Chapter 14

Great hall of the palace of Tupac Yupanqui. The INCA seated on golden tiana (C.).

(Enter the HIGH PRIEST or UILLAC UMA, with priests and chosen Virgins of the Sun. The INCA dressed as his father. Uillac Uma in full dress, wearing the huampar chucu. Virgins in white with gold belts and diadems. They range themselves by the throne (L.). Then enter RUMI-ÑAUI and a crowd of chiefs, all in full dress, ranging themselves by the throne (R.).)

TUPAC YUPANQUI. This day, O Councillors and Chiefs, Let all receive my benison; You Holy Virgins of the Sun[61] Receive our father’s tenderest care. The realm, rejoicing, hails me king; From deep recesses of my heart I swear to seek the good of all.

UILLAC UMA. To-day the smoke of many beasts Ascends on high towards the sun, The Deity with joy accepts The sacrifice of prayer and praise. We found in ashes of the birds Our only Inca, King, and Lord, In the great llama sacrifice; All there beheld an eagle’s form, We opened it for augury, But lo! the heart and entrails gone. The eagle Anti-suyu means— To thy allegiance they return.

(Bowing to the Inca.)

Thus I, thy augur, prophesy.

(Acclamation.) (Exeunt all but Uillac Uma and Rumi-ñaui.)

TUPAC YUPANQUI. (turning to Rumi-ñaui). Behold the Hanan-suyu Chief Who let the enemy escape, Who led to almost certain death So many thousands of my men.

RUMI-ÑAUI. Before his death thy father knew Disaster had befallen me; ’Tis true, O King, it was my fault, Like a stone[62] I gave my orders, And volleying stones soon beat me down; It was with stones I had to fight, And in the end they crushed my men. Oh! grant me, Lord, a single chance, Give perfect freedom to my plans, Myself will to the fortress march, And I will leave it desolate.

TUPAC YUPANQUI. For thee to strive with all thy might, For thee thine honour to regain, For thou shalt ne’er command my men Unless thy worthiness is proved.

UILLAC UMA. Not many days shall pass, O King, E’er all the Antis are subdued. I’ve seen it in the quipu roll, Haste! Haste! thou Rumi Tunqui. [63]

(Exeunt.)