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.

CHAP. XII.

Of their Edisices, and Laws, and new Conquests obtained by the Inca Pachacutec.

THE Holy-days or Festivals being over, the Officers of the Army, Curacas and common Souldiers, were rewarded according to their respective de∣grees and qualities, and merit of their valour; for the Actions of particular Per∣sons were taken notice of, and as every one signalized himself so was his Reward. Then did the Inca resolve again after some few months to visit his Dominions, which were always pleased and enlivened with the Blessing and Favour of his Presence. In the more famous Provinces where he passed, he commanded rich and magnificent Temples to be erected, wherein the Indians might with the more awe and reverence adore the Sun; and likewise founded Houses for the select Virgins; for these two were always Neighbours, and where one was, the other was built by it. This great care which the Incas took to have their Subjects in∣cited in their Devotion, was a farther endearment of them to their Kings; for it made them not onely religious, but gave them the privileges of Naturaliza∣tion, and being Citizens of the City of Cozco. Besides these Temples he built Fortresses and Castles on the Frontiers, and Royal Palaces in the Vallies, and in the places of best Air and most delightfull situation, and in those parts which were in the common Road and way, at such distances as were most convenient for the Incas to take up their Lodgings and Residence, when they travelled or marched with their Army: He also built Magazines, and Store-houses in every Province, for the provision and maintenance of the People in years of Dearth and Famine.

He ordained many Laws and Statutes, indulging to every People and Nation their own ancient Customs, in such things as did not contradict or interfere with the Religion established, or oppose the rules of common honesty; by which gen∣tleness the people lived without Tyranny or Compulsion, not being sensible of any unpleasant alteration, but such as tended to their good and benefit, leading them from a bestial to a rational and moral Life, which was the great design and intention of the Incas.

Having in this Visit and Travails spent three Years, he returned again to Cozco; where having passed some Months in joy and festivals, he consulted with his Bro∣ther, who was his chief Minister, and others of his Council, concerning the en∣tire Conquest of the Provinces of Chinchasuyu, for there were no other Countries on that side remaining to be subjected to their Dominion; for on the other quar∣ter, towards Antisuyu, bordering on the snowy Mountain, there was nothing dis∣covered besides Rocks, and Precipices, and inaccessible places.

The Inca, Capac Yupanqui having so well acquitted himself with Prudence and Valour in his late Expedition, it was resolved, that he should again take upon himself the Command and Conduct of the Army; and that his Nephew, called Yupanqui, who was Prince, and Heir apparent, a Youth of about sixteen Years old, should accompany him in the War, it being the custome for young Men of that Age, to take up their Arms, and make their first Campaign; according to the Ceremony practised in Huaracu; (as we shall hereafter more particularly Dis∣course) that so they being initiated, and exercised in military Discipline, and Arts, might become experienced and valiant Captains in their more mature years. To this intent fifty thousand Souldiers being levied, and put in a posture of War, the Uncle and Nephew marched with the Van, which was one third of the Ar∣my towards the Province called Chucurpu, which was the ultimate extent of the Empire on that side.

Thence were the usual Summons dispatched to the Inhabitants of the Province called Pincu; who finding themselves in no condition to resist the power which marched against them; and being well informed of the happiness of those people, who became Vassals to the Inca; they readily accepted the Propositions of Peace, with this Complement, That they rejoiced to receive the Blessings of the Inca's protection, and to be numbred with those Subjects who were under his Domi∣nion and Empire. Thus the Incas entred that Province, from whence they sent the like Summons to the Neighbouring Countries, of which Huaras, Piscopamp••s, and Cunchucu were the chief. But these, instead of following the example of Pincu, unexpectedly took other counsels, and confederating one with the other, resolved to join in the common defence; agreeing to send this Answer, That they would rather dye, than receive new Laws, new Customs, or a new Reli∣gion; for they were so well satisfied with those Gods, which they and their Ancestours had from all Ages served and adored; that they had no need to change them for that specious shew of Religion, by which the Inca had allured and de∣ceived the Neighbouring Nations, and usurped a Tyrannical Power and Domi∣nion over them.

Having given this answer, and knowing themselves unable to resist the Inca in open Field, they retired to their strong holds and fast places, being resolved to defend the narrow and difficult Passes; and to that end, with all diligence and care, they Victualled their Camp, making the best provisions they were able a∣gainst a long siege.