Chapter XXX: Front Matter (30)

[Sidenote: Their Habits.]

Their Habits were heretofore of one fashion through the whole Realm, onely the Covering of their Heads were several, by which the People of one Countrey were distinguish’d from the other, according to an inviolable Law made many Ages since; some therefore wore thin Caps, others broad Pleits, others little Hats, others round Bonnets, others woven Caps, and the like.

[Sidenote: Their Post-Stages.]

Their Post-Stages, call’d _Chasquis_, were little Houses, each standing a League and a half from one another, wherein dwelt certain Officers, who with extraordinary speed convey’d the _Inga_’s Letters from one _Chasquis_ to the other; after which manner in two days time they convey’d a Letter a hundred Leagues. But since the _Spaniards_ conquer’d this Countrey, that Convenience was lost, till the tenth _Peruvian_ Vice-Roy _Martin Enriques_ re-establish’d the same; for he allow’d a Sallary to those Posts, that they might with speed convey all Letters and Packets from one to the other, being distant, according to his Establishment, four Leagues.

[Sidenote: Their severe Laws against Malefactors.]

Lastly, the _Ingas_ maintain’d strict Laws in criminal Affairs; for as they did not neglect to encourage noble Atchievements (for whoe’re had done a valiant Act in the Wars, was made Governor of a Countrey, or had a certain quantity of Land given him, or Married one of the _Inga_’s Family;) so likewise they severely punish’d all Malefactors: for Murderers, Thieves, and Adulterers suffer’d Death without Mercy; yet they allow’d store of Concubines, and it was free for any one to Lie with his Neighbor’s Concubine, but Death to have to do with any Man’s lawful Wife, who were serv’d by the Concubines.

[Sidenote: Their Marriages.]

When a Bridegroom Betrothed himself to his Bride, he gave her (and put them on himself) a pair of Shoes call’d _Ajota_, not unlike those of a grey Fryer, which were lin’d with Cotton if she were a Maid, but with Leaves if a Widow, who nevertheless being generally younger than the Man, was to Mourn a whole year in Black for her deceased Husband; till the expiration of which time she was not to Marry another. Governors of Provinces and other Officers of State receiv’d their Wives from the _Ingas_, who enquiring out the beautifullest and most accomplish’d Virgins they could hear of, put the _Ajota_ on their Feet, and gave them to such Persons as they most fancied; after which if they committed Adultery they were certainly put to death. The Marrying of Brothers and Sisters was also forbid, till the Inga _Topa Yupangui_, Father to _Guaynacava_ broke that Law, by Marrying his own Sister _Mamoello_, and made an Order that the _Ingas_ onely should have that liberty; nay, when he lay on his Death-bed, he strictly charg’d his Son _Guaynacava_ to take his own Sister _Goya Cuissilmay_ to Wife; and this incestuous Marriage produc’d _Huascar_ and _Attabaliba_, (though some say _Attabaliba_ was begotten on a Concubine) in whose time the _Peruvian_ Kingdom went to ruine. _Guaynacava_ also permitted the common People to Marry their Sisters of the Fathers side, but not of the Mothers.

[Sidenote: Their manner of living.]

The _Peruvian_ Houses were antiently for the most part light and small; and for their Table they made but little preparation, satisfying themselves with a little Beer made of Rice, Bread bak’d of _Maiz_, dry’d Flesh, Fish, and Roots.

In their Wars they us’d Slings, Darts, Arrows, Lances, Pikes, Halberds, Pole-Axes, and Shields.

[Sidenote: Their Funerals.]

Their Funerals were also solemnly kept, especially those of Persons of Quality, the Corps was carried out on a brave Chair, from which he was put into the Ground, with two of his Concubines whom he best affected, and also three Servants, Gold and Silver Vessels, _Maiz_, and the Liquor _Chica_, which the nearest Relation spurted into his Mouth through a Cane; all which they did that the Deceased might make use thereof in the other World. But before the Funeral the Relations Mourn’d over the Corps several days, and after the Body was Interr’d, they plac’d the Picture of the Deceased upon the Grave: but the meaner sort of People had the Tools belonging to their Trade; and Soldiers their Arms plac’d on the same.

[Sidenote: Their Religion.]

In their Religion they had various Fancies; their prime God _Viracocha_ bore several Denominations, and amongst others he was call’d _Pacachame_, or _Pachayachachick_, by which he was signifi’d to be the Creator of Heaven and Earth; as also _Usapu_, that is, _Wonderful_. In honor to this _Pacachama_ stood formerly a magnificent Temple about four Leagues from _Lima_, where the Ruines still manifest its former glory, it being the Place where the Devil answer’d the Priests, who stood with their Backs towards the Image of _Pacochame_, bowing their Heads to the Ground, and showing many antick Tricks. The second Temple stood near _Cusco_, in which the _Inga_’s had plac’d the Images of all the Gods and Goddesses that were worshipp’d in _Peru_; and before each Image stood an Altar: the chiefest of them, call’d _Puachao_, consisting of massie Gold, was Dedicated to the Sun, on whose Forehead the Sun was Engraven on a Plate, which afterwards fell into the Hands of the _Spanish_ Captain _Mancius Sierra de Lequizamo_; but because he lost the same one Night at Gaming, this Proverb was rais’d upon it, _Lequizamo lost the Sun before it rose_, because he got the Plate on which the Sun was Engraven in the Afternoon, and lost the same in the Night: The Temple it self, built of great Stones, curiously joyn’d together in _Mosaick_ Work, and within link’d with Golden Plates of a Finger thick, stood full of Golden Chappels and Altars; round about it were several Galleries, into which the Priests and Priestesses Chambers open’d. Near the River _Ticiquaque_ a third Temple, Consecrated to the Sun.

[Sidenote: The various Idolatry of the _Peruvians_.]

