The travels of Pedro de Cieza de Léon; part 2Cieza de León, Pedro de
History
The travels of Pedro de Cieza de Léon; part 2
Cieza de León, Pedro de
Incas; Peru -- History -- To 1548
The Chancas continued to advance until they pitched their camp on the
hill of Carmenca, which overlooks the city, and presently set up their
tents. The people of Cuzco had made deep holes full of stones at the
approaches to the city, and subtly covered them over on the top, so that
those who walked that way might fall in. When the women and children of
Cuzco saw the enemy, they were much afraid, and made a great noise. Inca
Yupanqui sent messengers to Hastu Huaraca, proposing that there should
be an agreement between them, to avoid the slaughter of the people.
Hastu Huaraca was proud, and thought little of the embassy. He wanted
simply to abide by the decision of battle; but to the importunate
prayers of his relations and others, he yielded so far as to agree to a
conference with the Inca, and in that sense he replied. The city is
situated between hills, in a naturally strong position. The slopes and
ridges were scarped, and in many parts sharp stakes of palm were fixed,
which are as hard as iron, and more hurtful. The Inca and Hastu Huaraca
had an interview, but, as both were ready to fight, it availed little,
for being further excited by the words which they spoke to each other,
at last they came to blows, at the same time shouting and making a great
noise. For the men in that country make an exceeding great noise when
they fight. They fought with each other for a long time and the night
coming on, the Chancas remained in their tents, and those of the city
were all round, watching in every direction, that the enemy might not
enter. For neither Cuzco, nor the other towns in those parts, are
surrounded by walls.
When the surprise was over, Hastu Huaraca encouraged his followers to be
valorous in the fight, and the Inca Yupanqui did the same with the
Orejones and the people who were in the city. The Chancas resolutely
came forth from their camp with the intention of forcing an entry, and
those of Cuzco were determined to defend the city. The battle was
renewed, and many fell on either side; but such was the valour of Inca
Yupanqui that he gained the victory, and nearly all the Chancas were
killed. They say that very few more than five hundred escaped, and among
them their captain Hastu Huaraca, who arrived with them at their own
province but not without difficulty.[187] The Inca enjoyed the spoil,
and got many captives, as well men as women.
CHAPTER XLVI.
_How Inca Yupanqui was received as King, the name of Inca being taken
from Inca Urco, and how the new Sovereign made a peace with Hastu
Huaraca._
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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