How the Orejones considered who should be Inca, and what passed until Viracocha Inca assumed the fringe, who was the eighth Inca that reigned.
WHEN what has been related, in accordance with the account given by the Orejones of Cuzco of these things, had taken place, there was great lamentation for the death of the Inca. Then the principal people of the city considered who should be chosen for king, and who was worthy to be raised to such a post of dignity. There were several opinions, some proposing that there should be no king, but that the city should be governed by those who might be elected; while others maintained that all would be lost if there was no head.
Over this question there was a great dispute, and while it was at its height, they say that a woman came forth, in front of the Anan-Cuzcos and said, “What are you about? Why do you not take Viracocha Inca, seeing that he is so worthy?” On hearing these words, the people left their cups of wine, and went hastily for Viracocha Inca, son of Inca Yupanqui,[170] saying, as soon as they saw him, that he should perform the accustomed fast, and then receive the fringe, which they desired to confer upon him. Viracocha agreeing, he commenced the fast, and committed the charge of the city to his relation Rocca Inca. In due time he came forth with the crown, and they celebrated solemn festivals in Cuzco, which lasted for many days, all showing great satisfaction at the election of the new Inca.
Some have pretended that this Inca was called Viracocha because he came from other parts and brought with him a different dress, and that in his features and aspect he appeared like a Spaniard, because he had a beard.[171] They relate other things which would be tedious if they were written down. I inquired touching this matter, of Cayu Tupac Yupanqui, and the other principal people in Cuzco, who gave me the account of the Incas which I am now writing, and they replied that it was nonsense, without any foundation. For Viracocha was born and brought up in Cuzco like his parents and grandparents, and the name of Viracocha was given him as a special name, such as each one receives.
As soon as he received the crown, he married with one of the principal ladies named Runtu Coya,[172] who was very beautiful. When the festivities were concluded he resolved to set out for the conquest of some people near Cuzco, who had not consented to come into friendly relations with former Incas, confiding in the strength of their pucaras. With the force that he saw fit to assemble, he set out from Cuzco in a rich litter guarded by the principal people, and directed his march to a place called Calca,[173] where his messenger had been received with much insolence. When those of Calca knew that the army of Cuzco was approaching, they assembled in arms and posted themselves in the heights, whence they hurled great stones on the troops of the Inca, that they might kill those who were struck. The Incas climbed up the hills, and, in spite of opposition, succeeded in occupying one of the forts or strongholds. When those of Calca saw the Cuzco soldiers in their fastnesses, they came forth in a body, and fought resolutely. The battle continued from morning until noon, and many were killed on both sides, still more being made prisoners. The victory remained with those of Cuzco.
The Inca was near a river,[174] where his camp was pitched, and when he knew of the victory he felt much joy. Then his captains came down with the spoil and the captives. The Indians who had escaped from the battle, with other captains of Calca and of the neighbourhood, saw that their plans had turned out so badly, and that the only course for them was to try the good faith of the conqueror, and to seek for peace, and a moderate servitude such as many others had agreed to. They came forth to a place on the mountain and said, in a loud voice, “Live for ever! live, powerful Inca Viracocha, our lord!” At the noise caused by the voices the Cuzco troops flew to arms, but very little time elapsed before the conquered were prostrate on the ground before Viracocha Inca, where without rising, one who was held to be the wisest amongst them, raising his voice began to say: “You ought, O Inca, neither to become proud at the victory which God has given you, nor to despise us for having been defeated; for to you and to the Incas it is permitted to be lords over other tribes, and to us it is given to defend the liberty which we received from our fathers, with all our power, and when we are unable to succeed in this, it is for us to obey and submit with a good grace. Therefore give the order that no more of us are to be killed, and no more harm to be done, and dispose of us according to your will.” And when the principal Indian had spoken these words, the rest asked for mercy with loud groans.
The Inca replied that if harm had come, their anger had been the occasion of it, for at first they would not believe his words nor receive his friendship; that now he freely granted them their lands and property as at first, and that, in conformity with the laws, they would pay tribute and do service. He ordered them to build two palaces, one within the city of Cuzco, and the other in Saqui, as a place of recreation. They answered that they would do so, and the Inca ordered the captives to be released and their property to be restored. In order that they might understand what they had to do, and that no dissensions might arise among them, he ordered a delegate with great power to remain among them, without depriving the native lord of his jurisdiction.
These events having passed, the Inca Viracocha sent a messenger to summon those of Caitomarca, who had made strong places on the other side of a river, without ever having shown a desire of friendship with the Incas who were lords of Cuzco. When the messenger of the Inca Viracocha arrived, they reviled him, calling the Inca a mad man, for believing that they would easily submit to his rule.