This kind of Idolatry was common to the _Peruvians_, with several other Nations of the antient _Heathens_, as hath been before observ’d, which made them mock at the _Spaniards_ when they told them of a Crucifi’d _Saviour_, saying they had a splendid God, who appear’d to them in glory every Morning. In the third Temple near the River _Taciquaque_ in _Peru_, which exceeded the other two, they worshipp’d Thunder by the Name of _Chuquilla_, _Catuilla_, and _Intillapa_, which the _Peruvians_ believ’d to be a Man that Commanded the Air, and who being Arm’d with a Club and Sling, throws down Rain, Hail, and Snow from the Clouds, and shooting Bullets through the lower Region, causes Thunder and Lightning: They worshipp’d him after the same manner as they did _Viracocha_ and the Sun, with holding up of a thing like a Glove, and sometimes Offering, especially in _Cusco_, living Children: Also they ador’d the Earth of which they made the Goddess _Bathamama_; also _Mamacocha_, the God of the Sea. The Rainbowe, which the _Ingas_ carried between two Serpents for their Arms, was also religiously worshipp’d. Amongst the Stars they imagin’d _Colca_, by us call’d _Aries_, or the _Ram_, as chief; yet held several others of peculiar Denomination, in veneration, of which they crav’d such things as they wanted. The Shepherds ador’d the Star _Nereuchilla_ or _Capricorn_, whom they judge to Rule over the Beasts. Others worshipp’d _Machacuay_ which the _European_ Astronomers call the _Serpent_, as commanding Serpents and Dragons, that they might receive no hurt from them. Tygers, Lyons, and Bears, were Rul’d by the Star _Chuquichinchag_; wherefore those who would walk free from those ravenous Beasts, lifted up folded Hands to the Constellations representing the same. They believ’d that there was no Creature living on Earth, whole Likeness the Heavens could not afford; and that those which were on Earth were under the influence of those in Heaven: from hence proceeded the Names of the Stars _Chacana_, _Topatatca_, _Mamana_, _Mirma_, and others. They likewise attributed a kind of Divinity to Fountains, Rivers, Rocks, Mountains, some kinds of Herbs, Roots, and especially the _Papas_, of a strange shape, and had a veneration for all manner of Creatures that were of an unusual form. When they travel’d they strew’d Shoes, Plumes of Feathers, and _Cocoa_ in all cross Ways and tops of Hills, by them call’d _Apachitas_; and if they want the fore-mention’d things, then they throw a Stone for an Offering, from whence it proceeds, that in all cross Ways, and on the tops of Hills, lie heaps of Stones, which are accounted holy.

The like fond veneration of Stones the _Saracens_ are said antiently to have had, upon a Tradition, That _Abraham_ had enjoy’d _Agar_ upon a Stone, and that according to _Euthymius_ and _Libanius_, he ty’d his Cammel to a Stone when he went to Offer his Son _Isaac_.

The Images of their deceased _Ingas_, which they call’d _Guaoiqui_, were had in great honor, and carried with them to the Wars, and up and down in Processionings, and call’d upon for fruitful Seasons.

[Sidenote: The _Peruvians_ believ’d the Immortality of the Soul.]

The Immortality of the Soul, the giving of Punishments to the Wicked, and of Rewards to those that do well, was generally believ’d amongst the _Peruvians_, but not the Resurrection of the Dead. Many suffer’d themselves to be buried with their Friends, that they might accompany them to the other World. When the Inga _Guaynacava_ was buried, above a thousand of his Courtiers Sung several Songs, kept a great Feast, and went with great joy to be buried with him, that so they might serve their King on the other side of the Mountains. They Offer’d likewise a great number of Children, and with their Blood cross’d their Faces from one Ear to another: But this barbarous Offering was never us’d but at the Death of prime Persons of Quality; for the meaner sort of People set onely Meat on the Graves, and gave the Dead two Sutes of Apparel, put Money in their Mouthes and Hands; for they believ’d that the Souls ranging up and down from place to place, suffer’d many inconveniences.

[Sidenote: Their Oracle.]

[Sidenote: Their Nunneries.]

[Sidenote: Their Offerings.]

The _Peruvian_ Images consisted generally of Gold, Silver, Stone, or Wood, all of them strangely deform’d: Some of them were said to give Responces like the Oracle at _Delphos_ and _Dodona_, chiefly in the Temple _Pacachama_, whose greatness is sufficiently manifest by the Ruines of its Walls beyond _Lima_, where _Franciscus Pizarrus_ got an invaluable Treasure. Each _Peruvian_ Province had a Temple, besides which, in the Cities, Villages, and Hamlets, were Chappels of Ease, into which the Priests went at Night with their Backs towards the Idol, bended Heads and Bodies; in which posture they requested to know future Events, and were many times answer’d (if we may believe their Reports) in a terrible Voice. The great Temple at _Cusco_, wherein the _Ingas_ had plac’d all the _Peruvian_ Idols, is now turn’d into a _Dominican_ Cloyster. In each Province of _Peru_ was also a Nunnery (if we may so term it) or Habitation of devoted Virgins, call’d _Allaguau_, i.e. _A House of the Choicest_, over which Was plac’d a Governor nam’d _Appopanaca_, to whom none durst deny their Daughters; some of which were styl’d _Wives of the Sun_, and others Servant-Maids to the same: The Wives Cloth’d in Embroyder’d Coats, adorn’d the Temple, whilest the Maids kept clean the Walls and Floor. When they attain’d to fourteen Years of Age, some were chosen out from the rest, and oblig’d to perpetual Virginity and solitude of Life in their Chappels; which sacred Obligation if they broke by suffering any to Lie with them, they were buried alive after the manner of the Vestal Virgins, the Ceremony whereof is related by _Plutarch_: Others were oblig’d to make daily Offerings; others to make peculiar Sacrifices for the _Inga_’s Health, and happy Events in War; many also were employ’d in the Court Service to wait upon the _Inga_’s Wife or Concubines; and those being absolv’d from their Vow, were oft-times Married to Courtiers. These Nunneries were Endow’d with great Revenues from the _Chacaras_, or Church-Lands. Their Offerings were (for sometimes they Offer’d to their Idols the highly esteem’d Herb _Cocoa_, _Maiz_, several colour’d Plumes, Sea-Monsters, Gold and Silver Images of Beasts, fine Clothes call’d _Cumbi_, Sweet-wood, and Tallow to burn) either to have success in their Journeys, Trades, or for the preservation of Health, or to obtain a plentiful Harvest. But their usual Offerings were _Cuces_, a sort of Toads, which were eaten by the _Peruvians_. When they were to do any Business of consequence, then Persons of Quality kill’d their Sheep _Pacos_, not without strange observation of the colour and number of them, as also of the time; all which things well consider’d, they cook the Sheep and laid it cross their right Arm, turn’d the Face thereof towards the Sun, and mutter’d several words to themselves according to the colour; for if it was spotted grey, they spoke to _Chuquilla_, or Thunder; if white and short Fleec’d, to the Sun; if well Fleec’d, to _Viracocha_. In _Cusco_ they Offer’d daily a short-fleec’d Sheep to the Sun in this manner: Making a great Fire call’d _Vibbacaronca_, the Priests threw the Sheep and four Baskets of _Cocoa_ into it. Their Sacrifices _Cozocovicca_ and _Sapovicca_, to obtain Conquests, were also very strange: for they gather’d out of _Puna_ (which is a desolate place) several sorts of Brambles and Bushes nam’d _Ganilli_, which being all set on fire, they went about the Fire with round Stones in their Hands, on which were painted Serpents, Lyons, Toads, and Tygers, crying, _Usachum, grant us Conquest_, together with this Prayer, _Destroy, O Creator, the power of our Enemies Gods_; which said, several starv’d Sheep were brought out, which for that reason they call’d _Urca_; whose Hearts having torn out they began their Prayers afresh, saying, _Mighty_ Viracocha, _thus do thou pull out the Hearts of our Enemies_. For the prosperity of the _Ingas_ they kill’d in an open Field black Dogs, by them call’d _Appurucos_, whose Flesh was eaten with many Ceremonies by People appointed for that purpose. They made Offerings also to the Fountains, Rivers, Brooks, and Sea-shells, under pretence that those Shells were Daughters of the Ocean, and the Ocean the Father of Streams and Springs; when they had Sow’n their Fields, their Priests, chose to that Office, went from House to House to gather such Offerings as every one was pleas’d to give; which they laid at the Banks of several Sluces, at the time when the Water began to rise there, thinking by that Oblation to keep them from over-flowing their Lands, and washing away their Seed. In all places where two Rivers joyn’d together they wash’d themselves, having first bedaub’d themselves all over with stamp’d _Maiz_, and afterwards look’d upon themselves as well purg’d from Sin; which power they ascrib’d to their Baths. To strangle Children between four and ten years of Age was never us’d, unless upon the _Inga_’s being sick, or when he receiv’d the Royal Tassel, that from the death of the Children he might receive Health, or Reign prosperously. The fore-mention’d Nuns that were chose to attend on the King’s, were also strangled when the _Inga_ was sick; nay, sometimes a Father would Offer his Son to _Viracocha_, on the Sun-Priest’s suggestion, That by his Son’s death he would recover from his Sickness, Praying to the foremention’d Deity, that they would be pleas’d to save the sick Father, because the Son had with his Death paid for his Fathers.

