_How the Inca Yupanqui, having grown very old, resigned the Government
of the Kingdom to Tupac Inca, his Son._
Inca Yupanqui did not betray any anxiety in public when he received news
of the insurrection in the Collao, but, with great resolution, he
ordered an army to be assembled that he might go in person to punish the
rebels. He sent his messengers to the Canas and Canchis, exhorting them
to remain firm in their allegiance without allowing the inconstancy of
the Collao to affect them. When the Inca was on the point of setting out
from Cuzco, being very old, he felt tired of the wars he had waged, and
of the long journeys he had made, and so bowed down and broken, that he
considered himself unfit, either for this campaign, or for the continued
government of so great an empire. So he sent for the High Priest and
Orejones, and the principal men of the city, and said that he was now so
old that his proper place was by the fireside, and not conducting a
campaign.[213] He gave them to understand that this was said in all
sincerity, and that they should take his son Tupac Inca Yupanqui for
their Inca, a resolute youth, as they had seen in the former war in
which he had served. He told them to deliver the fringe to him, that he
might be venerated and acknowledged by all as their lord. He would then
take steps for the punishment of the rebels in the Collao who had risen
and put to death the Orejones and delegates who had been left amongst
them.
Those for whom he had sent, replied that all should be done as he
desired, and that they would obey in all things as they always had done.
In the provinces of the Canchis and Canas they made great receptions
with rich presents, and they had constructed, in the place they called
Cacha, some edifices very worthy to behold, after the fashion which is
usual with them.
The Collas, when they knew that Tupac Inca was marching against them in
great power, sought help from their neighbours, and assembled most of
them with the determination to await his approach, and to give him
battle. They relate that Tupac Inca had news of all this, and that, as
his disposition was merciful, and although he well knew the advantage he
had over his enemies, he sent from among his neighbours, the Canas, some
messengers to declare that his desire was not to be an enemy, and to
punish in proportion to the crime that had been committed, when the
governors and delegates of his father were killed without having done
any wrong whatever. His wish was that they should lay down their arms
and submit, that they might be well governed, and recognise one
sovereign, rather than many lords.
With this message an Orejon was sent, carrying some presents for the
principal people among the Collas. But it availed nothing, nor did they
desire to swear allegiance, but rather to maintain the confederation
they had formed. With the lords of their villages as captains, they
advanced towards the position where Tupac Inca was encamped. All
accounts agree that, in the town called Pucara they took up a position
in a fortress which they had made there, and when the Inca arrived they
prepared to fight with their accustomed shouts. There was a battle
between the opposing forces, in which many were killed on both sides,
but the Collas were defeated. Great numbers were taken prisoners, both
men and women, and there would have been more if the Inca had caused the
pursuit to be more hotly continued. The Inca spoke sharply to Cari, the
lord of Chucuito, asking him how he had answered to the peace which his
grandfather Viracocha Inca had established with him. He said he would
not kill him, but would send him to Cuzco, where he would be punished.
Accordingly, he and the other prisoners were sent to Cuzco under guard;
and, in memory of the victory over the Collas in that place, the Inca
ordered great images of stone to be set up, and a huge piece of the hill
to be broken up, as well as other things, which he will see and note who
travels that way. I did myself, and I remained there two days to see and
understand everything thoroughly.[214]