How the Inca sent from Quito to know whether his commands had been obeyed, and how, leaving that province in good order, he set out to go to the valleys of the Yuncas.

WHEN Tupac Inca Yupanqui had become lord of the country as far as Quito, in the manner already described, and being himself still at Quito, he resolved to take steps to ensure that his orders were complied with and carried out. He, therefore, directed those who among his followers were most expert to be carried by the natives in hammocks, some to one part, some to another, overlooking and examining the condition of the new provinces, taking account of the governors and collectors of tribute, and judging of their dealings with the natives.

The Inca sent his Orejones to the provinces which we call Puerto Viejo,[217] to induce the inhabitants to submit, as the others had done, and to instruct them how they were to sow, to work, to dress, and to worship the Sun, and to make them understand the orderly system of living, and of policy. They relate that these Orejones were killed, as a reward for the good they came to do; and that Tupac Inca sent certain captains, with troops, to punish the murderers. But when the barbarians knew of their approach, they assembled in such numbers that they conquered and killed the Inca’s troops, at which he showed anger. But as he had important affairs on his hands, and had occasion to proceed in person to Cuzco, he was not in a position to chastise them for what they had done.

At Quito, the Inca received news that his orders had been well attended to in the provinces, and that his delegates had instructed the people over whom they were placed, and had treated them well; while the people were happy, and did what was required of them. From many lords there arrived ambassadors every day, with valuable presents, and the Inca’s court was full of great men, and his palaces of vases of gold and silver, and other precious things. In the morning the Inca had a meal, and from noon until rather late he gave public audiences to those who desired to speak with him, accompanied by his guard. From that time until the night he passed in drinking, and then supper was served by the light of torches. For these people did not use tallow or wax, although they had plenty of both.

The Inca left a venerable Orejon in Quito, as the captain-general and lieutenant, who, according to all accounts, was intelligent, brave, and of noble presence. His name was Chalco Mayta, and he was given permission to travel in a litter and to be served in gold, and other privileges which he highly appreciated. Above all things, he was ordered to send a messenger to the Inca every month, with a full report of all that had happened, of the condition of the country, the yield of the harvests, increase of flocks, as well as the usual reports of the annual deaths and births, according to the system already described. The great road from Quito to Cuzco, which is a greater distance than from Seville to Rome, was as much used as the road from Seville to Triana, and I cannot say more.

The great Tupac Inca had long heard of the fertility of the coast valleys and of their beauty, and of the great esteem in which their lords were held. He now determined to send messengers with presents for the principal men, and a request that they would receive him as a friend and comrade, as he, in like manner, desired to be with them. He said that when he passed through their valleys, he would not make war if they desired peace, that he would give them some of his women and cloths, and would take theirs in exchange, with other things of a like nature. Throughout the coast the tidings of the great conquests of Tupac Ynca Yupanqui had spread, and that he was not cruel nor bloodthirsty, nor did harm to any except those who were troublesome and opposed themselves to him. Those who brought the news also praised the customs and religion of the people of Cuzco, holding the Orejones to be sacred persons, and that the Incas were either children of the Sun or had some deity within themselves. Considering these and other reports, many resolved to seek the Inca’s friendship before they had even seen his banners, and they sent their ambassadors with messages to that effect, and bearing many presents. They requested him to be pleased to come to their valleys to enjoy the delights of them and to be served by the inhabitants. Approving of their wish, and giving fresh instructions to the Governor of Quito, the Inca left that city to assume dominion over the Yuncas of the coast.