clan established Emperor Kōmyō in Kyoto. Thus the Northern and Southern Courts split, and the various provinces each supported their respective factions, waging war for several years. The Nitta clan devoted their entire family to loyalist service under the Southern Court. When the clan's Left Middle Captain Minamoto no Yoshisada died in battle, the clan declined. The Divine Lord (Shinkun) was a son of the Middle Captain, named Yoshioki, whose courage was unmatched in the world. During the Enbun era, as Hyōe-no-suke, he secretly toured the eastern provinces under the Southern Emperor's command, attempting to restore their power. Previously, the Ashikaga had placed their son Motouji in Kamakura to govern the Kantō region, with Hatakeyama Kunikiyo as deputy. When they both advanced into Musashi Province, this caused concern. Hatakeyama used the fact that his retainer Takezawa had once served the Divine Lord to devise a stratagem. He secretly plotted and, feigning discord, exiled Takezawa. Takezawa told the Divine Lord: "Though innocent, I am suspected by Kunikiyo. If I could serve you again, I would gladly prove my worth." The Divine Lord accepted him. Takezawa then presented a beautiful woman who gained favor. Later, he requested to host a banquet at his home, plotting harm. The woman had an ominous dream and fearfully prevented the Divine Lord from going out. Takezawa could not accomplish his plan, but the Divine Lord did not suspect him and continued to keep him close. Then he again secretly requested Hatakeyama's help and had two men from the Edo clan assist. He also feigned discord and exiled these two men, who came to the Divine Lord through Takezawa, and the Divine Lord accepted them. Thus the three men worked together. They urged an attack on Kamakura, saying "A large army would make the assault difficult. Let us divide our forces and advance." When the Divine Lord reached Yaguchi Ferry, he had only thirteen followers. Takezawa had previously conspired with the boatman to bore holes in the boat and plug them, making them wait on the shore. Soon the Divine Lord
【Left Page】
and his party boarded the boat. In mid-river, the boatman pretended with his accomplice to drop boat equipment in the water and tried to retrieve it, secretly removing the plugs and swimming away. As water entered the boat and it began to sink, Takezawa and the Edo men emerged from both banks where they had hidden soldiers, making a great clamor. The Divine Lord realized what was happening and, knowing there was nothing more he could do, angrily shouted "I act for revenge against my lord's enemies" and cut his own side, sinking into the water, with all thirteen men following him in death. Later, when those who had caused this harm came to the ferry, thunder and lightning roared, the sky darkened, and the Divine Lord appeared in full armor, and they all died. As the vengeful spirit's appearances continued, the ferry residents built a shrine in fear and enshrined him as a deity. For over 400 years until now, people still fear his divine power and dare not show disrespect. This year, Kanpō Kinoe-ne, Lord Moriyama Minamoto no Yorihiro sent an envoy to erect a stele, personally writing the seal script title, and also commanding Genkō to record its summary based on official history, carving it in stone and adding verses of greeting and farewell. The verses are as follows:
Thunder crashes violently and lightning flashes bright, the dragon chariot startles and dark clouds soar. The god's arrival is sudden and extraordinary, solemnly present as if in the center of the water. Wearing rhinoceros armor and drawing a carved bow, once angered he rouses the heroic spirits. Though enemies fall, resentment is not exhausted, seeking to pacify this sacred shrine. Offering steamed delicacies and wine, gathering orchids and thoroughwort for pure worship, the god has no worries. Already resolute, brave and stern, sweeping away evil spirits never to decline. The water flows gently, clear and cold, coming and going without end. When auspicious times are harmonious and heaven's gate clears, looking back at the descent from the edge of clouds.
Third year of Enkyō, third month of spring, Moriyama Minamoto no Yorihiro inscribed the seal script, composed by Heian Fuku Genkō, calligraphy by Useki Katsushin
One letter from Nitta Sahyōe-no-suke Yoshioki 《Preserved at this shrine》
Regarding the matter commanded through the recent private imperial letter, your courteous communication and intentions differ from others, which is most appropriate. Therefore, as a token of gratitude, Isshiki Jibu-no-shō has been dispatched as an envoy. We are particularly honored to receive your instructions. Regarding the matter of Kyushu, your loyal service continues to be...