Of the lineage, and character of Huascar and Atahualpa.

THE empire of the Incas was in a state of such profound peace when Huayna Capac died, that there was not to be found a man, throughout its vast extent, who would dare to raise his head to foment disturbance, or to refuse obedience, as well from fear of the Inca, as on account of the mitimaes who were stationed in all parts, and maintained order. As when Alexander died in Babylon, many of his servants and captains became kings and ruled over extensive dominions; so on the death of Huayna Capac there were wars and differences between his two sons; and in the meantime the Spaniards arrived. Many of the mitimaes became lords, because the natural chiefs having been killed in the wars, the colonists had an opportunity of gaining the goodwill of the people.

There would be much to say in relating the history of these powerful lords in detail, but I will not deviate from my plan of telling the story briefly, for the good reasons which I have already explained. Huascar was the son of Huayna Capac; and Atahualpa also. Huascar was the younger, and Atahualpa the elder brother. Huascar was the son of the Coya, his father’s sister and principal wife. Atahualpa was the son of a woman of Quilaco, named Tupac Palla. Both were born in Cuzco, and not in Quito, as some have said and even written, but they have done so without understanding the facts. For Huayna Capac was in the conquest of Quito, and in those parts for about twelve years, and when he died his son Atahualpa was already thirty years of age. They say that his mother was the lady of Quito, but there never was any lady of that country, for the Incas themselves were kings and lords of Quito.[250] Huascar was born in Cuzco, and Atahualpa was older by four or five years. This is certain, and is what I believe. Huascar was popular in Cuzco and throughout the kingdom, owing to his being the rightful heir. Atahualpa was a favourite with his father’s old captains and with the soldiers, because he accompanied them to the wars in his boyhood, and because his father, when he was alive, loved him so well that he would not let the boy eat anything except what he himself put on his plate. Huascar was merciful and pious. Atahualpa was cruel and vindictive. Both were generous, but the latter was a man of greater spirit and force of character, the former of more valour. The one claimed to be sole lord and to rule without an equal; the other was resolved to reign by breaking the established laws and usages of the Incas. The law was that no one could be king except the eldest son of the sovereign and of his sister, although there might be other older sons by other women. Huascar wished his father’s army to be with him. Atahualpa was dismayed because he was not near Cuzco, where he could perform the fast in that city and come forth with the fringe, to be received by all as king.