How Inca Urco was received as supreme ruler of the whole empire, and assumed the crown at Cuzco, and how the Chancas determined to come forth and make war on those of Cuzco.

THE Orejones, and even all the other natives of these provinces, laughed at the proceedings of the Inca Urco.[183] Owing to his trivialities, they prefer that he should not be looked upon as having enjoyed the dignity of the kingdom. Thus we see that in the narrative derived from the quipus and traditions, which they have of the kings who reigned at Cuzco, they are silent as to this one. This I will not be; for in fact, well or ill, with vices or virtues, he governed and reigned over the kingdom for several days. When Viracocha Inca departed for the valley of Xaquixaguana, he sent the fringe or crown to Cuzco, that the elders of the city might deliver it to Inca Urco, having said that what he had done for the city of Cuzco must suffice, and that he wished to pass what remained of life in the enjoyment of rest, for that he was old and unfit for war. His wishes being understood, presently Inca Urco began the fasts and other observances in conformity with their customs and, having finished, he came forth with the crown, and went to the temple of the Sun to perform sacrifices, and there were the usual feasts and drinking bouts at Cuzco.

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.