The royal commentaries of Peru, in two parts the first part, treating of the original of their Incas or kings, of their idolatry, of their laws and government both in peace and war, of the reigns and conquests of the Incas, with many other particulars relating to their empire and policies before such time as the Spaniards invaded their countries : the second part, describing the manner by which that new world was conquered by the Spaniards : also the civil wars between the Piçarrists and the Almagrians, occasioned by quarrels arising about the division of that land, of the rise and fall of rebels, and other particulars contained in that history : illustrated with sculptures / written originally in Spanish by the Inca Garcilasso de la Vega ; and rendered into English by Sir Paul Rycaut, Kt.

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Royal Commentaries. BOOK IV.

CHAP. I.

Of the Convent of those Virgins who were dedicated to the Sun.

AMONGST the many things worthy of Observation, which those Heathen Kings followed in their vain Religion and Gentilism; the Profession which some of their Women made of perpetual Cha∣stity, and the Retirements which were built for them in several Provinces are not here to be omitted; and for better understan∣ding who those Women were, to whom they dedicated them∣selves, and wherein they were employed, we shall declare very distinctly, be∣cause it is a matter which the Spanish Historians touch but slightly, and as the Proverb goes, as the Cat doth a Coal of fire: and particularly we shall here treat of the House at Cozco, because that that was the model or pattern of all the rest.

In that City is a certain Lane, which they call Acllahuaci, which is as much as the House of the separated Virgins: This Lane passed through the two Streets, which lead from the Market∣place to the Convent of St. Dominick, which was anciently the Temple of the Sun; one of these Streets passed directly from a Corner of the Market-place, bending on the left hand towards the great Church to the North∣ward. When, in the Year 1570. that I departed from that City, this then was the chief Street for the Merchants; and the other Street which passes from the middle of the Market-place, where in my time the Prison was, led directly on the right hand to the said Convent of St. Dominick: The Front of this House was just opposite to the Market-place, and opened between those two Streets before mentioned; the backside of it bordered on another Street, which crosses East to West; so that this House was placed in an open square between the Market-place and the three Streets; and between this and the Temple of the Sun, there was a separate pile of Buildings, with the great Area, or Court-yard, before the Temple. Whence we plainly perceive the mistake of those Writers, who report, that those Virgins had their Lodgings within the Temple of the Sun; and that they were Priestesses, and Assistants to the Priests in their Offertories and Sacri∣fices. For in regard it was the design and intention of the Incas to separate these Virgins from the conversation, and society of Men; and that as Women were not permitted to enter within the Temple of the Sun, so neither were men allow∣ed admission into the retirements of these Virgins; it cannot be rationally belie∣ved that these Virgins could have any other than a distinct House, distant and dis∣joined from any other; and for this reason they called them the select, because

they were selected apart and chosen with respect to their lineage and beauty; and that for assurance, that they were Virgins at the time of such admission into the Monastery, they were received into that Order at eight years of age, or under.

And because these Virgins who belonged to the Monastery at Cozco were dedi∣cated, and as it were espoused to the Sun, it was esteemed necessary that they should be of his Lineage and Bloud, that is, Daughters of the Incas, or of his Un∣cles, and such who were descended by Father and Mother of the same Lineage, and not Bastardized by mixture of humane bloud with divine race, but pure and unspotted; for since their opinion was, that they were espoused unto the Sun, and that he was to have Children by them, 'twas reason that they should be without spot or blemish, and their bloud pure and undefiled.

These Monks, or Nuns, were commonly about 1500 in Number, governed by grave Matrons, admitted to the same profession, who had lived and grown old under the same rules and observance of their Vow: To these were properly committed the care and government of the younger sort, and from this Office they took the Name of Mamacuna, or Mother of the Maids, the word Mama sig∣nifying a Mother; and Cuna in composition, care or watchfulness. With this Title their Offices were very agreeable, for some were Abbesses, others Mistresses to instruct the Novitiates, not onely in their Religious Worships, but likewise in Spinning, Weaving, Sowing, and the like employments; some also were Por∣ters belonging to the Gates, others took care of the Huswifery, and Management, of the domestick affairs, and to make a provision of Necessaries, with which they were sufficiently supplied out of the Estate of the Sun; for they being his Wives, could not be denied a maintenance out of his Revenue.

CHAP. II.

Of the Rules and Statutes, and Employment of these Select Virgins.

THey were Recluses, and for ever shut up, during the whole term of their lives, and obliged to perpetual Virginity; they had no Locutory, or place allowed them at which they might see or converse with Man or Woman; nor had they other society than one with another; for they held, that the Wives of the Sun were to have no communication with other, than with himself; and this their Seclusion was so strict and rigorous, that though the Inca might personally have claimed this privilege, yet because no other should dare or adventure on this attempt by his example, he also denied himself this liberty; onely the Coya, or Queen, with her Daughters, had the freedom to enter in, and visit this Mo∣nastery; and by them the Inca presented his Salutes, demanding of their health, and what their occasions and necessities required. I once saw this House standing alone, without any other Building before it; for onely that, and the Temple of the Sun, which made up two Streets, and four other great Courts, which had been the Palaces of their Kings, remained entire; having been spared by the In∣dians, out of respect to their God the Sun, and the Incas their Kings, when in a general Insurrection against the Spaniards they set fire, and consumed all the rest of the City. Amongst other rarities of this Building, there was a narrow Gallery, in which two onely could go a-breast, that ran through the whole House; and this was the passage to several Chambers and Apartments on each hand, where the Offices of the House were kept, and where the Women worked: At every one of these Doors was a Portress; and in the farthest Chamber, at the end of the Gallery, was the Apartment for the Wives of the Sun, where none entred besides themselves. This House had its common Gate, which we call the Great

Gate; at which none entred besides the Queen, and such as intended to profess the Order.

At the entrance of this Gallery there was a Gate for the common use and ser∣vice of the House, at which there were twenty Porters always attending to bring in, or carry away whatsoever was needfull; but none of them could pass farther than the second Gate upon pain of Death, though they received Commands from within so to doe; nor could any that was within give such Command, or Licence, but on the same penalty.

There were 500 Maidens appointed to attend the Service of these Virgins, who were Daughters of those who had the privilege to be called Incas; not such as were descended from the true Line, and pure Bloud of the Royal Incas, for those were esteemed and separated as Wives, or Spouses of the Sun; but such as the First Inca had made Incas by title and privilege, as before related; to which strangers, or those who were afterwards reduced, could not attain. These Mai∣dens had also their Mamacunas, or Matrons of the same Lineage appointed to them, being such, as having passed their years, and grown old in that House, had part of the care and management thereof committed to them. When the Spa∣niards had overcome this City of Cozco, and that they divided the publick Build∣ings amongst themselves for places to dwell and inhabit; one half of this Con∣vent, which belonged to the Offices, fell to the lot of Pedro del Barco, whom in the sequel of this History we shall have occasion to mention; and the other half was the share of the Licenciado de la Gama, who resided there when I was very young; and afterwards it belonged to Diego Ortiz de Guzman, a Gentleman born at Sevil, whom I knew, and left at Cozco, when I departed thence for Spain.

The principal employment of these Wives of the Sun was to Spin and Weave all the garments which the Inca and the Coya his lawfull Wife wore on their own Persons; they made also all the fine Linen which was offered to the Sun in Sa∣crifice; and what the Inca wore about his head, which was called Llautu, which was about the breadth of the middle finger, but very thick, and so long as to take four or five turns about the head, with a coloured List reaching from one temple to the other.

Their Cloathing was a shirt which reached to their knees, called Uncu; the Spaniards called it Cusma, which was not the common name of it, but onely that which a particular Province gave to it: They wore also a square Mantle of about two Foot deep, which served for a Cloak, called Yacolla. Moreover, these Nuns made Purses for the Inca of about a quarter of a Yard square, which they car∣ried under their Arme, hanged by a fine Twist curiously embroidered, of about two fingers broad, and was in fashion of a Ribbon on the left Shoulder, reach∣ing cross to the right side: These Purses they called Chuspa, and served them to put their Cuca into, which was an Herb that Indians now commonly eat, but was then so rare, that none had the privilege to eat of it but the Inca onely, and his Kindred; unless some Curacas, to whom the King out of a particular favour and affection sent perhaps some Baskets of it every year.

They also made certain Twists of two colours, which were Straw-colour and Carnation, which they called Paycha: these Twists were very fine, of about a Yard long; but were not designed for service of the Inca, but for others of the Royal Bloud, which they wore on their Heads, binding their Foreheads from one temple to the other.

CHAP. III.

Of the respect they shewed to the Works which these Select Virgins made, and what Law there was against those who attempted on their Chastity.

ALL these Curiosities were the handy-work of these Virgins, made in great quantity for their Spouse the Sun; but because he was not capable to re∣ceive or wear those Ornaments on his own Person, they were sent unto the Inca as his lawfull and undoubted Son and Heir, that so he might use them in the stead and place of his Father; the which were esteemed by him as Sacred, and with great reverence and devotion respected by the Subjects of his whole Empire. And if the Greeks and ancient Romans did in the times of their Gentilism adore Juno, Venus and Pallas for Goddesses, it ought not to seem strange if these poor and simple people, who were under the highest circumstances of invincible igno∣rance imaginable, should with a superstitious zeal, and devout affection, adore and worship whatsoever their Religion taught them to be Divine and Sacred; for they apprehending that these Virgins were Coyas, or Queens and real Wives of the Sun, could not but shew respect and reverence to whatsoever proceeded from their hands and labour; for which reason, the Incas themselves could not bestow their Works on any that was not an Inca of the true Bloud; for that were a pro∣phanation of such holy things, and a direct sacrilege to employ divine producti∣ons to common and humane services. And though, as we have formerly said, the King gave Vestments to Curacas, and other Governours, as Signals of his grace and favour; yet those were of another sort, as we shall hereafter make ap∣pear.

Moreover, the employment and office of these Virgins was to make the Bread, called Cancu, which at the great Festivals of the Sun, named Raymi and Cittua, were offered to him in Sacrifice: they also made the Liquour which the Inca and his Kindred drank on the Holy-days of those Festivals called Aca. All the Vessels which were used in this House, such as Kettles, Pots, Jars, and the like, were all made of Gold and Silver, it being reasonable that the Wives of the Sun should live in an equipage agreeable to the quality of such a Husband; so that their Garden also was adorned with Trees and Fruit all made of Gold and Silver, with Plants, and Flowers, and Herbs, and Birds, and other Animals, all rarely coun∣terfeited after the manner of those in the Garden of the Sun.

These were the chief employments of those Nuns which lived in the City of Cozco; the other part of their Life and Actions was agreeable to the profession they made of perpetual Virginity, and of Recluses from the rest of the World. That Nun who violated her Chastity, was buried alive, and her Lover hanged: But in regard that (as they said) a simple death onely seemed too mean a punish∣ment for so exorbitant an offence, which imported no less than the violation of a Wife dedicated to the Sun their God, and Father of their Kings; they ordai∣ned, that with the Delinquent his Wife and Children, Servants and Kindred, with his very Neighbours and Herds of Cattel, should without any remorse, com∣passion or lamentations of any be put to death; that all his Fields and Farms should be laid desolate, and covered with heaps of stones, that so no Cattel might ever feed more thereon, or ever be more trod with humane feet, which had pro∣duced or maintained a wretch so vile and impious as this accursed transgressour.

This was the Law, but it was never put into execution, because none ever did transgress against it: For as the Indians of Peru (as we have said before) were great observers of their Law, and especially devoted to that part which respected their Religion, and the awe and reverence due to their Princes, so they were very severe in execution of those punishments which the Law prescribed, adhe∣ring

to the very rigour of the letter without more remorse or compassion, than if they had destroyed a swarm of Wasps, or drwned a litter of Whelps; for the Incas designing their Laws for the Rules of Humane life, would never suffer them to be frustrated or eluded by the boldness of any that attempted to break them.

