How the King Huayna Capac returned to Quito, and how he knew of the arrival of Spaniards on the coast, and of his death.

IN this same year[245] Francisco Pizarro was on this coast with thirteen Christians,[246] and the tidings of them was brought to Huayna Capac at Quito. Particulars were reported of the dress they wore, of their ship, and how they were white and bearded, how that they spoke little, were not so fond of drinking as the natives, and other things which the people had observed. Anxious to see such men, they say that the Inca ordered that one of two of these men who had been left behind, should be brought to him, the rest having gone back with their leader to the Isle of Gorgona, where he had left certain Spaniards with their Indians, as we shall explain in its place.[247] Some Indians say that after the others had gone, they killed the two that were left behind, at which Huayna Capac was much displeased. Others relate that they were sent to the Inca; but that they were put to death on the road when the news came that the Inca was no more. Others, again, declare that the two men died. What we believe to be most probable is, that the Indians killed them shortly after they had been left behind.

Huayna Capac was in Quito with a great company of people. He was very powerful, his dominion extending from the river of Ancasmayu to the river of Maule, a distance of more than 1,200 leagues. He was so rich, that they relate that he had caused to be brought to Quito over 500 loads of gold, more than 1,000 of silver, many precious stones, and much fine cloth. He was feared by all his subjects, because he was a stern dispenser of justice. In the midst of his power, they say that a great pestilence broke out, which was so contagious, that over 200,000 souls died throughout the provinces, for it prevailed in all parts. The Inca caught the disease, and all that was said to free him from death was of no avail, because the great God was not served by his recovery. When he felt that the pestilence had touched him, he ordered great sacrifices to be offered up for his health throughout the land, and at all the huacas and temples of the Sun. And as he became worse, he called his captains and relations, and addressed them on several subjects. Among other things, they relate that he foretold that the people who had been seen in the ship, would return with great power, and would conquer the country. This was probably a fable, and if he said so, it must have been through the mouth of a devil, for who could know that the Spaniards went to arrange their return as conquerors? Others say that, considering the extensive territory of the Quillacingas and Popayan, and that the empire was very extensive for one person to rule, he ordained that from Quito to the north, the dominion should be under his son Atahualpa, whom he loved dearly, because he had always accompanied him in his wars. He desired that the rest of the empire should be ruled by Huascar, the sole heir of the whole. Other Indians say that he did not divide the kingdom; but that he said to those who were present, that they well knew how he had wished that his son Huascar, by his sister Chimpu Ocllo,[248] should be lord after his own time, at which all the people of Cuzco were well contented. He had other sons of great valour, among whom were Nanque Yupanqui, Tupac Inca, Huanca Auqui, Tupac Hualpa, Titu, Huaman Hualpa, Manco Inca, Huascar, Cusi Hualpa, Paullu Tupac Yupanqui, Conono, Atahualpa. He did not desire to give them anything of the great possessions he left, but that they should receive all from their brother, as he had inherited all from his father. For he trusted much that his son would keep his promise, and that he would fulfil all that his heart desired, although he was still a boy. He ordered his chiefs to love him and treat him as their sovereign, and that, until he was of full age to govern, Colla Tupac, his uncle, should be his guardian. When he had said this, he died.

As soon as Huayna Capac was dead, the lamentations were so great that the shouting rose up to the clouds, and the noise so stupefied the birds that they fell from a great height to the ground. The news was carried to all parts, and everywhere the sorrow was deep. In Quito, as they relate, the people mourned for ten days, while the lamentations of the CaÑaris continued for a whole month. Many principal lords accompanied the body to Cuzco, all the men and women along the road coming out to weep and groan. In Cuzco there was more lamentation. Sacrifices were offered up in the temples, and preparations were made for the interment in accordance with custom, the soul being supposed to be in heaven. They killed, to be buried in the same tomb, more than 4,000 souls, women, pages, and other servants; as well as treasure, precious stones, and fine cloth. It was truly a very great sum that was buried with him. They do not say where, nor in what manner he was interred; but they concur in stating that his sepulchre was in Cuzco. Some Indians told me that they buried him in the river Ancasmayu, diverting it from its course to make the tomb. But I do not believe it. My impression is that those are right who say that he was buried in Cuzco.[249]

The Indians relate many things relating to this king, insomuch that what I have written and narrated is nothing. Assuredly, I believe that there are so many things left to write touching this king, his fathers and grandfathers, that it would form another history larger than what has already been recorded.