This kind of Cruelty the Devil seem’d to prompt the _Heathens_ to, by making use of _Abraham_’s Example, who prepar’d his Son _Isaac_ for a Sacrifice on Mount _Moria_; and that it was a Practice amongst the antient _Ammonites_ and _Moabites_, and other _Heathens_ (by which even the Children of _Israel_ were apt to be seduc’d) appears from the Scripture it self: the Ceremonies of which bruitish Customs, with the seven Brazen Chambers of _Moloch_, may be seen describ’d by _Rabbi Solomon_.

[Sidenote: Their High Feasts.]

The high Feast _Capacrayne_, which the _Peruvians_ kept in the first Moneth _Rayme_, agreeing with our _December_, deserves serious observation: for as long as the Feast lasted, no Stranger was suffer’d to Lodge in _Cusco_, whither they all flock’d again after the Feast was over, to receive Cakes made by the _Mamaconas_ (an Order of Nuns) of _Maiz_ and the warm Blood of a white Ram, and were distributed by certain Priests (Extracted from the Royal Family _Iluqui Yupangui_) who carrying them up and down in Golden Dishes, gave every one of a Company one, saying at the delivery of it, _If you do not Reverence the Sun and_ Inga, _this Food will witness against you to your Ruine; but if you worship them, then their Bodies will by this Pledge be united to yours_: after which those that had eaten of the Cakes promis’d Obedience, and thank’d the Sun and _Inga_ for their Food.

[Sidenote: Their Manner of Confessions.]

[Sidenote: Their Penances.]

[Sidenote: The Esteem of their Soothsayers.]

At the fore-mention’d _Chasquis_ a course was taken to carry all that desir’d, to every Temple through the whole Kingdom of _Peru_, where the Inhabitants receiv’d them with great Reverence, having before confess’d all their sins to their _Yaburies_, or Father-Confessors, who being chosen to that Office with a great deal of Ceremony, impos’d greater or lesser Penances, according to the sins of the Penitent: those that were suspected to have conceal’d any of their sins, were put to cast Lots, or had the Entrails of the Beasts which they had kill’d to that purpose consulted about them, and thereby were discover’d if they had conceal’d any of their sins; which whenever it hapned, the Priests falling upon the false Penitents, thump’d them with a Stone on their Backs so long, till they had confess’d all their Faults, which the Priest was not to reveal on pain of Death, but to make Expiatory Offerings. The sins about which they were Examin’d, were chiefly Theft, Murder, Adultery, preparing of Poyson, or sleighting their _Inga_ or Gods; for each of which Transgressions they had several kinds of Punishments. When the _Inga_ fell sick, all People in general were forc’d to come and make Confession of their sins; also every one went to his Confessor when he was in trouble, or expected some Misfortune to befall him: The _Inga_ himself Confess’d his sins to none but the Sun, which he desir’d to relate to _Viracocha_, and to beg pardon of him for the same; which done, he bath’d himself in a running Stream, and cry’d, _I have made my sins known to thee, O Sun; do thou, O River, wash away mine Iniquities, and discharge them into the Sea, that they may never be more laid to my charge_: which custom of Bathing, call’d _Opacuna_, was also us’d by all other Penitents. A Father losing his Son by Death, was censur’d for a great Sinner, wherefore he could not be permitted to be Confess’d before he had been whipp’d with Nettles by a certain ill-look’d Officer appointed for that end; after which their Fathers _Ychuris_ enjoyn’d such Penances as they thought fit; some were order’d to last several days; others to pay rich Garments, Silver, Gold, or the like; others receiv’d a certain number of Blows; some were condemn’d to live on the Mountains, excluded from the society of all Men. If their Sorcerers at any time foretold a Fathers Death, then he immediately Sacrifis’d his Son, that with his Death he might buy his own Life. No People were more respected than their Soothsayers, as Men that could discover private Thefts, Accidents that hapned in remote Countreys, and also future Events, and so far their Credit amongst the Vulgar carried them, that they undertook to tell the _Spaniards_ when their Countrey-men should be Conquerors, and when defeated in the War they maintain’d against the _Netherlanders_. There were also cunning Women, who making themselves dead Drunk with _Chica_, with which they mix’d the Herb _Viloa_, and afterwards coming to themselves again, answer’d all the Questions that were proposed to them.

[Sidenote: Their monthly Feasts.]

The _Peruvians_ kept two sorts of Feasts, the first at certain times, the others on special occasions; the set-Feasts were kept Monethly; on the first Moneth _Rayme_, agreeing with our last Moneth _December_, as aforesaid, they kept the great Feast _Capacrayme_, on which they brought Multitudes of Sheep and Lambs for Burnt-offerings, besides Silver and Gold. Not far from the Fire stood three Carv’d Images of the Sun, and three others representing Thunder; and this was generally the Day of the Installation of the young _Inga_’s, which was after this manner: The chief Priest boring a Hole through his Ear, cover’d the upper part of his Body with the holy Cloth _Guaras_, whilest the inferior Priests whipt him with knotted Cords, and painted his Face with the Blood. During these Ceremonies no Stranger was suffer’d to remain in _Cusco_, but after the Feast was ended they all return’d, and as before, receiv’d Cakes bak’d of _Maiz_ and Blood, as a testimony that they lov’d and honor’d the _Inga_.