CHAP. IV.

That there were many other Houses of these Select Virgins. The severity of the Law before-mentioned, is proved by Example.

ALL that we have said before had relation to the House of those Virgins at Cozco, who were dedicated to the Sun: But besides this, there were se∣veral other Houses for Women of the same profession in divers of the principal Provinces, which the Inca out of his bounty and favour commanded to be built and endowed; but into these, Maids of all conditions and qualities had admission, as well those whose bloud was tainted with common mixture, as those who were of the pure and limpid streams of Royal Bloud. The Daughters also of Curacas, as a mark of favour, were sometimes admitted here; some Maids also of exact beauty, and rare features, though of the common race, were sometimes also re∣ceived in, the which both their Fathers and themselves esteemed for an extraordi∣nary favour; but then they were not admitted under the notion of Wives, or Concubines, to the Sun, but of the Inca onely. Howsoever, they reserved them∣selves with the same retirement and care as those of the Sun; and were attended with young Maidens for their Servants, and maintained at the charge of the Inca: Their employment also was the same with those at Cozco, being to Spin and Weave, and make Garments for the Inca, which they performed in great abun∣dance, and in the same manner as we have related of the others: But howsoe∣ver, those Vestments were not esteemed so sacred, as to be onely appropriated to the Person of the Inca, but were such as the Inca bestowed on his great Lords and Captains, and other Subjects, whensoever he was pleased to honour them with some signal note, or mark of his favour.

These also had their Mamacunas, or Matrons to oversee them, as those had which lived at Cozco, and were governed by the same rules; excepting that those who lived at Cozco were all of the true Royal Bloud, and obliged to a perpetual Cloister and Virginity; but these were Maids of all sorts and conditions, pro∣vided that they were beautifull, being not designed for Wives of the Sun, but Concubines to the Inca.

The same rigour of Law was practised against those who debauched and de∣filed the Women of the Inca, as against those who became Adulterers with the Virgins espoused to the Sun; for the crime being the same, required the same pu∣nishment; but as there was never any such offence committed, so there was ne∣ver any such severity executed; but to confirm that there was such a Law, we have the authority of Augustin de Carate, who in the seventh Chapter of his se∣cond Book, discoursing of the causes of the violent Death of Atahualpa, hath these very words, which I have copied out Verbatim, being very much to our pur∣pose. And as (saith he) all the Allegations which were made hereupon were all pronoun∣ced by the Tongue of the same Filipillo, he interpreted nothing but what made to his own purpose. What might be the cause which moved him hereunto, can never be certainly de∣termined; though it must be one of these two things, either that this Indian entertained private Amours with one of the Wives of Atabaliba, and expected by his death to enjoy her

with more security; which being come to the knowledge of Atabaliba, he complained there∣of to the Governour, saying, That he was more sensible of that misfortune, than he was of his imprisonment; and that no misery, though accompanied with Death, could touch him so nearly as this; for that a common Indian of base extraction, should esteem him at so mean a rate, as to make him the subject of so high an affront, in despight of that Law of their Countrey, which assigned no less a punishment for it, than that such offendour should be burnt alive, with his Wives, Fathers, Children, Brothers, and all the rest of his Kindred, nay the very Flocks and Herds of such an Adulterer were to be destroyed, his Lands laid desolate, and sowed with Salt, his Trees eradicated from the very Roots, his Houses demoli∣shed, with many other inflictions of the like nature. Thus far are the words of Augustin de Carate, which serve to confirm what I have wrote concerning this matter, and indeed I was pleased to have my words avouched by the testimony of this Spanish Cavalier: For though other Historians mention this Law, yet they onely say, that it was with the Death of the Offendour, omitting that of his Wife, and Father, and Relations, and all the other Solemnities of this punishment; whereby we may understand how grievous that offence was esteemed; and how deeply that poor Inca Atahualpa resented it, when in the Agony of his Heart, he said, That he felt it more than his Imprisonment; and all other infelicities, though atten∣ded with Death it self.

Those Women who had the honour to be extracted from these Houses for Concubines to the King, were made uncapable of ever returning thither again, but remained in the Court as Ladies and Attendants on the Queen, untill such time as they were dismissed, and licence given them to return into their own Countries; where for ever afterwards they were provided with Houses and Re∣venue agreeable to their Quality, and to the Dignity and Honour they had acqui∣red by having been Mistresses to the Inca. Those who could not attain to this Honour, were obliged to remain in their Cloister untill they were ancient, and then had liberty either to continue till the time of their Death, or to return to their own Countrey, where they were treated with such respect as was due to the profession they had made.

CHAP. V.

Of the Quality and Ornament of these Select Virgins, and that they were not to be given unto any person whatsoever in Marriage.

THose Virgins which were dedicated or designed for the present King, had the Title after his Death of Mothers to the Successour, with the Addition also of Mamacuna, which was a Name properly belonging to their Office, which ob∣liged them to teach and oversee the young Novices, who were admitted for Con∣cubines of the New Inca, and treated by them as their Children and Daughters-in-law. Every one of these Convents had its Governour or Superiour, who was an Inca, and whose business it was to provide all Necessaries for the use of these Wives of the Inca; for though in reality they were but Concubines, yet in re∣spect and courtesie they gave them the Honourable title of Wives. In every one of these Houses belonging to these Maidens, separated for the use of the Inca; all their Utensils and Services of the House were made of Gold and Silver, as those were which belonged to the Wives of the Sun, and to the famous Temple, and (as we shall hereafter declare) to the Royal Palaces; for indeed all the Gold and Silver, and pretious Stones which were found and amassed in that great Empire, were, for the most part, employed to no other use, than to the Service and Adorn∣ment

of the Temples of the Sun, which were very numerous, and of the Cloi∣sters of those Virgins, which were equally considerable, and to embellish the Royal Palaces with agreeable pomp and magnificence; the quantity consumed in the Services of Curacas, and great Men was little, and that chiefly in their Cups, or drinking Vessels, which was also limited and moderated according to such a de∣gree of Weight and Number as the Inca was pleased to allow them; there was also some small matter licensed for their Garments and Cloathing, when the grand Festivals were celebrated.

It is a great errour and mistake of those who report, that any of these separated Virgins might lawfully be given for Wives to the great Commanders and Cap∣tains by any favour or dispensation of the Inca; for being once dedicated and consecrated for Wives of the Inca, and admitted to that profession, they were ever after rendred uncapable of so low a condescension as to own any other Hus∣band; for that were to prophane that Sacred Character whereby they were de∣dicated to the Inca, and an injury to the Woman, who thereby would be forced to renounce all the grandeur and privileges she enjoyed, under the Reverend Title of one Married to the Inca, that she might receive the less honourable condition of a private person. And since it was a fundamental Law amongst them, That none was to be injured, much less ought any diminution to be offered to their Kings, who, as we have said, were honoured and adored by them under the Notion of Gods.

CHAP. VI.

What Women those were whom the Inca presented and be∣stowed in Marriage.

THE truth is, there were some Women, of whom the Inca made Presents to such Curacas and Captains, who by their Services had merited rewards from him; but then these were but the Daughters of other Curacas, which the Inca took from them to bestow in Marriage upon those who had deserved well from him, which seemed a favour to them both; unto the one that the Inca would vouchsafe to receive and prefer his Daughter; and to the other, that he was plea∣sed to bestow her on him with his own hand, being for that reason esteemed pre∣tious; for not so much the gift, as the Donor being regarded, rendred the least present from the Inca's hand equal to the highest treasure, as if it had something of Divinity conferred with it. Sometimes, though but seldom, the Incas pre∣ferred their natural Daughters of the Royal Bloud to the Curacas, and Gover∣nours of Provinces for Wives, as signals of his favour, and as engagements to them to continue in their Loyalty; of which sort the Inca having many to bestow abroad, had no necessity to have recourse to those for a supply, who were entred in the Sacred and Royal Foundations; for that would have been a diminution to their exalted Degree, a violation to their Religion, and an impiety to mix di∣vine race with prophane Bloud.

CHAP. VII.

Of other Women, who conserved their Virginity, and of Widows.

BEsides these Virgins, who lived Recluses in Cloisters, under the Vow of per∣petual Chastity, there were many other Women of Royal Bloud, who lived in retirement, and vowed to conserve their Virginity, though with liberty to go abroad, and visit their nearest Relations, and assist the sick, and Women in their Travels, and to be present at the Ceremony of shaving, when they gave a Name to their first-born. These Women were held in great Esteem and Veneration, for their Chastity, and purity of their Lives; giving them by way of Excellency, or of some Vertue Divine, the Title of Occlo, which signifies something of super∣eminent Sanctity; and this their Chastity was not pretended, or feigned, but true and real; for if any falsity or hypocrisie were discovered in it, they burnt them alive, or threw them to the Lions to be devoured. I remember that I knew one of these that was very ancient, and had never been married, which they cal∣led Occlo; sometimes she visited my Mother, and, as I have heard, she was her Aunt by the Grandfather; I can say, I am a witness of the great respect they bore towards her, and especially my Mother, who for her Relation, Years and Vertue, behaved her self towards her with all imaginable Reverence and Veneration.

Nor must we here omit the Modesty and Vertue of Widows in general, who for the first Year of their Widowhood kept themselves retired, and free from all conversation, there being very few of those, who had not Children, that married again, much less those who were provided with them, did ever return to a second Marriage, but lived with Continence and Chastity; for which reason the Laws were favourable towards them, commanding Labourers to plow and cultivate their Lands before those of the Curacas, with many other privileges, which the favour of the Inca indulged to them. The truth is, it was a disparagement for a Man, who was not a Widower himself, to marry with a Widow, for as they said, he lost I know not what quality and repute by such a condescension. And this is what is most observable in reference to Virgins, and Widows, and modest Women.

CHAP. VIII.

Of their Marriages in general, and how their Houses were governed.

IT will now be proper in this place for us to treat of their Marriages, and how they were joined together in the Kingdoms and Provinces subjected to the Inca: In order hereunto it is to be noted, that every year, or every two years, the King commanded his Officers to take an account of such young Men and Maidens of his Lineage, as were marriageable, within the City of Cozco, that so they might be matched together; the Maidens were to be of eighteen to twenty years of age, and the young Men from twenty to twenty four, and upwards; under which age they were not esteemed to be of years of consent, for that it was necessary they should be of a ripe age and judgment to govern their Families, which could not be done by

Children in their minority. At the Ceremonies of Matrimony the Inca stood be∣tween the two Persons, and casting his Eyes upon them both, he called the Man by his Name, and then the Woman, and taking their hands into his, joined them together, which being the bond of Matrimony, the Function was performed; and being by the Inca consigned to their Parents, they went home to the House of the Bridegroom's Father, where the Wedding was kept for four or six days with great rejoycing: This was the manner and form of their legal Marriages, which for the great Favour and Honour the Inca had performed in this Function, were called in their Language, the Incan Couple. The King having in this manner matched those of his own Lineage, then the next day following the Officers for this Employment joined the Neighbourhood of the City, with respect to that Di∣vision, which we have mentioned at the beginning of this History, of the Upper and the Lower Cozco.

The Houses which were appointed for the Habitation of the new married Couples, who were Incas, (concerning whom we treat at present) were prepared by the Indians of those Provinces, whose charge it was, according to such provi∣sion as was made in that case. All the Furniture and Utensils of the Houses were provided at the charge of the Parents; every one of their Kindred giving them something towards House-keeping, which was all the Ceremony or Sacrifice per∣formed at that Solemnity; and though many Spanish Historians report divers other barbarous Customs in use at Marriages, it is for want of a distinct knowledge of the Rites of one Province from another; for in those Provinces indeed which were remote from Cozco, and where the Seigniority and Rule of the Incas had not as yet arrived, there may have been many absurd and impious Ceremonies in use, which since have been corrected, and abolished by the more wise and refined Go∣vernment of the Incas.

