Yei.  Ye.  Yeas.[20]

[Footnote 20:  Kempper writes this other name of Ongosio Sama, as he calls him, Ijejas; which, according to the English orthography, is Iyeyas.—­Astl.  I. 489. b.]

On the 11th of September, the present intended for the mint-master was delivered to him, which he received very thankfully, and sent me in return two Japanese gowns of taffeta, quilted with silk cotton.  The 12th Mr Adams was sent to the mint-master, who is the emperor’s merchant, having charge of the mint and all the ready money, being in great estimation with the emperor, as he had made a vow, whenever the emperor dies, to cut out his own bowels and die with him.  The purpose of Mr Adams waiting upon him at this time, was to carry a list of the prices of our English commodities.  About noon of this same day, being furnished with horses and men by the emperor, as formerly specified, we set out for Jedo.  The country between Surunga and Jedo we found well peopled, with many Fotoquis, or idol temples.  Among others which we passed, was one having an image of great reputation, called Dabis, made of copper, hollow within, but of substantial thickness.  We estimated its height to be twenty-one or twenty-two feet, being in the form of a man kneeling on the ground, and sitting on his heels; the whole of wonderful size, and well proportioned, and being dressed in a gown cast along with the figure.  Some of our men went into the inside of this idol, and hooped and hallooed, which made an exceeding great noise.  It is highly reverenced by all native travellers who pass that way.  We found many characters and marks made upon it by its visitors, which some of my followers imitated, making their marks in like manner.  This temple and idol stand in the main road of pilgrimage to Tencheday, which is much frequented for devotion, as both night and day people of all ranks and conditions are continually going or returning from that place.

Mr Adams told me that he had been at the Fotoqui, or temple dedicated to Tencheday, to which image they make this devout pilgrimage.  According to his report, one of the fairest virgins of the country is brought monthly into that Fotoqui, and there sits alone in a room neatly fitted up, in a sober manner; and, at certain times, this Tencheday, who is thought to be the devil, appears unto her, and having carnally known her, leaves with her at his departure certain scales, like unto the scales of fishes.  Whatever questions she is desired by the bonzes, or priests of the Fotoqui, to ask, Tencheday resolves.  Every month a fresh virgin is provided for the temple, but Mr Adams did not know what became of the former.[21]

[Footnote 21:  The editor of Astley’s Collection, vol.  I. p. 487, note b. very gravely informs his readers what they certainly are aware of, that the gallant must have been one of the bonzes, or priests.—­E.]