The travels of Pedro de Cieza de Léon; part 2

by Pedro de Cieza de León

INCA Yupanqui did not betray any anxiety in public when he received news of the insurrection in the Collao, but, with great resolution, he ordered an army to be assembled that he might go in person to punish the rebels. He sent his messengers to the Canas and Canchis, exhorting them to remain firm in their allegiance without allowing the inconstancy of the Collao to affect them. When the Inca was on the point of setting out from Cuzco, being very old, he felt tired of the wars he had waged, and of the long journeys he had made, and so bowed down and broken, that he considered himself unfit, either for this campaign, or for the continued government of so great an empire. So he sent for the High Priest and Orejones, and the principal men of the city, and said that he was now so old that his proper place was by the fireside, and not conducting a campaign.[213] He gave them to understand that this was said in all sincerity, and that they should take his son Tupac Inca Yupanqui for their Inca, a resolute youth, as they had seen in the former war in which he had served. He told them to deliver the fringe to him, that he might be venerated and acknowledged by all as their lord. He would then take steps for the punishment of the rebels in the Collao who had risen and put to death the Orejones and delegates who had been left amongst them.

Those for whom he had sent, replied that all should be done as he desired, and that they would obey in all things as they always had done. In the provinces of the Canchis and Canas they made great receptions with rich presents, and they had constructed, in the place they called Cacha, some edifices very worthy to behold, after the fashion which is usual with them.

The Collas, when they knew that Tupac Inca was marching against them in great power, sought help from their neighbours, and assembled most of them with the determination to await his approach, and to give him battle. They relate that Tupac Inca had news of all this, and that, as his disposition was merciful, and although he well knew the advantage he had over his enemies, he sent from among his neighbours, the Canas, some messengers to declare that his desire was not to be an enemy, and to punish in proportion to the crime that had been committed, when the governors and delegates of his father were killed without having done any wrong whatever. His wish was that they should lay down their arms and submit, that they might be well governed, and recognise one sovereign, rather than many lords.

With this message an Orejon was sent, carrying some presents for the principal people among the Collas. But it availed nothing, nor did they desire to swear allegiance, but rather to maintain the confederation they had formed. With the lords of their villages as captains, they advanced towards the position where Tupac Inca was encamped. All accounts agree that, in the town called Pucara they took up a position in a fortress which they had made there, and when the Inca arrived they prepared to fight with their accustomed shouts. There was a battle between the opposing forces, in which many were killed on both sides, but the Collas were defeated. Great numbers were taken prisoners, both men and women, and there would have been more if the Inca had caused the pursuit to be more hotly continued. The Inca spoke sharply to Cari, the lord of Chucuito, asking him how he had answered to the peace which his grandfather Viracocha Inca had established with him. He said he would not kill him, but would send him to Cuzco, where he would be punished. Accordingly, he and the other prisoners were sent to Cuzco under guard; and, in memory of the victory over the Collas in that place, the Inca ordered great images of stone to be set up, and a huge piece of the hill to be broken up, as well as other things, which he will see and note who travels that way. I did myself, and I remained there two days to see and understand everything thoroughly.[214]

CHAPTER LV.

How the Collas asked for peace, and how the Inca granted it and returned to Cuzco.

THE Collas who escaped from the battle were much astonished at the result, and made haste to get away, believing that those of Cuzco were closely following. So they fled in terror, turning their heads from time to time to see what was not there, for the Inca had stopped the pursuit. Having crossed the Desaguadero, all the principal chiefs assembled and took counsel together. They determined to send to the Inca and ask for peace, and, if he received them into his service, that they would pay the tribute that was due up to the time they rebelled, and that hereafter they would always be loyal. The most important among them were chosen to treat on this matter, and they met Tupac Inca advancing in pursuit. He listened to the embassy with complacency, and answered with the words of a human conqueror, saying that he grieved for what had happened owing to their conduct, and that they might safely come to Chucuito, where he would arrange the terms of peace in such a way as would be profitable to them. When they heard this, they put the matter in train.

The Inca ordered large supplies to be brought, and the lord Humalla came to receive him. The Inca spoke favourably both to him and the other lords and captains. Before the peace was arranged, they relate that great dancing and drinking festivals were celebrated. When they were concluded, and all the chiefs being assembled, the Inca said that he should not require the arrears of tribute to be paid, as they amounted to a large quantity. But as they had rebelled without cause or reason, it would be necessary to station garrisons of men of war, and that they must supply the soldiers with provisions and women. They said that they would do this; and he also ordered that mitimaes should come from other lands, and that a large number of emigrants from the Collas should be removed from their own districts to others. Governors and delegates were left amongst them, to collect the tribute. This being done, the Inca said that they must abide by a law which he should ordain, that their conduct might always be had in memory. The law was that only one thousand natives of their province should ever enter Cuzco, including women, on pain of death if more should enter. They were grieved at this order, but they agreed to comply with it, as with the rest of his commands. It is certain that if there was the fixed number of Collas in Cuzco, no others could enter after the number was complete, until some went out, and, if they wished to do so, they could not, because the gate-keepers, collectors of tolls, and guards who were stationed to see who went in and out, would not permit or consent to it. Among these people they did not resort to bribery to gain their ends, nor did they ever tell a lie to their kings on any account, nor betray a secret. This is a thing worthy of all praise.

Having settled the affairs of the province of Collao, put things in order, and given the chiefs their instructions, the Inca returned to Cuzco, first sending his messengers to Condesuyos and to the Antis, to report what had taken place there, whether the governor had committed any fault, or the natives had made any disturbance. Accompanied by a great company and many principal chiefs, he entered Cuzco, and was received with much honor. They offered up great sacrifices to the Sun, and there were festivities for those who were engaged in the work of building the fortress by order of Inca Yupanqui. The Coya, wife and sister of the Inca, named Mama Ocllo, also made great rejoicings with festivity and dancing.