But as to the true Politicks of the Incas, they observed no other Form of Marri∣age than this before recited, according to which the Curacas in their Provinces, and the Governours in their respective Divisions conformed their discipline, and as Fathers and Lords of their Countrey, practised it in the same manner as did the Inca. And though the Inca, who was Governour, was present at the Mar∣riages which the Curaca solemnized; yet it was not to interpose, or diminish the Authority of the Curaca therein, but onely to approve that in the name of the King which the Curaca had performed by virtue of the power he exercised over his own Vassals. When the Commonalty, or ordinary sort married, the Com∣munity of the People were obliged to build, and provide them Houses, and the Parents to furnish them. It was not lawfull for any to marry out of his own Pro∣vince, or People; but, as the Tribes of Israel, they were obliged to match within their own Lineage and Nation; and excepting onely Sisters, they joined promis∣cuously together, like Sheep of the same flock; so that the People of a Province were not allied onely by Nation, but by Kindred and Bloud. By which it ap∣pears, that it was not lawfull for any to change his Countrey or Habitation, or pass the limits of his Division, or Decurion, but to keep himself close to his Peo∣ple and Families; for in regard the Assemblies within the Community were obli∣ged to build the Houses of the new married, it was their own duty to conserve them in Repair, and not to wander without the Barrier, and Confines of their Parentage.

CHAP. IX.

That the Prince, who was Heir apparent, was to marry his own Sister, and the reasons which they gave for it.

HAving now declared the manner in general, and the way how the common Indians married; we shall in the next place proceed to treat of the Marriage of the Prince, who was Heir apparent. In explanation of which it is to be noted, that it was the most ancient Custome, and fundamental Law of those Kings, that the Prince, who was Heir, should marry with her that was his own Sister by Fa∣ther and Mother, and she onely was capable of being his Legitimate Wife, whom they called Coya, which is as much as Queen, or Empress; and the Eldest Son of these two was allowed for the true and lawfull Heir of the Kingdom.

The Original of this Law and Custome was derived from the first Inca, Manco Capac, and his Wife, Mama Occlo Huaco, who feigning themselves to be the Chil∣dren and descended from the Sun, and to be Brother and Sister, it was therefore concluded by all the Indians, (who perfectly believed this Story) that by the exam∣ple of these two, the same Rule was to be observed in the succession of all future Ages; and this they confirmed by another Example of the Sun and Moon them∣selves, who being Brother and Sister, were joined in Marriage; and therefore this served for an undeniable Authority and Argument to prove the Legality of such a Marriage, by an instance so convincing, as that of these Deities: Yet for want of such Issue female, the Prince might then marry with the nearest of Kindred, such as his Cousin-German, or Aunt, who, for want of Heirs male, were capa∣ble of inheriting the Crown, according to the Custome in Spain.

For want of Heirs male by the first Sister, the Prince might marry with the second, or third, and so on, untill he met with one that produced such issue: and this Rite was punctually observed, and maintained to be legal, from the example of the Sun and Moon, and of the first Inca and his Sister, and from that Rule which enjoined them to keep the Streams of Royal Bloud pure and unmixed, left they should incur the impiety of mixing Divine Bloud with Humane Race. And because the right of this Inheritance came as well by the Mother as the Father, the same could not be conserved, unless they both concurred to make an Heir with an undoubted Title. Hereunto they added farther, that the Majesty of the Queen could not be communicated to any other, unto whom it did not apper∣tain by Nature; for that her Conjunction and Union with the King could not render her capable of such a Character, which was to be worshipped and adored in the place of a Deity, for that were to commit Idolatry, by giving Divine Worship to a Humane Creature.

Besides the lawfull Queen those Kings might have many Concubines, both of their own Kindred, to the fourth Degree, and also of Strangers; but the Children by them were observed with different degrees of respect; the Sons by the Kins∣women were esteemed legitimate, having no mixture of common Bloud, which quality was ever esteemed with high Veneration, when those by Strangers were accounted Bastards; and though they had some respect shewn them above that of common degree, yet it was not with such exteriour and interiour Devotion, as to those of purer Bloud, who were accounted Gods, when these were onely ho∣noured as Men. So that the King had three sorts of Children, one by his Sister and Wife, who were legitimate, and capable of the Succession; another sort was by his Kinswomen of the same Bloud; and a third by Strangers, who were reputed Natural and Bastard-Sons.

CHAP. X.

Of the different manners of inheriting Estates.

FOR want of Issue male by the legitimate Wife, the Law then was, that the Eldest of the true bloud should succeed, as it happened in the case of Manco Inca a Huascar, as we shall hereafter make appear in its due place, for in no wife it would be permitted that a Bastard should inherit; and for want of lawfull Sons of the bloud, the Inheritance fell to the next of Kindred, provided he were truly descended by Father and Mother.

By reason of this Law Atahualpa destroyed the whole Race of the true and Royal Bloud, both Men and Women, (as we shall relate in its due place;) for he being a Bastard, and therefore uncapable to inherit, made way to his usurped Kingdom by the death of the lawfull Heirs, lest one of them remaining alive, should recover it again from his Power. All those of the Bloud married together, to the fourth Degree, that so the Generation of them might multiply to great numbers; onely the eldest Sister was reserved for the King, it not being lawfull for any to take her besides himself. The eldest Son always inherited the Kingdom for a series of twelve Kings, who succeeded without interruption, untill the Spa∣niards invaded them.

Howsoever amongst the Curacas, or Lords over Vassals, a different Rule and Custome was observed; for in some Provinces the Eldest Son succeeded, in others the most beloved, and esteemed for his Vertue, and Affability was the qualifica∣tion required, of which the People being Judges, the Government seemed rather Elective than Hereditary. This Law was a curb to the Sons of the Curacas, re∣straining them from Tyranny, and an obligation to be vertuous; for in regard the Disposal of the Inheritance depended on the pleasure of the People; the Sons contended in kindness towards their Subjects, and every one laboured to render himself, by his Valour and Gentleness, the most beloved and acceptable to the People.

In some Provinces the Sons inherited according to their Birth, as when the Fa∣ther dyed, the Eldest Son succeeded, then the second, then the third, and so for∣ward; and when all the Brothers were extinct, the Inheritance fell to the Eldest Son of the Eldest Brother, and so successively; so that hence appears the mistake of a certain Spanish Historian, who says, that it was the common Custome of all Peru, that the Brothers of the King should gradually succeed one after the other; and that all of them being dead, then the Kingdom ascended again to the Eldest Son of the eldest Brother; which Errour proceeded from a misunderstanding of the true difference between the manner of inheriting by Incas, and Curacas. For though the Incas did reduce and subdue many Provinces to their Power, yet they did not alter their Customes, and ancient Laws, unless they interfered with their Religion, and their own supreme and absolute Jurisdiction; but rather they con∣firmed many of those Customs which were good and laudable; particularly that whereby the most deserving Son was chosen to the Government, it seeming a spur and incitement to Vertue, to have Power and Grandeur set up for the Prize and Reward of their Merit: the which appeared so reasonable, that a certain Inca King desired once to have introduced this Custome into his own Family, and in despight of their own severe Law of Primogeniture, have made his Sons depend on the favour and air of the Peoples Suffrages, as we shall discourse in its due place. There is a People about fourty Leagues to the Eastward of Cozco, which I have been amongst, of the Nation of Quechua, some call them Sutcunca, where a par∣ticular instance happened, relating to the different manner of inheriting in that Countrey. The Curaca of that People, called Don Garçia, finding himself at the point of death, called for his four Sons, who were Men grown, with the Nobles of his Province, and admonished them by way of his last Words and Testament,

that they should observe and keep that Law of Jesus Christ which they had lately received, and for ever praise and thank God for sending them so inestimable a be∣nefit and honour, and serve the Spaniards for having been the means and instru∣ments of such Divine Revelations; and that they should serve and obey their Master with singular Affection, to whose lot and fortune it should fall to be their Lord and Governour; lastly, he told them, that since it was the Custome of their Countrey to elect the most vertuous unto their Government, he charged them to make choice of that Person amongst his Sons, whom they esteemed the most de∣serving; and that in case none of them appeared worthy of their paternal Succes∣sion and Honour, that then, passing them by, they should chuse such a Person from amongst themselves, whom they reputed of greatest Honour and Worthi∣ness; for that since nothing was so dear to him as the common Good, and Benefit of his People, he desired not the promotion of his Children farther than as it tended to that end and design: All which a Priest, who had been his Confes∣sour, reported as a remarkable Testament and Passage in those barbarous parts.

CHAP. XI.

Of their Ceremonies when they weaned, and shaved, and gave Names to their Children.

THE Incas, when they weaned their Eldest Sons, they made great Feasts and rejoycing, which they did not observe for their Daughters, or second or third Sons, at least not with that solemnity; for the order of Primogeniture of Males was in high Esteem with the Incas, and by their Example with all their Subjects.

They weaned them at two years of age, and upwards, and then clipt off the Hair of their Heads, and with that gave them their Names: At which cere∣mony the Kindred assembled, and he that was to impose the Name, shore off the first lock of the Infant's Hair. Their Scissers were made of a Flint, for as yet the Indians were not arrived to a better Invention; after the God-father had snipped his lock, the rest of the Kindred did the like, one after the other, according to their Age and Quality; and when the Infant was quite shorn, then the Name was given, with the Presents which they brought; for some gave him Garments, and clothing, others bestowed Cattle, others Arms of divers Fashions, others Cups of Gold and Silver to drink in: the which was performed onely towards the Princes of the Royal Bloud; for that the Commonalty were not permitted this Honour, unless by particular Privilege or Dispensation.

After this Ceremony was ended, then came in their drink, for a dry Feast was accounted dull, and with Singing, and Dancing, they passed the whole Day, untill Night parted them; which Jollity being the next day renewed, continued for three or four days, according to the quality of the Parents; the like Ceremony was observed, when the locks of the young Prince, and Heir ap∣parent, were clipt, at which the High Priest of the Sun assisted, and was the first to cut his Hair; moreover at this solemnity the Curacas of the whole Kingdom, either in Person, or by their Deputies appeared, and were assisting at this Festival, which continued for the space of at least twenty days, offering their Presents of Gold, and Silver, and pretious stones, and what else was curious and rare, in their respective Provinces.

In resemblance hereof (because it is natural for People to imitate their Prince) the Curacas, and generally all the Nations of Peru followed this Example, in some proportion agreeable to their Quality and Ability; and this was accounted one of their most jolly and merry meetings.

CHAP. XII.

That they educated their Children without any tender∣ness.

AS well the Incas, as the Commonalty, both rich and poor, bred up their Children with the least of tenderness and delicacy that was possible: for so soon as an Infant was born, they washed it in cold water, before they swathed it in its Mantles; and then every morning they bathed it in cold water, and some∣times exposed it to the dew of the night; perhaps the Mother would sometimes out of tenderness spirt the water out of her mouth on the Child, and so wash it; but generally they had an opinion, that cold and exercise did corroborate and strengthen the Body and Limbs: their Armes they kept swathed, and bound down for three months, upon supposition, that to loose them sooner, would wea∣ken them; they kept them always in their Cradles, which was a pitifull kind of a frame, set on four legs, one of which was shorter than the rest, for convenience of rocking; the Bed was made of a sort of course knitting, which was something more soft than the bare boards, and with a string of this knitting they bound up the Child on one side, and the other, to keep it from falling out.