[Sidenote: Their Harvest Ceremonies.]

[Sidenote: Their Feast _Ytri_.]

The three Images of the Sun before-mention’d they call’d _Apointi_, _Churiunti_, and _Intiquaoqui_, that is, _Father-Sun_, _Son-Sun_, and _Brother-Sun_. In like manner they nam’d the three Images of Thunder, _Chuquilla_, _Catuilla_, and _Intillapa_; from which _Acosta_ judges that the Devil had obscurely taught the _Peruvians_ the Mysteries of the holy _Sacrament_ and _Trinity_, (that their glory might be eclips’d by Idolatrous Errors) especially the last, which seems plainly to be signifi’d by the _Peruvian_ Deity _Tangatanga_, whom they affirm’d to be One in Three, and Three in One. And that other Nations also had a glimpse of the same may be collected from _Philip Cluverius_, who endeavors to demonstrate, that the antient _Germans_ and _Gauls_ obscurely ador’d the _Trinity_ in the midst of their _Heathenism_, under the notion of _Sun_, _Moon_, and _Fire_, the Sun signifying the _Father_, the Moon the _Son_, and the Fire the _Holy-Ghost_; to confirm which he makes use of _Cæsar_’s Testimony, _viz._ _They onely esteem those Gods whom they see, and those that assist them_, viz. _the_ Sun, Vulcan, _and the_ Moon; _for they have never heard any thing concerning any other Gods_. _Diodorus Siculus_ seems also to ascribe a glimpse of this Mystery to the _Egyptians_, when he says, That the antientest People in _Egypt_, when they view’d the World, and were amaz’d at all things on the Earth, they judg’d that two Gods Govern’d them all, _viz._ the _Sun_ and _Moon_, by whom all things flourish’d and encreas’d; to whom they added a third, namely _Fire_, to which they attributed a Divinity, as conducing much to the increase and growth of all things. The _Moon_, which was also call’d _Juno_, they judg’d to be the Offspring of God, (for Son and Daughter were promiscuously taken) who, according to _Homer_, Marrying with _Jupiter_, brought forth _Vulcan_, which might haply be to them a Type or Figure of the _Holy-Ghost_, proceeding from the _Father_ and _Son_: _Vulcan_ was by her plac’d a President over the Fire, by which the _Heathens_ seem’d to imitate the fiery Power of the _Holy-Ghost_, purifying and cleansing all things: and this cleansing Power was aim’d at by _Romulus_, when, according to _Dionysius Halicarnassensis_, he commanded his Soldiers to leap through a Fire made before his Tent, that so they might be purifi’d from all their Crimes. But it may be thought strange, that the _Peruvians_, _Germans_, or _Egyptians_, lost in a Wood of gross Idolatry, could have any apprehension, though never so obscure, of the holy _Trinity_, when as the most nice and curious _Greek_ and _Roman_ Wits have made such gross mistakes concerning God. But to return again to the _Peruvians_: They kept their second Feast in the second Moneth _Camay_, on which they threw the Ashes of their Offerings into the River, and follow’d them on the Shore for the space of five Leagues, praying the River to carry the Ashes to the Sea, where _Viracocha_ would receive them. In the third and fourth Moneths they kill’d a hundred and ten black spotted and grey Sheep. In the beginning of _May_ (by the _Peruvians_ call’d _Hatuncuzqui_) they gather’d in their _Maiz_, and kept the Feast _Aymorai_; after which they return’d home Singing from their Fields, call’d _Chacra_, and carried a great heap of _Maiz_ with them, nam’d _Perua_, wrapping it up in rich Garments; three Nights they continu’d their Ceremonies, imploring the _Perua_ to preserve their Harvest of _Maiz_ from any damage that might chance to come to it, and also to let that grow prosperously which they should Plant next. Lastly, their Sorcerers consulted whether the _Perua_ could last till the next year? to which if they were answer’d _No_, they carried it into the Fields, and burning it, made a new _Perua_, which when they knew to be sufficient to last good a year, they carried it to the Granary in great triumph. In the seventh Moneth _Ancayacuzqui_, they kept the Feast call’d _Intraymi_, with a hundred Sheep, in honor of the Sun. They also made several Images of the Wood _Quimia_, which they put in rich Habits, strew’d the Ways with Flowers, Danc’d a strange Dance nam’d _Cayo_, Singing several Songs. Persons of Quality put Golden Plates about their Knees, as the common People painted them with divers Colours. In the eighth Moneth _Chahua_ they kept the high Feast _Huarqui_, on which they Offer’d a hundred grey Sheep; the like number, but of a Chesnut colour, they Offer’d the following Moneth _Yupaquis_, besides a thousand _Cuies_, that the Air, Water, or Sun, might not spoil their Plants. Their Feast _Situa_ they kept on the tenth Moneth _Coyaraymi_ after this manner: They gather’d all together on the first day before the Moon rose, which no sooner appear’d, but they made a terrible noise, beat one another with lighted Torches, then wash’d the Dirt from their Bodies, and made themselves Drunk for four Days together. The eleventh Moneth _Armaraimi_, was nam’d _Punchaiquis_, from the Feast they kept therein, on which (besides the usual Offerings of eight hundred Sheep) they ty’d a black Sheep to a Post without Meat, till such time as there fell store of Dew. Their Feast call’d _Raymicantara Raiquis_, was kept in the last Moneth _Ayamara_, on which their Youth were bor’d through the Ears. Amongst the high Feasts which were kept on great occasions, the chiefest was _Ytri_, against which they all made new Clothes after a peculiar fashion, wearing their Cloaks muffled about their Heads; in which manner they walked leisurely a whole Day and a Night; during which time none durst either Eat or Drink, or open his Eyes: But after this serious Processioning follow’d four days of extravagancy, as Drinking, Dancing, and the like. In their Dances, which were to the sound of Drums, Pipes, and Horns, they imitated all manner of Trades by strange motions of their Bodies, besides divers other Frolicks and May-games which they us’d at such times of Mirth and Festivity: But since the _Spaniards_ conquer’d _Peru_, all these _Heathenish_ Customs have been laid aside.

[Sidenote: The Destruction of the old Empire of _Peru_ foretold.]

