_How the Inca sent from Quito to know whether his commands had been
obeyed, and how, leaving that province in good order, he set out to go
to the valleys of the Yuncas._
When Tupac Inca Yupanqui had become lord of the country as far as Quito,
in the manner already described, and being himself still at Quito, he
resolved to take steps to ensure that his orders were complied with and
carried out. He, therefore, directed those who among his followers were
most expert to be carried by the natives in hammocks, some to one part,
some to another, overlooking and examining the condition of the new
provinces, taking account of the governors and collectors of tribute,
and judging of their dealings with the natives.
The Inca sent his Orejones to the provinces which we call Puerto
Viejo,[217] to induce the inhabitants to submit, as the others had done,
and to instruct them how they were to sow, to work, to dress, and to
worship the Sun, and to make them understand the orderly system of
living, and of policy. They relate that these Orejones were killed, as a
reward for the good they came to do; and that Tupac Inca sent certain
captains, with troops, to punish the murderers. But when the barbarians
knew of their approach, they assembled in such numbers that they
conquered and killed the Inca’s troops, at which he showed anger. But as
he had important affairs on his hands, and had occasion to proceed in
person to Cuzco, he was not in a position to chastise them for what they
had done.
At Quito, the Inca received news that his orders had been well attended
to in the provinces, and that his delegates had instructed the people
over whom they were placed, and had treated them well; while the people
were happy, and did what was required of them. From many lords there
arrived ambassadors every day, with valuable presents, and the Inca’s
court was full of great men, and his palaces of vases of gold and
silver, and other precious things. In the morning the Inca had a meal,
and from noon until rather late he gave public audiences to those who
desired to speak with him, accompanied by his guard. From that time
until the night he passed in drinking, and then supper was served by the
light of torches. For these people did not use tallow or wax, although
they had plenty of both.
The Inca left a venerable Orejon in Quito, as the captain-general and
lieutenant, who, according to all accounts, was intelligent, brave, and
of noble presence. His name was Chalco Mayta, and he was given
permission to travel in a litter and to be served in gold, and other
privileges which he highly appreciated. Above all things, he was ordered
to send a messenger to the Inca every month, with a full report of all
that had happened, of the condition of the country, the yield of the
harvests, increase of flocks, as well as the usual reports of the annual
deaths and births, according to the system already described. The great
road from Quito to Cuzco, which is a greater distance than from Seville
to Rome, was as much used as the road from Seville to Triana, and I
cannot say more.
The great Tupac Inca had long heard of the fertility of the coast
valleys and of their beauty, and of the great esteem in which their
lords were held. He now determined to send messengers with presents for
the principal men, and a request that they would receive him as a friend
and comrade, as he, in like manner, desired to be with them. He said
that when he passed through their valleys, he would not make war if they
desired peace, that he would give them some of his women and cloths, and
would take theirs in exchange, with other things of a like nature.
Throughout the coast the tidings of the great conquests of Tupac Ynca
Yupanqui had spread, and that he was not cruel nor bloodthirsty, nor did
harm to any except those who were troublesome and opposed themselves to
him. Those who brought the news also praised the customs and religion of
the people of Cuzco, holding the Orejones to be sacred persons, and that
the Incas were either children of the Sun or had some deity within
themselves. Considering these and other reports, many resolved to seek
the Inca’s friendship before they had even seen his banners, and they
sent their ambassadors with messages to that effect, and bearing many
presents. They requested him to be pleased to come to their valleys to
enjoy the delights of them and to be served by the inhabitants.
Approving of their wish, and giving fresh instructions to the Governor
of Quito, the Inca left that city to assume dominion over the Yuncas of
the coast.