When they gave them suck they never took them into their Lap or Armes, for if they had used them in that manner, they believed that they would never leave crying, and would always expect to be in Armes, and not lie quiet in their Cradles; and therefore the Mother would lean over the Child, and reach it the Breast, which they did three times a day, that is, at morning, noon and night, and unless it were at those times, they never gave it suck; for they said, that not accustoming it to set hours, would cause it to expect suckling the whole day, and be never quiet, but when the Breast was at the Mouth; which causes frequent vomits and pewkings, and made them, when they were grown Men, to be glut∣tons, and drunkards; for we see, said they, in other Creatures, that they admini∣ster their Dugs and Nipples to their Young at certain hours and seasons. The Mother always nursed her own Child, for though she were a Lady of the highest degree, she would never suffer her Infant to be nourished with the milk of another, unless in the case of sickness, or some other infirmity; and during the time of their nursing, they abstained from the Bed of their Husbands, as that which would curdle their milk, and make the Child a Changeling. Such as were thus transferred to stranger Nurse, were called Ayusca, which is a participle of the preterperfect tense, and is as much as to say, one denied, or renounced, or changed by its Parents; and by way of Metaphor the younger sort would reproach one the other with that word, intimating that his Mistress shew'd more favour to his Rival than to him∣self; to utter that word to a married man were a high affront, being one of those five words that are scandalous, and will bear an Action. I knew once a Palla, of Lady of the Bloud Royal, who was forced to give her Daughter to be suckled by another; the faithless Nurse proving with Child, her Foster-child fell into a Con∣sumption and Convulsions, and became nothing but Skin and Bones; the Mother finding her Daughter in this manner made Ayusca, at the end of eight months after, when she had almost dried up her milk, she restored her Infant to her own natural Breasts, which fetched down her milk again, and applying an Unguent of Herbs to the Shoulders, the Infant recovered, which was before given over, as in a de∣sperate condition; such is the virtue of the Mother's Milk, that there is nothing more medicinal, and nothing more restorative than that natural sustenance.

If the Mother had a sufficient stock of Milk, the Child never received any other nourishment than that, untill the time it was weaned; for they were of opinion, that all other sorts of food created nothing but crudities and indigestions. When it was time to take it out of the Cradle, they made a little pit for it in the floor, which reached to the Breast, in which they put it, with some old clouts to make

it soft, to which the Child being inured, did not trouble the Mother's Armes, and having some few play-things thrown before it, it pleased and contented it self without the least disturbance; and so unwilling were they to accustome it to the Lap, that though it were a Child of the greatest Curaca of the Kingdom, it was not treated otherwise; and that when it was grown so big as to crawl about, they would use it to suck upon its knees at one Breast, and then teach it to creep about to the other, but would never take it into the Armes. The Woman in Child-bed was treated yet more hardily than was the Child; for so soon as she had brought forth, she went to the next stream, or to some cold water in the House, where she washed her self and her Infant, and afterwards applied her self to her domestick Affairs, without any concernment whatsoever: They had no use of Midwives, or others, at their Labours, and if any did assist, she was rather a Witch, or Enchantress, than a Midwife. And this was all the custome and manner in Peru, which was equally practised by the Rich and Poor, Nobility and Commonalty, both at the Birth of their Children, and breeding them up af∣terwards.

CHAP. XIII.

Of the Huswifery of the married Women.

THE married Women always employed themselves at home in spinning and weaving Wool in the cold Countries, and of Cottons in the hot, every one spinning and making Cloaths for themselves, their Husbands, and Children; sowing was the least of their work, either for Men or Women, for their thread was bad, and their needles worse; notwithstanding whatsoever they wove, whe∣ther Wool, or Cotton, all was spun, and twined into threads. All their Cloth was made of four threads, and not woven wider or longer, than just as much as was sufficient to make a Mantle, Shirt, or Wastcoat; their Vestments were not cut out, or shaped, but all of a piece, after the manner that they came from the Loom; for before they began to weave them, they designed the proportion of length and breadth, which they intended to give them; so that they had need neither of Taylors, Hosiers, nor Shomakers, for they had no need of those things which we make necessaries, and their Women took care of their Houses and Clothing, onely the Men were to provide the Hose, or Stockings, and Arms; and though the Incas of the Royal Bloud, and such as were Curacas, and rich Men, had Servants to perform all these works for them; yet sometimes for di∣vertisement, and in complyance with the Profession which their Law enjoyned them, they sometimes did not disdain to work themselves, and make a pair of Breeches, or Stockins, or an Arrow, or some other sort of Arms; but as to the Labours of the field both Men and Women, did jointly concur in their assistence one of the other.

In some Provinces far distant from Cozco, where the Lands were ill manured, there the Women laboured in the Field, and the Men remained at home to spin and weave; but my Discourse is here of those Countries onely to which the Power and Jurisdiction of the Incas did extend, for other parts were so barbarous, and void of all humanity, that it were not worth our time or labour to give an account of their Customs or Manners. The Indian Women were so addicted to spinning, and so unwilling to lose time from their Labour and Work, that as they walked from the Villages to the City, and so in their return home, and also in their Visits, and Conversation together, they still made use of their Spindle and Reel; for this was the constant employment of the common People; but the Pallas, or Ladies, who were of the Royal Bloud, whensoever they made their Visits, they made their Serving-Maids carry their Spindles and work with them,

and during their Visits, not to loose time, or be idle, they spun and worked as they discoursed; their Spindles were made of Canes, as we in Spain have them of Iron, they were crooked, but not hollow at the point, as ours are; with their thread they made a kind of Filleting, which they wound in upon their Spindles, twisting it with the fingers of their left hand; their Distaff they carried in their left hand; and not at their girdle; being about a quarter of a yard long, and held between two of their Fingers, and then with both hands they formed the fineness of their thread, and cleared it of foulness, but did not wet it at their mouths, be∣cause in my time they spun nothing there besides Wool and Cottons; nor do they make any great riddance of their work, because their Instruments and Tools are bad, as we have already declared.

CHAP. XIV.

How the Women made their Visits; how they worked; and that common Whores were permitted amongst them.

WHen any Woman, that was not a Palla, though she were the Wife of a Curaca, who is a Lord that hath command over his Subjects, came to make a Visit to a Palla, who was a Lady of the Bloud Royal; so soon as the first Salutations and Complements were ended, she presently asked whether she had any Work for her, or Service to command her; for she carrying not her Work with her, did seem to intimate, that she pretended not to so much familiarity as to come onely for Converse, but as an inferiour, to demand wherein she might be esteemed usefull in her service. The Palla, to make a courteous return to this humble proffer, would usually give her some of the same work which she, or one of her Daughters was then working; for to have put any thing else into her hand, which her Maids were doing, would have equalled her Visitant with them, which in this manner was a Complement, and a courteous preferring her to some degree of equality with her self and her Daughters. Such was the courtesie and obliging carriage of one to the other; for it was the design and fashion in that state, for the Superiours to carry themselves with an affable and winning behaviour to∣wards their inferiours, and for them with all Modesty and Observance to honour and respect their superiour Magistrates and Rulers; which was the common pra∣ctice of all, even from the Inca, who was King, to the meanest Peasant, or Shep∣herd, whom they called Llamamichec.

The Spanish Women, which came afterwards to live at Cozco, imitated this cu∣stome, after the manner of the Indian Women, carrying always their Work with them, whensoever they came to make their Visits; and this fashion was in use amongst them to their great commendation, untill such time as Francisco Hernan∣dez began his Civil War, which as it introduced nothing but Tyranny and Cru∣elty, so it abolished this laudable custome, and discountenanced all vertuous and innocent practices. I forgot to mention the great care they had in mending their Clothes, in case they were broken by any accident, as torn by a Nail, or burnt with a coal of fire, for then they presently derned it up again with their needle made of a Thorn, and with thread of the same colour; and bringing it again to the Loom, they so neatly wove in the Thread, that it could not be seen where the rent was made; and in this matter they thought they had more wit than the Spaniards, and would laugh at the patches they laid on their Clothes: The truth is, the Web which the Indians wove, was different to the fabrick of Cloth which the Spaniards made, and would not bear the same sort of mending. It is also ob∣servable, that the Fire-hearths which the Indians used to dress their meat in, were a kind of Ovens, made of clay, bigger or less, according to the Wealth or Estate

of the Master: the Fire vented it self at the mouth of these Ovens, and on the top was a place for two or three Dishes, in which they set them to stew; and was so very a great convenience for their Cookery, both in dressing their Meat well, and saving their Wood; that it seemed the most ingenious of all their contri∣vances; and therefore it was strange, that the Spaniards, when they came in a∣mongst them, should despise and destroy this invention.

To avoid greater evils, the Incas thought fit to permit common Whores to live amongst them; but then they were not to remain in the City, but in little Huts without in the Fields, separate from all society that so by their conversation they might not have opportunity to corrupt other Women: the Name they gave them was Pampayruna, which signifies both their profession and place of residence; Pampa is a Countrey or open place; and Runa properly is a Person, either Man or Woman; so that these two words in composition, are as much as one who lives alone in the Fields; and as we say, a Hedge-whore; and that as the Fields are open, so is her Body, and embraces to receive any one who hath an appetite to come to her. The Men treated these Women with all sort of contempt and scorn; and the Women were not so much as to name them, under penalty of incurring the same title and censure; and of having their Heads publickly shorn, of be∣ing stigmatized for infamous, and divorc'd from their Husbands: they never called them by other name, than that of Pampayruna, which is as much as Common Harlot.

CHAP. XV.

The Inca Roca, the sixth King, subdues many Nations, and, amongst others, the People of Chancas and Hanco∣huallo.

THE Father being dead, his Son Inca Roca (whose Name, as Blas Valera says, signifies prudent and considerate) took upon him the Government, bind∣ing his Head with the coloured Wreath; and having accomplished the Solemni∣ties of his Father's Funeral, he made a progress into all parts of his Dominions, to visit, and settle, and order what was there amiss; in which Journey he passed the three first years of his Reign: And then determining to proceed farther in his Conquests, he ordered sufficient force to be levied, and therewith passed on the side of Chinchasuyu, which lyes Northerly from Cozco. He commanded also that a Bridge should be made over the River Apurimac, which is in the great Road from the City of Cozco to the King's Town; for that he being now King, it seemed too low and mean for him to transport his Army over the River on Floats, as he had done when he was Prince; being more Great and Royal to erect the fix'd convenience of a Bridge, which for better uniting a correspondence with the Pro∣vinces lately conquered, was now become almost necessary.

