_Of the lineage, and character of Huascar and Atahualpa._
The empire of the Incas was in a state of such profound peace when
Huayna Capac died, that there was not to be found a man, throughout its
vast extent, who would dare to raise his head to foment disturbance, or
to refuse obedience, as well from fear of the Inca, as on account of the
_mitimaes_ who were stationed in all parts, and maintained order. As
when Alexander died in Babylon, many of his servants and captains became
kings and ruled over extensive dominions; so on the death of Huayna
Capac there were wars and differences between his two sons; and in the
meantime the Spaniards arrived. Many of the _mitimaes_ became lords,
because the natural chiefs having been killed in the wars, the colonists
had an opportunity of gaining the goodwill of the people.
There would be much to say in relating the history of these powerful
lords in detail, but I will not deviate from my plan of telling the
story briefly, for the good reasons which I have already explained.
Huascar was the son of Huayna Capac; and Atahualpa also. Huascar was the
younger, and Atahualpa the elder brother. Huascar was the son of the
Coya, his father’s sister and principal wife. Atahualpa was the son of a
woman of Quilaco, named Tupac Palla. Both were born in Cuzco, and not in
Quito, as some have said and even written, but they have done so without
understanding the facts. For Huayna Capac was in the conquest of Quito,
and in those parts for about twelve years, and when he died his son
Atahualpa was already thirty years of age. They say that his mother was
the lady of Quito, but there never was any lady of that country, for the
Incas themselves were kings and lords of Quito.[250] Huascar was born
in Cuzco, and Atahualpa was older by four or five years. This is
certain, and is what I believe. Huascar was popular in Cuzco and
throughout the kingdom, owing to his being the rightful heir. Atahualpa
was a favourite with his father’s old captains and with the soldiers,
because he accompanied them to the wars in his boyhood, and because his
father, when he was alive, loved him so well that he would not let the
boy eat anything except what he himself put on his plate. Huascar was
merciful and pious. Atahualpa was cruel and vindictive. Both were
generous, but the latter was a man of greater spirit and force of
character, the former of more valour. The one claimed to be sole lord
and to rule without an equal; the other was resolved to reign by
breaking the established laws and usages of the Incas. The law was that
no one could be king except the eldest son of the sovereign and of his
sister, although there might be other older sons by other women. Huascar
wished his father’s army to be with him. Atahualpa was dismayed because
he was not near Cuzco, where he could perform the fast in that city and
come forth with the fringe, to be received by all as king.