The travels of Pedro de Cieza de Léon; part 2

by Pedro de Cieza de León

Inca Urco had married his sister, that he might have a son by her, to succeed to the lordship. He was so vicious, and so given to evil courses that, without caring for her, he went after common women, and after the girls he fancied, and it is even said that he seduced some of the mamaconas in the temple; and he had so little honour that he did not even desire to be respected. He went about the city drinking, and when he had an arroba or more of liquor in his body, he conducted himself indecently. And he used to say to the Orejones who had beautiful wives, “How are my children?” as much as to say that the children were his and not the children of the husbands. He never built any house or edifice, he disliked arms, and in short they relate no good thing of him except that he was very liberal.

As soon as he had assumed the fringe, after some days had passed, he determined to go and enjoy himself in the houses of pleasure which were built for the recreation of the Incas, leaving as his lieutenant Inca Yupanqui, who was father of Tupac Inca, as we shall presently relate.

Such being the state of affairs at Cuzco, the Chancas, as I have already stated, had conquered the Quichuas and occupied the greater part of the province of Andabailes. As they were victorious, and hearing what was said of the grandeur of Cuzco and of its riches, and of the majesty of the Incas, they did not desire to abandon their conquests, but wished to acquire all they could with their arms. So they made a grand appeal to their gods, and set out from Andabailes, which is the place called by the Spaniards Andaguaylas,[184] and is now an encomienda of Diego Maldonado[185] the rich, leaving a sufficient force there to protect it. Hastu-Huaraca, and a very brave brother of his named Omoguara, with the forces ready for war, set out proudly from their own territory on the road to Cuzco, marching until they arrived at Curampa,[186] where they encamped, doing much injury to the people of the district. But as in those days many of the settlements were on the heights and peaks of the mountains, with strong defences called pucaras, they could not kill any great number or make many prisoners, but only ravage the fields.

They departed from Curampa, and arrived at the resting place of Cocha-cassa, and at the river Abancay, destroying everything they found. Thus they approached Cuzco, where the news of their coming had preceded them. When it was known to the aged Viracocha, he left the valley of Xaquixaguana, and went with his women and servants to the valley of Yucay. They also relate that Inca Urco merely laughed, making light of what was really a very serious matter. But the fate of Cuzco was guarded by Inca Yupanqui and his sons, who were destined to save the city from all its danger by their virtues. For not only did he vanquish the Chancas, but he subjugated the greater part of the nations who inhabit those kingdoms, as I shall relate further on.

CHAPTER XLV.

How the Chancas arrived at the city of Cuzco and pitched their camp there, and of the terror of the inhabitants, and the great valour of Inca Yupanqui.

AFTER the Chancas had offered up sacrifices on the banks of the Apurimac and had arrived near the city of Cuzco, the Captain-General or lord who led them, named Hastu-Huaraca said that they should reflect on the great undertaking they had entered upon, that they should show themselves to be strong, and that they should feel no fear nor terror whatever of men who thought they could frighten people by making their ears such a size as these enemies did. He also told his followers that they would capture much spoil, and beautiful women with whom they could enjoy themselves. They replied cheerfully that they would do their duty.

As it was known in the city of Cuzco that the enemy was marching against it, and that neither Viracocha Inca nor his son Inca Urco had made any preparation to oppose them, the Orejones and principal people were much disturbed, and offered up great sacrifices according to their custom. They then agreed to ask Inca Yupanqui to take charge of the war, for the common safety. One of the most venerable took the matter in hand, and spoke in the name of the others. He replied that when his father wished to confer the fringe upon him, they would not consent, but insisted that his cowardly brother should be Inca. He himself had never pretended to the royal dignity through usurpation and contrary to the will of the people; and they should now do what was necessary for the public good, as they had seen that the Inca Urco was unfit for the post. The Orejones replied that, when the war was over, they would adopt such measures as were best for the government of the kingdom. It is said that they then sent messengers through the province, declaring that all who wished to come and be citizens of Cuzco, would be given lands in the valley, and would receive privileges; and so they came from many parts. This being done, the captain, Inca Yupanqui, came forth to the great square where was the stone of war, with the skin of a lion on his head, as a sign that he must be strong as is that animal.

At this time the Chancas had reached Vilca-cunga, and the Inca Yupanqui ordered all the men of war that were in Cuzco to be assembled, with the determination of marching out on the road. Those who appeared most resolute were appointed captains; but, on further consideration, he determined to wait in the city.

The Chancas continued to advance until they pitched their camp on the hill of Carmenca, which overlooks the city, and presently set up their tents. The people of Cuzco had made deep holes full of stones at the approaches to the city, and subtly covered them over on the top, so that those who walked that way might fall in. When the women and children of Cuzco saw the enemy, they were much afraid, and made a great noise. Inca Yupanqui sent messengers to Hastu Huaraca, proposing that there should be an agreement between them, to avoid the slaughter of the people. Hastu Huaraca was proud, and thought little of the embassy. He wanted simply to abide by the decision of battle; but to the importunate prayers of his relations and others, he yielded so far as to agree to a conference with the Inca, and in that sense he replied. The city is situated between hills, in a naturally strong position. The slopes and ridges were scarped, and in many parts sharp stakes of palm were fixed, which are as hard as iron, and more hurtful. The Inca and Hastu Huaraca had an interview, but, as both were ready to fight, it availed little, for being further excited by the words which they spoke to each other, at last they came to blows, at the same time shouting and making a great noise. For the men in that country make an exceeding great noise when they fight. They fought with each other for a long time and the night coming on, the Chancas remained in their tents, and those of the city were all round, watching in every direction, that the enemy might not enter. For neither Cuzco, nor the other towns in those parts, are surrounded by walls.