The Bridge being finished, he departed from Cozco with an Army of twenty thousand Men, under the Command of four Major-Generals, ordering his Men to March three a-breast over this Bridge; which being a new device, and not be∣fore practised, was Recorded to the Honour of his Memory. Thence he procee∣ded to the Vale of Amancay, or the Cowslip Vally, because of the great quanti∣ties of them which grow in those parts; this Flower is in the fashion of a Bell, and in that Countrey are of a greenish colour, smooth, without Leaves; and for their similitude with the Cowslip, the Spaniards gave them that name. From A∣mancay he took to the right hand, towards the Mountain Cordillera, which over∣tops the snowy desart, and between that and the great Road he met some few

people, whom he reduced under his Dominion, the which were called Tacmara and Quinnualla; then he came to Cochacassa, where he made some stay and aboad; and from thence he proceeded to Curampa, and, without difficulty, subdued that people, because they were few in number; from Curampa he came to the Pro∣vince called Antahuaylla, which is inhabited on both sides of the way for the space of sixteen or seventeen Leagues, by a people both rich and warlike: This Na∣tion is called Chanca, boasting themselves to be descended from one Leon, whom they esteemed and adored for a God; and at their great Festivals, both before and after they were subdued by the Incas, they carried twenty four Pictures in Procession, painted after the manner of Hercules, with a Lion's skin, and a Man's head: I remember I saw these Pictures once brought forth on Corpus Christi day, or the Feast of the Holy Sacrament. Under this denomination of Chanca many o∣ther Nations were comprehended, as Hanco hualla, Utunsulla, Uramarca, Villca and others; all of which make their boasts of being descended from different Origi∣nals; some from this Fountain, others from that Lake; every Nation esteeming that for their God, and thereunto offering Sacrifice, from whence they owned and derived their Pedigree; the Ancestours of these people were said to be come from far, and to have conquered many Provinces in their passage untill they arri∣ved at the Countrey of Antahuaylla; the which they subdued by force of Arms, and expelled the ancient Inhabitants of it; and afterwards gaining much Land from the Quechuas, they drove them up, and straitned them in their Quarters, made them pay a Tribute, which they exacted with the highest Tyranny, besides many other famous Atchievements, of which their posterity did greatly glory. Of all which the Inca Roca being well informed, he thought them worthy of his Conquest; so that so soon as he arrived on the Confines of Antahuaylla, he dis∣patched his usual Summons to the Chancas, requiring them to submit to the Off∣spring of the Sun, or otherwise prepare themselves for battel. These people as∣sembling together to consider of these Summons, were divided into two several Parties and Opinions. Some maintained that they ought not to refuse to receive the Inca for their Lord, who was descended from the Sun; others who boasted of their Lineage from Leon, were of a contrary persuasion; for being Allied to Leon, and Masters of many Countries and People, judged it a disparagement to be subjected to any other, or to be cheated with a fabulous pretence of the Sun and his Family; and that it was more agreeable to the Banners which they carried, and the ancient Honours which they had acquired by the Conquest of so many Nations, rather to subdue others, than tamely to submit to an unknown Master; and forgetting all their ancient bravery, poorly and basely to yield themselves at the first Summons without so much as an appearance in the Field, or displaying their Banners would argue the highest piece of degeneracy and cowardise of mind in the World.

In this ambiguity of mind and irresolution, sometimes inclining to a surren∣der, and then again to adventure a battel, the Chancas persisted many days; of which the Inca having intelligence, determined to enter their Countrey, and af∣fright them with the advance of his Army; for that perhaps to a people of their disposition, who availed themselves much upon their ancient Prowess and Victo∣ries; indulgence and gentleness would be argued as a point of fear and cowardise, and that therefore to attempt them briskly was the onely way to strike a terrour in them, and astonish them with the fear of a cruel War, and a severe Punishment as an effect thereof; in pursuance of this resolution, he ordered his Major-Gene∣rals to invade the Countrey of Antahuaya; and immediately upon their entry to send their Summons to the Chancas, telling them plainly, that they must either receive the Inca for their Lord, or else must prepare to offer their lives a sacrifice to his Sword; for that their contumacy and rebellion was such as was not longer tolerable, and that their delays and impertinencies had already wearied his patience. The Chancas observing this resolution of the Inca, and that the Quechuas, and o∣ther Nations, whom in former times they had injured and provoked, judged it convenient to temporize, and with a feigned submission to accept the conditions of Surrender, being moved thereunto out of fear of his force, and of that re∣venge which their Enemies might by this opportunity take upon them, rather than out of any affection or esteem they had to his Laws and Ordinances, as will be proved hereafter in the process of this History.

The Inca leaving his Officers to receive their submission, proceeded forward in his Conquests to another Province called Uramarca, which also is surnamed Chanca, and is a small Countrey, but very populous, and inhabited by such a hardy and war-like Nation; that had their Numbers been equal to their Courage, they had been capable to have made a stout and considerable resistance; for that the people on this side were not so easie, and simple, and fond of the Incas, and their Government, as were those of Contisuyu and Collasuyu; howsoever, to be short, those of Uramarca submitted, but with much reluctancy, and against their inclinations. Thence the Inca marched forwards to the people called Hancohuallo and Villca, named by the Spaniards Vilcas, who with the same unwillingness yiel∣ded to the power of the Inca; for that these people, being all Chancas, were Lords themselves of divers Provinces, which by force of Arms they had subdued, and did daily enlarge their Dominions; with which their ambition and covetousness increasing, they could not, without difficulty, forego their Usurpations and Ty∣ranny over others, to yield themselves to the same conditions; the which re∣fractary humour of theirs the Inca Roca observing, reproved in them with severe reprehension; and though they received his Admonitions with Mortification and Anger, yet they durst not openly own and discover their dislike. In both these Provinces their custome was to Sacrifice Children to their Gods at their principal Feasts; of which the Inca being informed, he made a discourse to them of the in∣humanity and unreasonableness of such a custome, and that for the future they should Adore the Sun for their God, and receive the Statutes and Ordinances which he had given them; declaring to them by his own mouth, that he would exact the life of every Child at their hands, whom they should in that manner attempt to destroy; and that in punishment for the offence, he would destroy and root out their whole Nation, and give their Countrey to be inhabited by a better sort of people, of more bowels and compassion, who should love and che∣rish their own bloud, as nature required them. Nothing could come more dole∣full and sad, than this news to the Ears of these people, who were persuaded by the Devils, whom they worshipped for their Gods, that this Sacrifice of tender Infants was most acceptable of any to the Infernal Powers.

From Villca he took the way on the left hand, and marched Westward, to∣wards the Sea-coast, and entred one of those two Provinces, which are both sty∣led by the name of Sulla, though for distinction sake one of them is called Utum∣sulla: these two Provinces comprehend under them many Nations of different Names, some of them being full of people, others having but few. And in the Histories of these matters, to avoid tedious discourses, they report, that the Num∣ber of them might be of about forty thousand Families; in the subduing of which, the Inca is said to have spent much time, and some report three years; which were chiefly taken up in the persuasions and gentle Arts which the Inca used for reducing of that people, being more desirous to conquer them by kind∣ness, than the severity of Arms. For those Indians confiding much in their own Numbers, and Art of War, did often incline to a breach, and a defence of them∣selves; but that the moderation of the Inca, and his prudent conduct of affairs was such, that with time he reduced them to his service, and a willingness to re∣ceive his Laws, and such Governours and Ministers as he was pleased to consti∣tute over them; and then afterwards with this success and victory he returned to Cozco. In these two Provinces of Sulla and Utumsulla, there were about thirty two years past, some very rich Mines discovered of Silver, and Quick-silver; the latter of which is very usefull in Melting the Silver Ore.

CHAP. XVI.

Of the Prince Yahuarhuacac, and the Interpretation of his Name.

THE King Inca Roca having passed some Years in the quiet possession and go∣vernment of his Kingdoms, thought it fit to employ his Son and Heir, na∣med Yahuarhuacac, in the entire Conquest of Antisuyu, which lyes to the East of Cozco, and not far from the City; for on that side no great advance had been made since the time of the first Inca, Manco Capac, who had not proceeded far∣ther than the River Paucartampu.

But before we proceed farther in the Relation of this Story, it would be requi∣site to explain the signification of this long name of Yahuar-huacac, and the reason which they had to give it to the Prince. It is a Tale amongst the Indians, that when he was a Child of three or four years old, his Tears were bloud, perhaps it was because he had some disease in his Eyes, and that the bloud, when he cried, might fall from thence with his tears: But it is a general belief amongst them, that so soon as he came crying into the World, his Tears were bloud: It might like∣wise perhaps be, that he brought something of the Matritial bloud with him on his Eyes, which the superstitious Indians were ready to interpret for Tears; but be the cause what it will, they would not be persuaded out of this belief; and on this supposition founded many of their Witcheries and Prognostications, foretel∣ling the anger and displeasure of his Father the Sun against him, and that there∣fore he would be unfortunate and accursed. The derivation therefore of his Name, is evident from Yahuar, to weep, and Huacac. This manner of Weeping must have been when he was a Child, and not at Man's estate; for then he was neither overcome nor taken Prisoner, as some will have it; for none of the Incas was ever so unfortunate, untill the time of the wretched Huascar, whom the Tray∣tor Atahualpa his Bastard-brother took Prisoner, as we shall relate in its due place, if God Almighty gives us life and power to arrive so far in this our History. Nor was he stoln away when he was an Infant, as some Writers will have it; for it is not probable, that when Indians conceived generally such awe and veneration for their Incas and the Royal Bloud, that any person should be found so profligate, and daring as to steal the Prince and Heir to the Empire; nor is it probable, that the Tutors and Servants should be so remiss in their care and charge; for such was the reverence that the Indians bore towards their Incas, that the very imagination of such an attempt would have terrified them to that degree, that they would have believed the very thought would have procured the vengeance of Heaven, and caused the Earth to have opened and swallowed both them and their whole Families: For, as we have formerly said, they Worshipped the Sun for their God, and for his sake the Incas, whom they accounted Children descended from him, were adored with the same divine Honours.

These Tears of bloud which the Indians interpreted to be ominous, and to be fore-runners of some dismal fate, put me in mind of another superstitious fancy of theirs, which they gathered from the motion and twinkling of the eyes; for it was a common opinion both of the Incas and his Subjects, that the Eyes did Prognosticate by their motion and twinkling either good or bad fortune; for it was accounted good luck when the upper eye-lid of the left eye twinkled, for they said, that it foresaw matters of contentment and satisfaction; but much more when the right eye-lid sparkled and twinkled, that was a most excellent sign of all happiness and prosperity, peace and plenty imaginable: And to the contrary, when the lower Curtain of the right eye trembled, it betokened weeping and tears for some sad and unfortunate accident; but if the lower part

of the left eye moved, it foretold nothing but woe and sorrow, and such mise∣ries as would produce nothing but grief, and abundance of tears: And such con∣fidence and belief did they put in these symptoms, that in case the lower eye-lashes did but so much as tremble, they immediately put themselves into most violent passions of fear and weeping; and in apprehension of what they feared, they made themselves more miserable, than if all the misfortunes of the World had already fallen upon them: And then for the onely remedy of the ensuing evils, they entertained another superstition more ridiculous than the former: they would take the point of a Straw, and wetting it with Spittle, they would stick it beneath their eye; and would then say, comforting themselves, that that blessed Straw which crossed their under eye-lid would stanch the tears which were to flow from their eyes, and prevent the Evils which the tremblings did Prognosticate: The like conjectures almost they made from a buzzing, or singing in their Ears, which I forbear to enlarge upon, because it was not so remarkable and certain as that of the Eyes; and both one and the other I can testifie, because I have seen and heard their Lamentations on those occasions.

The King Inca Roca (as we have said) resolving to send his Son to conquer Antisuyu, ordered an Army of fifteen thousand Souldiers to be raised, under the Command of three Major-Generals, whom he joined with him for Companions and Counsellours. The Prince being well instructed in all matters, proceeded with good success as far as the River Paucartampu, and thence marched forwards to Challapampa, where he reduced those few poor Indians which he found in those Quarters; thence he passed to Pillcupata, where he planted four Colonies with a sort of wandring and vagabond people. From Pillcupata he travelled to Havisca and Tuna, where the first Subjects of Chac-ras de Cuca submitted to the Dominion of the Incas, and where great quantities of that Herb called Cuca grows: the In∣heritance of Havisca was afterwards given to my Lord and Father Garçilasso de Vega, and he was pleased to bestow that Estate upon me for my life, but I renoun∣ced, and left it upon my going into Spain. The passage into these Vallies where the Cuca grows, is over that high Mountain called Canac-huay, descending five Leagues almost perpendicular, which makes a Man's head giddy to look down; how much more laboursome must it be to ascend and descend those ways tur∣ning and winding in form of a Serpent?