As to the Prognostications and Fore-runners of the destruction of the old Empire of _Peru_, it is reported, that _Guaynacava_, Father of the last King _Attabaliba_, lying on his Death-bed in _Quito_, said to his Princes, _This Realm, at present rais’d to the highest top of Eminency, is hastning towards its Ruine; and though our Kingdom remain as yet free from foreign Invasion, the Countreys round about are already conquer’d and in Slavery: The Gods have call’d strange People from unknown Regions, who by degrees will reach us also. With me, who am the twelfth_ Inga, _dies the Dominion of the mighty_ Peru. _A People of other Fashions and Religion will subvert our Religion, Laws and Government, and bring us under subjection to them._ There were also Signs and Prodigies that portended the Dissolution of this Empire; amongst the rest a great Eruption in the Province of _Tacinga_, which rending the Earth asunder vomited up Flames of Fire; nor was it long e’re they were fulfill’d, for whilest the _Peruvians_ were making of Offerings to _Viracocha_ for the delivery of their imprison’d King _Huascar_, News was brought to _Cusco_ of _Attabaliba_’s being taken; the Particulars whereof, with other Matters touching the Conquest of this Kingdom by the _Spaniards_, and how they pillag’d the Countrey, murder’d the Inhabitants, and enrich’d themselves with their inestimable Treasures, shall in order be related.

[Sidenote: By whom _Peru_ was first discover’d to the _Spaniards_.]

[Sidenote: Great Difficulties in the Discovery of _Peru_.]

[Sidenote: _Pizarro_ made Governor of _Peru_.]

[Sidenote: _Pizarro_ taking _Attabaliba_ Prisoner, puts a vast Ransom
upon him.]

[Sidenote: _Huascar_ burnt by Order of his Brother _Attabaliba_.]

[Sidenote: _Attabaliba_ put to death by the _Spaniards_.]

[Sidenote: _Attabaliba_ strangled by _Almagro_’s Order.]

[Sidenote: The antient Splendor of the _Peruvian Ingas_.]

[Sidenote: _Quisquis_, _Attabaliba_’s General, stabb’d and cut in
pieces.]

[Sidenote: _Mango Inga_ releas’d out of Prison, sets upon the
_Spaniards_, and is at last put to flight.]

[Sidenote: Several Parties of the _Peruvians_ set upon the _Spaniards_
and overthrow them.]

[Sidenote: They are beaten by _Alvarado_.]