CHAP. XVII.

Of the Idols which the Indians of Antis worshipped, and of the Conquest made over the Charcas.

IN those Provinces of Antis they commonly worshipped Tygers for their Gods, and great Serpents, much thicker than a Man's Thigh, and twenty five, or thirty foot in length, though some others might be less, called Amaru; they are a certain sort of a sluggish Serpent, which are not venomous, and, as they say, were charmed by a skilfull Sorceress, that they should doe no harm, having before been dangerous, and very poisonous. The Tiger they adored for his nimbleness and bravery, saying that Serpents and Tygers were the true and natural Inhabitants and Lords of that Countrey, and therefore did justly require reverence and respect from Men, who were but Strangers and Aliens in it. They worshipped also the Plant Cuca, or Coca, as the Spaniards call it. Thus far the Prince Yahuar-Huacac having enlarged his Dominions, being almost thirty Leagues in length, and in a Countrey ill Inhabited, he found himself stopped in his farther progress, by the Mountains, moorish Grounds and Bogs, which interrupted him in his passage, and which confine and give bounds to that Province, properly named Anti, whence all that side takes the Denomination of Antisuyu.

The Prince having finished this Conquest, returned to Cozco, where his Father for that present, thought fit to repose, and lay aside all farther designs of new Enterprises; for on the side of Antisuyu, which is to the Eastward, there remained nothing more to conquer; and to the Westward, which they called Cuntisuyu, there was nothing more to be reduced, for they were come as far as to the Paci∣fick Sea, or the Sea of Zur, so that the Empire, from East to West, extended at least an hundred Leagues cross along by the way of Cozco, and then from North to South it reached two hundred Leagues: All which tract of Land the Incas la∣boured to manure, and cultivate, and adorn with Royal Palaces, Gardens, Baths, and places of Pleasure for divertisement of the Inca; and for better convenience of the Countrey, they erected in all the great Roads Magazines and Granaries, wherein to lodge their Ammunition, Arms, Corn, Provisions, and Clothing for the common Souldiery.

Some Years being passed in this manner with peace and quiet, when the King Inca Roca resolved to add another famous Atchievement to the glory of his Reign, that so in person he might put an end to the entire Conquest of those great Pro∣vinces, which were called Charcas, the beginning of which was commenced in the time of his Father, in the Division of Collasuyu: And in order hereunto he com∣manded thirty thousand Men to be levied, which was an Army greater than any that his Ancestours had yet brought into the field; to command this Army six Major Generals were appointed, besides other inferiour Officers; and the Prince Yahuar-Huacac was, with four other Incas for his Counsellors, ordained to remain at home for government of the Kingdom. The Inca took his Journey from Cozco by way of the great Road towards Collasuyu, and in his march all the forces came in to make up his Army: And being come to the Confines of those Provinces of Chuncuri, Pucuna, and Muyumuyu, which bordered on his Kingdom; he sent his summons to them, acquainting them, that he was come to reduce those Nations, and re∣quire them to live under those Laws which his Father the Sun had ordained; and that leaving their Idols made of Stone and Wood, they should worship him onely for their God; and that forsaking their corrupt Customs, and Manners, they should learn and follow the light of Nature, and the Instructions of his Wis∣dom, which would direct them in ways more agreeable to humane Life. The Natives of these Countries received the message with great anger, and the young and hot Captains betook themselves to their Arms, and answered with fury and rage, That it was a hard case for them, that they must be forced to renounce their own natural Gods, and adore a stranger, and a God unknown to them;

that they must reject their own Laws and Customs, and receive new ones from the Inca; who in recompense thereof would impose Tributes and Taxes, and serve himself of their labour and services, as of Slaves and Vassals; which being conditions not to be endured by a People so free as they, they resolved to defend themselves, and dye in the Defence of their Gods, their Countrey and their Li∣berty.

CHAP. XVIII.

Of the Argument and Debate which the Old Men held on this matter, and in what manner they received the Inca.

NOtwithstanding this huff of the young Souldiers, the more ancient and con∣siderate amongst them, were of opinion, that they should not so soon break forth into a War, but first of all consider, that for several years they have had a neighbourhood and converse with the Subjects of the Inca; and that they could never hear otherwise from them, but that their Laws were good, and the Yoke of their Government gentle and easie: that he treated his People rather like his Children, than his Subjects; that the Lands which they required, were not those which the Indians had in their possession, but such as lay waste, and unma∣nured by them; and that he required no other Tribute than the Fruit and Benefit which those Lands, cultivated at his own cost and charge, should produce, and not exact any thing at the labour and cost of the Indians, to whom he rather gave than diminished from their Estates; and in proof and evidence hereof, without other argument, they desired them to enquire, and consider seriously without passion, how much the Subjects of the Incas were improved in their Estates, and how quiet, civil and prosperous they were become, since their submission to his Government; how all their Discords, Animosities, and Civil Dissentions, which in former times had miserably torn and distracted them, were now appeased; how Estates were more secure, and more protected from Thieves, their Wives, and Daughters from Rapes and Adulteries; and in fine, how quiet and well established was the publick Welfare, where none durst offer injury, nor none could receive it without redress.

That they should farther consider, that many neighbouring Provinces, being well satisfied and allured by the gentleness and happiness of this servitude, did vo∣luntarily, and of their own accords, offer themselves, and beg the Protection of the Inca and his Laws. And since these things were thus apparent, it were better to submit readily and without constraint, than defending themselves for the pre∣sent from that which they know they must in a short time yield unto, provoke the Inca to that degree of Anger and Displeasure, as might divert him from those good Intentions and Favours which he designed towards them; and that therefore it were more safe and secure, both for their Lives and Estates, their Wives and Children, to make a Vertue of Necessity, and submit with a voluntary surrender: and that as to their Gods, which the Inca imposed upon them, reason it self in∣structed, and taught them, that the Sun more visibly deserved to be adored and worshipped, than any of those dumb and insensible Idols, which they had made and formed with their own hands. With these Arguments, and others of the like nature, the ancient and sage Persons so far prevailed, that took off the mettle and heat of the young Men, so that they all unanimously went to receive the Inca; the young Men marched with Arms in their hands, and the old with their Pre∣sents of such Fruits as their Countrey yielded, saying, That the Fruits of their Land were in token of that Livery and Seizin which they were to give unto the Inca thereof: the young men professed that their Arms were to serve the Inca in

his Wars, and to be employed by him for the acquisition of new Provinces.

The Inca gratiously accepted this their Submission with his accustomary Good∣ness, commanding, that in testimony thereof, the Old Men should be vested with the better sort of Garments, in token of greater respect; and that the com∣mon People should be clothed with the more common Apparel; and that he might not seem wholly to slight or contemn the offer which the Captains and Souldiers made him of their Arms, he received five hundred of them into his Service, not by choice, but by lot, left the preferring of one before the other, should seem but a kind of a neglect, or discontent, on such as were refused; and to satisfie the rest, he advised them to return to their homes, lest they should otherwise leave their own Countrey naked and undefended; with the Vestments which the Inca gave them, and his Behaviour towards them, both the young and old were so well pleased and satisfied, that with loud Acclamations they cryed out, How like art thou to a Child of the Sun! how worthy art thou of the Title of a King! how well doth the Name of being a Friend to the Poor befit thee! for no sooner had we sub∣mitted to be thy Subjects, before thou didst load us with thy Favours and Benefits. May the Blessings of thy Father the Sun light upon thee, and all the Nations of the four quarters of the World obey and fall down before thee; for thou art truly the Capa Inca, who deserves Riches, and absolute Power, and universal Dominion. With these, or the like expres∣sions of Honour, the Inca Roca being saluted by his new Vassals, and having pro∣vided and established Ministers and Officers to instruct and govern them, he march∣ed forwards to the bordering Provinces, called Misqui, Sacaca, Machaca, Caracaya, and others, as far as Chuquisaca, which is now called the City of Plate: all which were comprehended under the common denomination of Charcas, though they were of different Nations and Languages, and were all as easily reduced, as those before mentioned, In this expedition he enlarged his Empire North and South, a hundred Leagues, and as many more East and West; and having as accustoma∣ry left Officers and Ministers to teach and instruct them in matters of Religion, and to govern them by Laws, and gather his Revenue, he returned to Cozco, where he disbanded his Army, and rewarded the Commanders according to their Deserts.

Having atchieved these great matters, he seemed now to desire repose, and at∣tend onely to Peace, and the quiet Administration of his Government, in which he spent the remaining years of his Life, we cannot say how many; but at length he came to dye, having not in the least degenerated from the Vertue of his An∣cestours; but rather imitated and equalled them in the highest strain of their glo∣rious and martial Actions, and in Good-will and Beneficence towards his People. He founded some Schools where the Amautas taught those Sciences which they had attained; near whereunto he built himself a House, as we shall declare in its due place, instituted Laws, and uttered grave Sentences: And because Blas Va∣lera hath made particular mention of some of them, we shall repeat them from him, being very remarkable, and worthy to be noted. He was universally be∣wailed by all his Subjects, and embalmed according to the custome of those Kings. He left Yahuar-huacac, his Son and Heir by his lawfull Wife and Sister Mama Micay, to succeed him in the Government of his Dominions: besides whom he left others, both legitimate and bastard Children.

CHAP. XIX.

Of some Laws which the King, Inca Roca, made; of the Schools which he founded in Cozco; and of some of his wife Apophthegms, or Sayings.

BLas Valera, who was very curious, and had taken great pains in his Enquiries touching these Incas, saith,

That this King reigned almost fifty Years, and made many Laws, amongst which these following are the most observa∣ble. That the Children of the common People ought not to be educated in the Liberal Arts and Sciences, for that were to make them proud, conceited and ungovernable; but that the Nobility were those onely to whom such Li∣terature did appertain, to render them more honourable, and capable of Offices in the Common-wealth. That Thieves, Murtherers, and Adulterers, and In∣cendiaries should be hanged without Mercy. That Sons should obey and serve their Fathers, untill they came to the age of twenty five Years, and that after∣wards they should be employed in matters tending to the good of the Com∣mon-wealth. It is reported that he was the first who founded Schools in Cozco, where the Amautas were the Masters, and taught such Sciences as were fit to improve the minds of Incas, who were Princes, and of the chief Nobility, not that they did instruct them by way of Letters, for as yet they had not attained to that knowledge, but onely in a practical manner, and by daily Discourses: their other Lectures were of Religion, and of those Reasons and Wisedom on which their Laws were established, and of the Number and true Exposition of them; for by these means they attained to the Art of Government and mi∣litary Discipline; they distinguished the times and seasons of the Year, and by reading in their Knots, they learned History, and the Actions of past ages; they improved themselves also in the elegance, and ornament of speaking, and took Rules and Measures for the management of their domestick affairs. These Amautas, who were Philosophers, and in high esteem amongst them, taught something also of Poetry, Musick, Philosophy and Astrology, of all which they attained to some knowledge, though superficial, and in a low and mean degree. All these particulars were instituted in manner of a Law by this Inca Roca, and afterwards, for their better encouragement, he favoured and enlarged them with fair Endowments; and hereunto Pachacutec, to whom he was great Uncle, added many other Laws and Precepts. The Sayings of this King Inca Roca were these: That considering the immense Vastness, Beauty and Splen∣dour of the Heavens, he would often say, That if the Heaven be so glorious, which is the Throne and Seat of the Pachacamac, (who is the great God) how much more powerfull, glittering and resplendent must his Person and Majesty be, who was the Maker and Creatour of them all. Other sayings of his were these: If I were to adore any of these terrestial things, it should certainly be a wise and discreet Man, whose Excellen∣cies surpass all earthly Creatures. When an Infant is born, he grows up, and then he dies. He that yesterday had a beginning, to day arrives at his end. He that cannot make himself immortal, nor recover that Life which Death hath deprived him of, is not worthy of adoration.

Thus far is the report which Blas Valera hath given us.

CHAP. XX.

Of the Inca, Yahuar-huacac, who was the seventh King; of his Fears and Conquests, and the Disgrace of the Prince his Eldest Son.

THE King, Inca Roca, being dead, his Son Yahuar-huacac succeeded him in the Inheritance of his Kingdom, and governed with Justice, Piety and Gentleness, cherishing his Subjects with as much indulgence and tenderness, as was possible. His chief design was to keep and preserve what his Father and An∣cestours had left him, not seeking quarrels with any, or encroachments on others right; lest contemning the ill omen of his Name, and the misfortunes which the skilfull Masters in Divination did daily presage, he should tempt his fortune, and provoke his Father the Sun to afflict him with all those evils which they progno∣sticated. With this fear and apprehension he lived for many years, desiring nothing more than peace and quietness, both at home and abroad; but not to remain al∣together idle, he visited all parts of his Dominions three or four times, and im∣proved and adorned them with stately Buildings, feasted, and generally caressed all his Subjects in a higher degree, and with greater demonstrations of love and tenderness, than any of his Ancestours, which were effects of the great dangers he apprehended from the Prophecies concerning him; and in this caution and dread upon his Spirits, he continued for the space of nine or ten years: untill at length considering that this cautious timidity would argue Cowardise and lowness of Spi∣rit, of which none of his Ancestours were ever before taxed, he resolved to send an Army of twenty thousand Men to the Southwest of Cozco, along the Coast of Arequepa, where a point of Land runs out far into the Sea, which his Predeces∣sours had overseen, or neglected, because it was ill inhabited: His Brother, cal∣led Inca Mayta, he made Commander in Chief of his Forces, and for that reason was ever afterwards called Apu Mayta, or General Mayta, to whom he added four other Incas, to be Major-Generals under him: But as to himself, he would not adventure to go in Person; for the thoughts of the ill Omen did still so haunt and oppress his Spirits, that he could never resolve to trust the success of any mar∣tial adventure to the fortune of his own Person; and where the desire of Glory spurred him forward to any great Attempt, there always the dread of the sinister Omen retracted and drew him back. This apprehension moving him to com∣mit the charge of his Army to his Brother, and Officers, they proceeded so suc∣cessfully in it, that in a short time they reduced all that tract of Land from Are∣quepa to Tacama, which they call Collasuyu, to his Empire, being at this time the utmost Limit and Confine by the Sea-coast of that Countrey which they call Peru, the which Land being long, and narrow, and ill peopled, cost more time to march it over than to conquer it.

This Enterprise being thus happily completed, they returned again to Cozco, where they rendred an account to the Inca, Yahuar-huacac, of their success; with which taking heart, and recovering new courage, he began to aspire to the Ho∣nour and Fame of reducing those great Provinces, yet unconquered in the Divi∣sion of Collasuyu, called Caranca, Ullaca, Llipi, Chica, Ampara, the which, as they were large, and great, so they were populous, and defended by a warlike Nation; and for this reason the ancient Incas forbore to molest or irritate them, lest being as yet uncivilized, and unacquainted with the gentle and easie Government of the Incas, they should fly to their Arms, and oblige the Incas against their Maximes, and natural Disposition, to subject them with Slaughter and Destruction; and therefore rather chose to tame and mollifie them by degrees, and prevail by the clear Evidences of their Neighbours Happiness, to persuade them into a good opi∣nion of the gentleness of that Yoke which the Inca imposed on his Subjects.

With the cares and fears of this Conquest the Inca, Yahuar-huacac was greatly turmoiled, being as it were crucified between his hopes and fears, sometimes he promised himself good success, and that the same Fortune would smile upon him, that did on his Brother Apu Myata; then again the dread of the fatal Omen pos∣sessed his Mind, which always kept that awe upon him, that he never durst at∣tempt any thing in War, wherein there appeared least Difficulty or Hazard. Whilst he was thus tossed with these Passions and anguish of mind, he was di∣verted from his foreign Designs by domestick Troubles, caused by the untoward Disposition of his Eldest Son, and Heir of his Dominions; who from his Child∣hood gave symptomes of an evil and cruel Nature, by his harsh treatment of those Boys of his own age, who conversed and played with him; and though the Inca his Father used all the means imaginable to reclaim him by due and severe correction, and that he hoped that Years and Instruction would prevail upon him, yet in the end all proved vain, and without effect, the ferocity of his Mind, and the impetuosity of his ill Nature prevailing over all the means, and endeavours to reduce him; for neither the Examples of his Ancestours, nor the gentle Ad∣monitions, nor severe Reproofs of his Father, had any influence upon him; so that his desperate incorrigibleness became now the greatest fear and affliction of the Inca.

For so far was the Spirit of ill Nature engrafted in the Heart of this Prince, that all the Treacle of wholesome Advice he converted into Poison; the which his Father having observed and duely considered, he resolved wholly to discoun∣tenance and remove him from his Favour, and if that would not operate, then absolutely to disinherit him, and constitute another of his lawfull Sons in his place, who was of a Spirit more agreeable to that sweet Temper and generous Galan∣try of his Ancestours. This Resolution he took in imitation of that Custome practised in some of his Provinces, where the most favoured and most worthy was elected to the Government; the which on this occasion the Inca was desi∣rous to introduce, against all the Precedents and Examples of former Incas. With this intention the Inca commanded the Prince, being now of nineteen or twenty Years of age, to avoid the Court, allotting him a place of Residence about a League from the City, and where were fair and verdant Pastures Eastward from the City, which they called Chita, and where I my self remember often to have been, and where his Employment was to feed the Cattle of the Sun, in company with those Shepherds who were designed for that Service. The Prince not being able to resist the Pleasure of his Father, submitted to the Ba∣nishment and the Disfavour of the Inca, which laid as a punishment on him for the Bravery and Gallantry of his Martial Spirit. In short, he submitted and really applied himself with the other Shepherds to keep and feed the Cattel of the Sun for the space of three years, and more, where we will leave him untill the time comes which shall bring him on the Stage, and to speak well of him, if that which we are to mention of him may be called good.

CHAP. XXI.

Of the Intelligence which an Apparition gave to the Prince, enjoining him to communicate it to his Father.

THE Inca Yahuar-huacac having in this manner Banished his Eldest Son, whose Name we cannot assign, because the obscurity of his condition was such, as made no impression in the minds of Men, so as without the help of Let∣ters to conserve it in remembrance: He seemed now to lay aside all the thoughts of War, and Conquests of new Provinces, and to make the Government of his Dominions, and the Conservation of the common peace and quietness to be his onely employment: As to his Son, he thought it not convenient, nor secure to remove him far from his sight, that so he might more easily apply those remedies to reclaim him, as best suited with his condition; nor did he judge it fit to im∣prison, and disinherit, and chuse some other in his place, for that seemed an expe∣dient too violent, and without Example, and was a new and unpractised case to depose the true Heir, and degrade the Divinity of the Incas of its Right and Honour; besides, it appeared doubtfull how far the people would assent to this impiety, and how ill they would take this harsh usage of the Prince and Heir to the Empire.

In this wavering and unquiet condition, which deprived the Inca of all content∣ment and repose, he passed three years without any observable occurrence; du∣ring which time, he twice Commissionated four of his Kinsmen to visit his Do∣minions giving to every one their respective charges, and dispatches into distinct parts of his Dominions, in order to perform such publick Works as might con∣duce to the honour of the Inca, and the common benefit of his Subjects; such as the making of Aqueducts, raising Magazines for laying up Provisions, Royal Houses, Fountains and Bridges, Causeys, and such other Works of publick use: But for his own part, he never had the courage to depart from his Court, but one∣ly there to attend and celebrate the Festivals of the Sun, and such like, and ad∣minister Justice to his Subjects. At the end of this long time, one day about Noon the Prince entred into the Palace of his Father, without any Companion or Attendance, like a Person forlorn, and in disfavour of his Inca; and sent him word, that he was there to speak with him, having a Message of high importance to deliver: The Inca made a quick Answer in his sudden passion, that he should without Demur or Reply retire again to the place of his Confinement, on penalty of being proceeded against according to that severe punishment which the Law inflicts on those who break the Royal Command. The Prince made answer, that he was not come thither in contempt of his Commands, but in obedience to the Message and Injunction of another Inca as great as himself, who sent him to impart unto him matters of high and considerable importance; which if he were pleased to hear, he desired to be admitted and to have Audience; if not, he had complied with the Commands of him that sent him, and should return again to render an account of his success.

The Inca hearing him mention another, as Great a Lord as himself, ordered him to be admitted, for he wondered at the impertinence of the Message, and the boldness of any who should dare to employ his banished and disgraced Son with Advices of any nature whatsoever. The Prince being introduced, and standing before his Father, said in this manner: I am come, Sir, to make known unto you, that sitting this day, about Noon, under one of those great Rocks, which are in the Fields of Chita, where, by your Order, I was employed to feed the Flocks of our Father the Sun; I know not whether I was asleep, or well awake, there appeared before me a Man in a strange Habit, and of a Figure different from us: His Beard was above a span in length, his Garments long and loose, reaching down to his Feet, and about his Neck he carried a sort of living

creature, which I know not what to call it, because I never saw the like before: He called to me, and said, Cousin, I am a Child of the Sun, and Brother to the Inca, Manco Capac, and to Coya Mama, Occlo Huaco his Wife and Sister, who were the first of your Fa∣mily, and by them I am Allied in Bloud to your Father, and all of you, being called Inca Viracocha; and am sent by our Father the Sun to order you, that you immediately carry this Advice to my Brother the Inca, acquainting him, that the greatest part of the Provinces of Chinchasuyu, as well those who are under his Dominion, as those which are not, are in rebellion, and are united in confederacy to assault him, and with a strong and numerous Army to cast him from his Throne, and destroy the Imperial City of Cozco; wherefore I order you immediately to give this intelligence to my Brother the Inca, advising him from me, that he provide against this emergency, and take such vigorous resolutions to prevent it, as the importance of this matter doth require. And as to thine own particular, let me tell thee, that in what misfortune soever thou art, thou loss not thy courage or spirit, for I shall ever be at hand, and ready to succour thee as my own flesh and bloud; and therefore I strictly ad∣monish thee not to attempt any thing, how great soever it be, unworthy thy Family and ancient Bloud, and the Greatness of thy Empire; for I will ever be assistant, and near to succour thee in thy greatest and ultimate exigencies. Having said these words, the Inca Vira∣cocha vanished, and I saw him no more; and then returning to my self, I delayed no time to come and appear before your Majesty to communicate unto you the particulars of these Matters.

CHAP. XXII.

Of the Consultation which the Incas held upon the Advice which the Apparition gave.

THE Inca, Yahuar-huacac, out of the great displeasure and prejudice which he had taken to his Son, would not give any belief or credence to his Re∣lation, but rather termed him a Fool, and impertinent, and that swelled with the vanity of Revelations from his Father the Sun, he was come to impose his Enthusi∣asms for divine Truths; and therefore ordered him immediately to return to Chita, and to confine himself within those bounds on penalty of his highest displeasure; in compliance to which severe admonition, the Prince returned again to his re∣tirement, and the keeping of his Flocks. Howsoever the Incas, who were Coun∣sellours, and had the King's Ear, and of a nature very superstitious and credulous, especially of Dreams, took this advertisement in another fashion, than the King apprehended it, telling him, that such an Apparition as this was not to be slighted, especially since it presented it self in the form of Viracocha, who was Brother to the Inca, and of Alliance to the Sun, in whose name and behalf he brought this Message. Nor was it credible that the Prince should be so much an Impostour, as to dare to entitle the Sun to such an apparent forgery, or delude the Inca his Fa∣ther with a Lye; and therefore that it were best to examine the matter more strictly; and by Sacrificing to the Sun, make judgment of the good or bad O∣mens, and not neglect any care or diligence whatsoever in a matter of so high im∣portance; for to leave the matter neglected and slighted, were to contemn the advice which the Sun had sent, and his Messenger Viracocha; and, in short, to add Errour unto Errours, and Sins unto Sins.