The first that gave the _Spaniards_ notice of _Peru_, was an _Indian_ Prince call’d _Panguinaco_, who having been taken Prisoner, inform’d _Vasquez Nunnez_ of the abundance or Gold and Silver which was to be had there, who resolv’d to venture through a thousand Dangers into the South Sea. After which _Francisco Pizarro_, _Ferdinand de Lugue_, and _Diego de Almagro_, consulted upon this great Design, _Anno 1525._ _Pizarrus_ being order’d to Sail before with a Ship carrying a hundred and fourteen Men, and _Almagro_ to follow with a Vessel carrying seventy Men, whilest _De Lugue_ staid to manage the Affairs at home. Fifty Leagues Southward from _Panama_, _Pizarrus_ found a small Neck of Land nam’d _Peru_, from which it is most probable that great Kingdom afterwards receiv’d its Denomination, though many deduce it from the River _Beru_, as before mention’d: Thence Sailing to the main Continent of _Peru_, and Landing, he lost several of his Men, and being himself desperately wounded, return’d with ill success, whilest _Almagro_ missing of him, Landed afterwards in the same place, and also lost several of his Men, and one of his own Eyes: yet not long after they renew’d their Design, carrying with them in two Ships and three Boats, three hundred stout Men, which all suffer’d extream Hunger, and had they not happily gotten some Sea-Crabs, they had without doubt all of them perish’d: at last Landing on the Coast of _Catamez_, they were Encountred by a People whose Faces were hung full of Golden Nails, and daily lost more and more of their Men; upon which ill Successes the new _American_ Vice-Roy forbad the farther discovery of _Peru_, and call’d home the remaining part from the Island _Gallo_, so that _Pizarro_ kept with him but twelve Men, with whom he went to the desolate Isle _Gorgona_, where he liv’d on Sea-Snails, till he receiv’d Provisions from _Panama_; after which they spent two years in making farther Discoveries upon the Coasts of _Peru_: During which time he visited the Queen _Capullana_, and discover’d a mighty Palace, where three of the twelve Men were kill’d, whose Memory deserves to live for ever, because the World owes to their unheard-of Valor the Discovery of the mighty Kingdom of _Peru_; but there are onely left Recorded the Names of those nine Worthies who surviv’d that Exploit, which were these following, _Nicholas de Rivera_, _Peter de Candia_, _Juan Torre_, _Alonzo Briseni_, _Christophero Peralca_, _Alonzo de Truxillo_, _Francisco Cuellar_, _Alonzo Molina_, and the Pilot _Bartholomeo Ruyz_: With these nine _Pizarro_ Landed on the Isle _Puna_, inhabited by a valiant People, who us’d Bowes, Darts, Silver Knives, and Pikes tipt with Gold: From thence he steer’d his Course unto the Haven _Tumbez_, where _Peter de Candia_ Landing, was met by forty thousand of the Inhabitants, who conducted him to the Temple of the Sun, built by the _Inga Guaynacava_, and adorn’d in the in-side with Golden Plates. Not long after which _Pizarro_ was by an Order from the _Spanish_ Court made Governor of _Peru_, to the great discontent of _Almagro_; which Difference being decided, _Pizarro_ set out again with two hundred and fifty Foot, besides Horse, with which he Landed a hundred Leagues lower than before, where he got a great Mass of Gold and some Emeraulds of the _Casique_, all which he sent to _Panama_, thereby to stir up the People to come to _Peru_ to his assistance; where those that were at present on the Place, besides other great Hardships which they suffer’d, were miserably plagued with Ulcers in their Faces; yet they prosecuted their Conquest as well as they could with what small Power was left them, and had newly taken _Puerto Viejo_ when Captain _Bevalcazar_ and _Juan Florez_ brought fresh Supplies of Men and Horse; with which Recruit _Pizarro_ conquer’d the Valley of _Tumbez_; from whence they Sail’d over to the Island _Punas_, where the friendly Entertainment they met with at first, turn’d soon after into a bloody Battel: for the _Spaniards_ not forbearing to prie into every House, and committing many Outrages, were set upon by the Natives, whom having at last subdu’d, and being again supply’d with new Forces by _Ferdinando Sotto_ from _Nicaragua_, they return’d to _Tumbez_, where the Countrey was all in Arms upon the Report of the _Spaniards_ Cruelties committed on the Island _Puna_, insomuch that they Offer’d all those whom they took alive to their Gods, and slew as many as they could conveniently meet with. _Pizarro_ having stay’d about twenty days, went with his Brothers _Juan_ and _Gonsalves_, the Captains _Sotto_ and _Bevalcazar_, and fifty Horse over the River _Ambato_ about Mid-night, through a thorny Way betwixt Mountains, and about Break-of-day fell upon the _Tumbezan_ Army, and having setled things pretty well in those Parts, he built the City _St. Michael_ in the Countrey _Tangazara_, along the River _De la Chira_, where he was Complemented by two Agents from _Cusco_, who desiring Aid in _Huascar_’s Name against his Brother _Attabaliba_, receiv’d for Answer, That he was going to _Caxamalca_, as indeed he was, to find _Attabaliba_ there; whose Commands that he should not approach prov’d all in vain: for _Pizarro_, under pretence of Complementing him in his Catholick Majesty’s Name, was no sooner admitted to his Presence, but he took him Prisoner, and set for a Ransom upon him as much Gold as a Room of fifty four Foot long and nine Foot broad was able to contain, as high as he could just reach with his Hand held up: But the Gold coming slower than was expected, _Pizarro_ was much incens’d thereat, whom _Attabaliba_ endeavoring to pacifie, alledg’d, That it could not possibly come sooner, because the Way between _Caxamalca_ and _Cusco_, from whence the Gold was to be fetch’d, was at a great distance: The truth whereof _Pizarro_ resolving to try, sent _Sotto_ and _Peter del Baro_ to _Cusco_ in Chairs, carried by _Peruvians_ exceeding swift of Foot, and who if they tir’d were successively reliev’d by others that attended, without so much as setting down the Chair; being got about half way, they met with _Attabaliba_’s Captain _Cilucuchuma_, he having taken _Huascar_ Prisoner, who requested _Sotto_ and _Baro_ that they would be pleas’d to deliver him out of the Hands of his blood-thirsty Brother, for which kindness he would pay three times as much Gold as _Attabaliba_ had promis’d, who was not able to give any thing else but the Golden Plates which were in the Temple of the Sun in _Cusco_; whereas _Huascar_ had all the Treasure that was left by _Guaynacava_; which indeed was true, for _Huascar_ had caus’d it privately to be buried, and put to death those that did it, that so he might keep the place conceal’d where it lay; insomuch that none could ever find it out to this day, though the _Spaniards_ have tortur’d the _Indians_ with all imaginable cruelty, to make them discover the place. But _Attabaliba_ inform’d by _Pizarro_ of _Huascar_’s Imprisonment, seem’d to be exceeding sorry, and said, _I am much troubled at the News of my Captain’s laying violent Hands on my Brother_ Huascar, _whom I acknowledge my eldest Brother, and both of the same Father and Mother; but I suppose he has no design to kill him, but onely keeps him Prisoner, to bring him to grant me peaceably to enjoy the Kingdom of_ Quito, _of late brought under subjection of the_ Peruvian _Crown_. _Pizarro_ not observing _Attabaliba_’s subtilty (who design’d nothing but _Huascar_’s Death, out of fear that the _Spaniards_ upon his liberal promises to them, might promote him to the Throne) comforted him as well as he could: whereupon _Attabaliba_ supposing that _Pizarro_ would be little concern’d at the killing of his Brother _Huascar_, gave speedy Order that he should be burnt alive, which accordingly was put into