Notwithstanding all which, the Inca had conceived that prejudice against his Son, that he could upon no terms admit the counsel which his Kindred gave him, but rather termed the Vision he declared, to be the effect of a wild and furious brain, imagining by lyes and forgeries to bring his extravagant humour again into repute; which was such an aggravation of his former folly, that he deserved on this very score to be deprived of the inheritance, and declared for ever uncapable

of the Succession; and that in the place of him, some other of a more flexible and gentle temper, worthy the title of being allied to the Sun, should be ordai∣ned and proclaimed the true Heir in the place and stead of a revengefull, merci∣less and tyrannical Prince, and of one of a far different temper to that sweet and pleasant humour of his Ancestours, which had been the most forcible Arms to win and overcome all the Nations they governed. Moreover, that in Wisedom they ought to provide against all Rebellions, but not on the score or belief of the vain words of a wild fellow; who ought to be punished, and have his Head cut off for daring to break the limits assigned for his Banishment; and profaning the Sacred Name of the Sun with a pretence so false and enthusiastick as this: And therefore he charged them not to mention this matter farther, nor so much as to name the Prince, for that he had already determined in what manner to deal with him.

The Incas upon this Command of the King were silent, and urged the matter no farther; howsoever, they could not forbear to revolve the thing in their minds, as portending some sad and dismal disasters: For the Indians were naturally addic∣ted to Signs and Prognostications; and especially if the King, or the Prince, or the High Priest, who were esteemed Gods and Oracles, had any Dream, they were never at ease untill the Diviners, or Magicians, made the Interpretation; in which they esteemed themselves so expert, that they not onely pretended to interpret the Dream, but also to declare what the Incas themselves had related short, or mistaken in it.

CHAP. XXIII.

The Rebellion of the Chancas, and of their Ancient exploits in War.

THree Months after this Dream of the Prince Viracocha, (for so afterwards his Friends named him from the Vision he had seen) a confused and un∣certain rumour came of an Insurrection in the Provinces of Chincasuyu, and that all the people were in Arms, which is from Atahualla, about forty Leagues North∣ward from Cozco, through all the Countries to the farthest extent of the new Con∣quests. This News had as yet no certain authour or ground, being but whispered as in cases of like nature; and though it agreed with the Dream of the Prince Viracocha, and seemed an Accomplishment of the words of his Vision, yet the King gave no heed or credit to it, believing it to be a Canterbury tale, or Stories of the way, broached to revive the Dream of the Prince, which seemed almost forgot, and out of memory: Some few days after the report became hotter than before, and common in every Man's mouth, though still uncertain, and without any particulars; for the Enemies had obstructed all the ways and passages in that manner, that no intelligence should be carried, and that the knowledge of their Rebellion might be first made known by appearance of their force before Cozco. Howsoever, at length certain and particular information was brought, that the Nations called Chanca, Uramarca, Villca, Uiusulla, Hancohuallu, and other Neigh∣bouring Nations, were all in Arms; and having killed all the Governours and Officers of the Inca, were now Marching with an Army of forty thousand Men against the City.

These Nations (as we have said) being all reduced by the power of the King Inca Roca, rather out of fear, than love, had ever since suppressed their rancour and malice to the Incas, with intention to own and testifie the same, when occasion presented; which now seemed fairly to offer it self in the time of this Inca, Yahuar∣huacac, who being a Prince not addicted to War, but rather intimidated by the ap∣prehnsion

and fear he conceived from his sinister Omen; and being also moved with compassion of the hard usage, and unnatural treatment which the Inca shewed towards the Prince his Son, they judged it warrant and reason sufficient to re∣venge his cause in detestation of the base cowardise and tyranny of this mean-spi∣rited, and yet cruel, Inca: Wherefore with what expedition and secrecy they could, they incited their Neighbours to rebell, who being already well disposed in the matter, they easily took fire, and putting themselves in Arms, and with a body of thirty thousand Men marched directly against the Imperial City of Cozco. The principal Authours and Contrivers of this War, besides other Lords, were three principal Curacas of three great Provinces, all comprehended under the common name of Chanca: The first of these Lords was called Hancohuallu, a Young Man of twenty six years of Age, the second was Tumay Huaraca, and the third Astu Huaraca; the two last of which were Uncles and Brothers to Hanco-huallu. The Ancestours of these three petty Kings, before the times of the Incas, waged a perpetual War with their Neighbouring Nations, especially with the people called Quechua, under which denomination five other great Provinces were contained: For which reason, and for the Tyranny and Oppression which they suffered from them, the Quechuas were greatly pleased to accept and receive the Protection of the Incas. And so on the contrary, these petty Kings greatly re∣sented the curb and power the Incas imposed upon them, by restraining them in their Progress and Conquests, rendring them in the place of absolute and sove∣reign Princes, Tributaries and Vassals, which they stomached and suppressed un∣till this season, in which they esteemed it convenient to vent their hatred. And in regard that the life of all designs is speedy execution, and that now they were to surprize the Inca, unprovided of Men, and power of Resistence, they did not doubt, but by one single Victory to render themselves Masters again, not onely of their ancient Enemies, but of all the Empire of the Incas.

With these probable hopes and expectations of successes, they invited all their Neighbours, as well those that were Subjects to the Inca, as those that were not, to partake with them in the design and reward of the enterprize; the which ap∣peared fair and promising in this present conjuncture. To these Summons the In∣dians easily yielded, expecting great advantages, and depending on the great re∣nown and fame in War, which the Ancient bravery of the Chancas had acquired: And having constituted Hanco-huallu their Captain-General, and the two Brothers Major-Generals, with other Curacas for Colonels and Officers, they marched di∣rectly with resolution to Summon and make demand of the City of Cozco.

CHAP. XXIV.

The Inca abandons the City, and the Prince succours it.

SO soon as the Inca Yahuar-huacac understood the certainty of this News, and of the approach of the Enemy, he was affrighted and terrified within him∣self; for it seemed a surprize to him to understand of a rebellion, for as yet no such thing had ever happened in the Provinces, during the lenity of that Govern∣ment which the Incas had exercised from the time of Manco Capac to those very days; under the security of which, and out of the hatred he conceived to his Son, to whom he could not allow the honour of divine revelation, he neither would give credit to the dream, nor hearken to the advice or counsel of his kindred; but having blinded his understanding with passion and prejudice, he found himself ensnared in inextricable difficulties, having neither time to levy a force sufficient to encounter his Enemies, nor a Garrison in readiness to defend the City, untill other relief or succour could be administred. Wherefore in these doubts he re∣solved to give way to the Torrent of his Enemies rage, and retire towards Colla∣suyu,

where he promised to himself security of life, and defence from the Loyalty and Valour of that people. With this intention and design he departed from Cozco with a retinue of such Incas as were able to follow him, and came to the Straits of Mayna, about five Leagues Northward from the City, towards the Sea of Zur, and there posted himself on the top Mountain, from whence he could survey the Enemies Camp, and descry what they acted in the way as they passed. The King having thus abandoned Cozco, the City was exposed to open violence, none daring to propose, much less act in the defence of it; every one endea∣vouring to shift for himself, and save his life in the best manner he was able. Of these Fugitives, some repaired to the Prince Viracocha, informing him of the Re∣bellion of Chincasuyu, and of the flight of his Father; and that there was no possibility in so short time and warning to withstand or make head against the Enemy.

The Prince deeply resenting this sad news of the flight of his Father, and the nakedness of the City, commanded those who brought him the advice, and those few Shepherds that were with him, that they should immediately repair to the City, and order those that they should find there, and as many as they should meet in the ways, that they should with such Arms as they had, and with as much speed as they could possibly, repair to the Inca their Lord and Master; gi∣ving them likewise to understand, that it was his intention so to doe, and that this was his Order and Special Command to them. Having issued out this ad∣vice, the Prince Viracocha proceeded in Quest of his Father, and without visiting the City, he took a short cut; and losing no time, overtook him in the Straits of Muyna, from whence he was not as yet departed; and being covered over with sweat and dust, holding a Lance in his hand, which he had casually taken up on the way, he presented himself before the King, and with a grave and melancholy countenance, he thus addressed his Speech to him.

How is it, Inca, that upon a report (whether true or false, is uncertain) of some few of your Subjects risen in Rebellion, you should abandon your City and Court, and fly be∣fore an Enemy, not as yet seen, nor appearing? How can you yield and resign the Temple of the Sun your Father into the power of your Enemies, to be polluted by their Prophane and un∣hallowed feet; giving them thereby liberty to return to their ancient Abominations, and there offer again their detestable Sacrifices of Men, Women and Children, with other un∣humane and unnatural actions, from which your Ancestours had reformed them? What ac∣count shall we be able to render of the charge committed to us for guard and defence of those Virgins dedicated to the Sun, if we abandon and leave them to the brutality and lusts of our Enemies? And what benefit shall we get by saving our lives, with the loss of our honour and admission of all the evils and mischiefs imaginable? For my part, I shall never assent unto it, but rather appear singly before the face of my Enemies, and lose my life in opposing their entrance into Cozco, rather than live to see the desolation of that City, and those a∣bominable practices committed in that Sacred and Imperial Court, which the Sun and his Children had founded: Wherefore let such as have courage follow me, and I shall shew them how to exchange an infamous and loathsome Life for a noble and honourable Death.

Having said thus much with deep sense and heat of spirit, he took his way to∣wards the City, without losing so much time as to eat or drink. The Incas of the Bloud, who untill now had accompanied the King, and with them his own Bro∣thers, Cousins and nearest Relations, to the number of above 4000 Men, returned and followed the Prince, so that onely some few old and impotent Men remained with the King: As many as they met in the way they marched, and those also who were scattered abroad in the Countrey, they called and summoned unto them; giving them to understand, that the Prince Viracocha was returned to the City with intention to defend that and the Temple of his Father the Sun, with the last drop of his bloud. With this news, which was soon spread over all places, the Indians were so encouraged, (the presence of the Prince giving coun∣tenance to the resolution) that they all unanimously returned to the City, inten∣ding there to dye with great alacrity and chearfulness with their Prince, who evi∣denced so much resolution and courage in their defence.

In this manner, and with these thoughts, he entred the City, and from thence immediately taking the direct road towards Chincasuyu, which was the Pass by which the Enemy marched; he commanded his Army, without any delay, to fol∣low

him, intending there to place himself between the Enemy and the City; not that he expected thereby to give a stop to their proceedings, for that it could never be hoped that their inconsiderable number could make head against such Multitudes; but that as valiant and desperate Men, they might dye fighting a∣gainst their Enemies, rather than behold the Barbarians victorious in the Temple and City of their Father the Sun, which was a matter that made the most sensi∣ble impression of all these disasters.

And because we must here set a period to the Reign of Yahuar-huacac, (whose Life we now write) and as hereafter will appear, we shall now put a full stop to the current of this History, that so we may distinguish the Actions of this King from those of his Son Viracocha: And for variety sake, and to please the Reader, we shall intermix other matters which are curious and divertising, and then after∣wards return to the Atchievements and Exploits of the Prince Viracocha, which were famous and of great Renown.

Notes

• What the Knots were, is before mentioned.