execution; but before he was brought to the Fire, he foretold his Brother _Attabaliba_’s cruel death. During which time _Almagro_ came with fresh Supplies from _Panama_, eager to have a share of the fore-mention’d Ransom, which at last was paid with overplus; for by daily bringing in of Baskets of Gold, the Chamber was fill’d up to the very top; but though _Attabaliba_ had more than perform’d his Promise, yet Sentence of Death was pronounc’d against him presently after he had been Baptiz’d: the Reasons of which wicked and rash Condemnation were two; first the false Accusation of a _Peruvian_ Interpreter call’d _Philippillo_, who desir’d his Death, that then he might with the more freedom enjoy one of his Wives; for _Attabaliba_ mistrusting the same, had complain’d thereof to _Pizarro_, saying, _That his Imprisonment was not so grievous to him, as the thoughts of the Adultery, acted against the strict Laws of his Countrey_; the Defiler of an _Inga_’s Bed being not onely to be burnt with the Adulterers, but also the whole Families of them, to the least Infant, their Houses to be rac’d to the Ground, and their Land sow’n with Salt, as for ever curs’d. The second cause of _Attabaliba_’s Death is laid on _Almagro_, who came to _Peru_ with new Forces, and who fearing that none of the Gold which _Attabaliba_ had the delivery of, would fall to his share, as not having been in the Battel where _Attabaliba_ was taken, therefore order’d him to be suddenly Strangled, that so the Booty might be equally divided. Not long after _Pizarro_ conquering _Cusco_, got no less Treasure than at _Caxamalca_. Here the Reign of the _Peruvian Inga_’s ceased, with which before no Kings that ever Govern’d in the World were able to compare in Riches and Glory. Their Palaces were round about adorn’d with Golden Images; and they never ate but out of Golden Vessels, spitting in the Hands of beautiful young Women of Noble Extract, were worshipp’d like Gods both whilest living and when dead, all their Subjects being their Slaves, and they the sole Lords of the whole Realm. In the interim _Bevalcazar_ march’d from the new City _St. Michael_, with a hundred and twenty Foot and eighty Horse, to assist the _Cannares_ against one of _Attabaliba_’s Generals, who having spoil’d the Ways by digging Pits, and covering them over with Bushes, resisted them in several places: then marching to _Quito_ he burnt the City, after having kill’d a hundred of the Natives, because they laughed at the _Spaniards_ Arrival. Afterwards joyning with _Almagro_, he went back to _Cusco_, whither on the Way he had News of _Quisquis_, _Attabaliba_’s General, and of his Brother _Guaypalcon_, who making use of a Rock, threw down great Stones, by the _Peruvians_ call’d _Galgas_, which in their Fall hitting others, brought down a great number with them, by which means he not onely defended the Place for the present, but kill’d fourteen _Spaniards_; nevertheless distrusting his ability to keep it, he retreated to a steep Mountain about Midnight, at the Foot whereof a Passage led over a deep River, where he burnt all his Luggage that he could not carry with him; also above fifteen thousand Sheep and four thousand Prisoners, became wholly at the Discretion of _Almagro_, who leaving there Captain _Martin Astete_, order’d him to build the Town _Truxillo_: In the mean time _Quisquis_ was put to flight by _Pizarro_, and went to _Quito_, where he lost many People, that were kill’d by _Bevalcazar_’s Guard; yet those that were remaining chose rather to Fight to the last, than flye through Wildernesses, and there be starv’d to death; which _Quisquis_ contradicting, was Stabb’d by his Captain _Guappalau_, and immediately after cut to pieces. As soon as these Stirs were quieted, _Pizarro_ began to build the City _Los Reyos_, near a convenient Haven of the Southern Ocean, whilest _Almagro_ marching to _Chili_ with two Troops of Horse, and five hundred Foot, return’d without doing any thing remarkable, except his taking the Interpreter _Philippillo_, (whom he caus’d to be cut into four pieces) and his maintaining several Battels against the _Chileses_, clad in Sea-Wolves Skins. In this Journey he lost several of his Men on the Snowy Mountains. About this time a Ship fitted out by _Gabriel Carvajal_, Bishop of _Placentia_, Sailing through the _Straights_ of _Magellan_, ran into the Haven _Los Reyos_, out of which the first Rats swam ashore that ever were in _Peru_, by which the Countrey since suffering much damage, the Inhabitants call’d them _Ococha_, that is, _Sinful Creatures_. Now all things on the _Spaniards_ side were tending to a quiet possession, when a new Accident arose, which had like to have spoil’d all, for _Mango Inga_, _Attabaliba_’s Brother, being releas’d out of Prison by _Juan Pizarro_, obtain’d leave to go to _Yucaya_, to fetch the famous Golden Image _Machys_, representing his Father _Guaynacava_: but he having now gotten his Liberty slew all the _Spaniards_ which work’d in the Gold-Mines, took the Castle of _Cusco_ by Storm, as also the City, after a Siege of eight Moneths; which nevertheless was by _Francisco Pizarro_ soon re-taken, and _Mango_ forc’d to flye into the Mountains _Andes_, after he had kill’d several of _Almagro_’s Men; soon after _Almagro_ about Midnight getting over the Walls, and taking _Ferdinando_ and _Gonsalvo Pizarro_, and _Alphonso Alvarado_ Prisoners, condemn’d them all three to die, caus’d himself to be proclaim’d Governor, and gave the Royal Tassel to _Paulo Inga_, whilest _Gonsalvo_ and _Alvarado_ breaking Prison, inform’d _Francisco Pizarro_ thereof (who then had obtain’d the Title of _Marquess_, and for an Inheritance, the Province _Attabillos_;) he was exceedingly troubled for his Brother _Ferdinand_, whose Enlargement he thought would be best procur’d by making Peace with _Almagro_ and the sooner, because the _Peruvians_ began to rebel against the _Spaniards_ in most places, slew divers Companies of them; amongst whom _Diego Pizarro_ was set upon in a narrow Path call’d _Laucesta Parcos_, and amongst the Mountains lost seventy Horsemen; and _Gonsalvo de Tapico_ sav’d not one of eighty Horse. Also the _Peruvians_ set upon three hundred Troopers, Commanded by the Generals of the Horse, _Morgoveio_ and _Gaeti_, in a narrow Path, and rowl’d down great Stones from the tops of the Mountains both before and behind them, so killing both Horse and Man before they could put themselves into a posture of Defence, insomuch that none escap’d with Life but two Troopers. _Francisco de Godoy_, sent out of _Los Reyos_ with forty five Horse, upon Discoveries, return’d also with great loss, being pursu’d twenty Leagues by the _Peruvians_; against whom _Peter de Lerma_ being sent out with sixty Horse, fought a whole day with them, and though few of his Men were kill’d, yet many were wounded, and several taken: The victorious _Peruvians_ retreating to the top of a sandy Mountain in the Night, Offer’d the _Spaniards_ they had taken Prisoners, as a testimony of thanks, to _Viracocha_, and afterwards stood drawn up near the City _Los Reyos_ by the General _Tyzopangui_. The Marquess thus beset round, sent for Aid from _New Spain_ and _Truxillo_, and also for _Alphonso Alvarado_ to come back, who had been sent to discover the Countrey _Chachepoyos_, and being gotten into a Desart, would without doubt have perish’d for want of Water, had not some Horsemen riding somewhat out of the Way, found Pits with fresh Water: notwithstanding which, five hundred _Inacona_’s (for so the _Spaniards_ call’d the _Peruvian_ Slaves) died for Thirst. He was afterwards supply’d by _Gomez Tordoya_ with two hundred Men, by the help of whom, though encompass’d by the Inhabitants near the Bridge _Lamucacha_, where began a fierce Battel, _Alvarado_ was in the end Conqueror.

[Sidenote: Civil War between _Pizarro_ and _Almagro_.]

[Sidenote: The Marquess _Francisco Pizarro_ murdered.]

[Sidenote: His Original and the manner of his Rising.]

Whilest the _Spaniards_ found so much to do with the _Peruvians_, yet they could not forbear more and more Clashing amongst themselves, the Marquess commanding that _Almagro_ should surrender and leave the City _Cusco_; but he refusing to obey, fortifi’d himself on the top of the Mountain _Gaytara_, stopt the Ways by cutting down the Trees: but _Ferdinando Pizarro_ getting up to the top along a private Way, made such a confusion amongst them with Bolt-shot, that _Almagro_, who was sick at that time, was forc’d to flye; which being told _Pizarro_, he pursu’d him, and had doubtless utterly defeated him at that bout, had not his Men, benumm’d with marching in the deep Snow, been taken with a Distemper which made them as if they had been all Sea-sick, (for such is the property of the Mountain _Guaytara_) insomuch that they could scarce carry their Arms: Whereupon _Almagro_ was advis’d to oppose his Pursuers, and that he need not doubt of the Victory; but he either following his own Dictates, or being counter-advis’d, fortifi’d himself in _Cusco_, whither _Ferdinand_ and _Gonsalvo Pizarro_ march’d against him. _Rodrigo de Orgonnes_ Commanded _Almagro_’s Army, who being sick, lay on the Walls of the City to see the Battel fought. The _Peruvians_, who on each side were in the _Spanish_ Service, march’d in the Front: on the twenty sixth of _April, Anno 1538._ the Fight began, in which the _Almagrians_ did much mischief with Cross-bar shot amongst the _Pizarrians_; yet _Almagro_’s Horse retreated first, being under the Command of _Peter Valdivia_; soon after which the rest of his Army, their Courage also failing, fled to the City; into which, as soon as _Orgones_ being shot in the Head and slain, the Conqueror rush’d after them, and took _Almagro_ Prisoner: yet notwithstanding this prosperous beginning, he soon found himself in a great strait, since those which remain’d alive of _Almagro_’s Party refus’d to serve _Pizarro_, and murmur’d against him in all places, resolving to take _Almagro_ from him by force, besides that _Pizarro_’s Soldiers grumbled that they were not paid sufficiently for the many hazards which they had run: wherefore to compose these Troubles as well as possibly he could, he banish’d all whom he thought to be of the opposite Party, sent away the chief of his own mutinous Soldiers with Captain _Peter de Candia_, to discover new Countreys, put _Almagro_ to death, and march’d to _Callao_; where being straitned for want of Provision, he made no stay, but got his Army with much ado to _Cusco_. _Gonsalves Pizarro_ was likewise so set upon by the Natives, that he lost a considerable number of Men: In short, the _Pizarrans_ were defeated in all places, and at length the Marquess, though forewarn’d by his Secretary _Antonio Picado_, was murder’d in his own House in the City of _Lima_, otherwise call’d _De los Reyos_, by a Bastard-Son of _Almagro_, nam’d _Diego_, in the Year 1541; his Body dragg’d to the Church-yard, lay there to every ones view and derision, till _John de Barbara_ buried the same. His Father _Gonsalvo Pizarro_, sir-nam’d _The tall Citizen of Truxillo_, Commanding a Company of Foot in _Navarre_, had two lawful Sons, _viz._ _Ferdinand_, who was murder’d in the _Spanish_ Castle _Motta_, and _John_ that was slain in _Cusco_, when _Mango Inga_ conquer’d the City, the other two, _Gonsalvo_ and _Francisco_, being both Bastards; the last of which is said to have been expos’d by his Mother in the Church Porch, and kept alive for several days by sucking of a Sow, till his Father afore-mention’d finding him, and acknowledging him for his Son, put him out to Nurse, and when he was grown up set him to keep Swine; which course of Life he soon left, and following _Alphonsus de Ojeda_, _Balboa_, and _Pedro de Avita_ in their Expeditions, he quickly grew rich, and at last came to that heighth of Honor and Command we have heard. _Francisco Martino de Alcantara_ was also his Brother by the Mothers side onely. He was a Man who despis’d all Dangers and Hardships, was so well experienc’d in Martial Affairs, that he might well stand in competition with many of the antient Heroes. In _Los Reyos_ he built two very artificial Water-Mills, a _Dominican_ Cloyster, and another for the Monks _De la Merced_, and likewise a stately Palace for himself: He was both meek and affable; and though he bore the greatest Command in the Emperor’s Name over the mighty Kingdom of _Peru_, and got more Riches than ever any of the _Roman_, _Persian_, _Grecian_, or _Assyrian_ Monarchs possess’d, yet he went in the same plain kind of Apparel in the heighth of his Grandeur, as when he was but in a low Condition; about his Neck he commonly ty’d a Linnen Hankerchiff, with which he us’d to wipe the Sweat from his Face: in peaceable Intervals he spent whole days in playing at Bowls, without any distinction of Persons, chusing often to play rather with a Sea-man or common Soldier, than a phantastick Gallant: He visited the meanest Citizens, and many times us’d to eat with poor People, to whom he was upon all occasions very noble and liberal; All his Designs he carried on by the strength of meer natural Parts: for he was so very illiterate, that he could neither Write nor Read; his Edicts were Sign’d with his two Marks, betwixt which his Secretary writ _Francisco Pizarro_; he is said to have had a Son which died young by _Attabaliba_’s Sister, who came afterwards to be call’d _Donna Angelina_; he died in a very unfortunate time, for upon his good success the _Spanish_ Power had grounded their whole Designs, thinking with the _Peruvian_ Treasures, as the Sinews of War, to have erected a fifth Monarchy to succeed the fourth of the _Romans_.

[Sidenote: _Almagro_ utterly defeated by _Vacca de Castro_.]

[Sidenote: Deliver’d up Prisoner by _Salazar_, and Beheaded.]

_Pizarro_’s Murderer, though aiming at the Supream Power, he had a considerable Party to countenance and aid him, yet he found resistance in many places, not without the loss of many Men on both sides. In which Juncture the Learned _Vacca de Castro_ Landed in _Peru_, with a Commission from the Emperor to settle the divided Kingdom of _Peru_ in Peace and Quiet; but the young _Almagro_ mad to see his Ambition thus cross’d, gave Battel to _Castro_ in the Plain of _Chupas_; the Dispute was long and resolute on both sides, and the Night coming on made the Fight the more terrible, in which the Victory inclin’d to _Castro_; however the _Almagrians_ stood to it stoutly for a great while, and that chiefly through the valor of the Captains _Balboa_ and _Christopher Losa_, who breaking in amongst the _Castreans_, hack’d and hew’d down all they came near, till at last they were forc’d to betake themselves to flight, and had not many of them exchang’d their white Scarfs with the red of the slain _Castreans_, scarce any of them had escap’d from being kill’d in the pursuit, and most of them that did escape were slain the next Morning by the _Peruvians. Rodrigo Salazar, Almagro_’s Deputy, deliver’d up his Lord to _Castro_, who condemn’d him to death, whereupon he was immediately Beheaded with a Sword. This Battel hapned on the twenty sixth of _September Anno 1542_. when it Froze so hard the following Night, that most of those that were left wounded upon the place, were frozen to death. Thus _Castro_ began his Government with Blood, and made it his first Business to make a Discovery by several of his Captains, whom he sent for that purpose, of the Countreys lying Eastward from _Peru_, lying upon the great River _De la Plata_, and the River _Marannon_, where in most places they met onely with salvage People, and for the most part Man-eaters; and in one place where they Landed, a great Fish resembling a Dog came ashore and kill’d several Arm’d Soldiers. A year and a half _Castro_ had liv’d in _Cusco_, when at the arrival of the Vice-Roy _Blascus Nunnez Vela_, all things were turn’d topsie-turvy, he being sent thither by the Emperor _Charles_ the Fifth, accompanied by four Councellors, _Diego Sepada_, _Lison Tejada_, _Juan Alvarez_, and _Peter Ortiz_, to curb the _Spaniards_ Villanies and Outrages committed against the _Peruvians_, entred _Tumbez, Anno 1544_. where he immediately publish’d the Emperor’s Edicts, which were to this effect:

[Sidenote: The Emperor’s Proclamation in behalf of the _Indians_.]

_All_ Peruvians _are to be releas’d from Slavery; no_ Spaniard _shall the least oppress them, nor make use of their Service without rewarding them for the same, nor take any Provisions of them without paying for it_.

[Sidenote: Ill resented by the _Spaniards_.]

[Sidenote: _Pizarro_ marches against the Vice-Roy _Vela_.]

[Sidenote: _Vela_ clashing with the Commissioners, is seiz’d upon.]