CHAPTER XXXVII

_How some citizens of Cuzco, seeing the evil intentions of Pizarro, wrote to the Viceroy to receive pardons and to say that they would help him._

It is very certain that when there are grievances leading to war, and the first impetuous fury that gave rise to it has passed, reason resumes its sway with some who begin to see the error they are committing. Many who had joined Gonzalo Pizarro now began to receive this impression, and hesitated to march with arms against the Viceroy. They said, “Who is this that has deceived us into opposing the King? How can we supplicate or protest with arquebuses and artillery. Besides this we see the inclination of Pizarro to take command.” Others said, “Let us prudently adhere to our King before worse comes.” Accordingly Diego Centeno, Gaspar Rodriguez de Camporedondo, the Camp Master Alonso de Toro, Diego Maldonado the rich, Pedro de los Rios and others, with a clergyman named Baltasar de Loaysa wrote to the Viceroy asking pardon for what they had done without any penalty, and affirming that they were ready to serve him loyally with their persons, arms, and horses. In order that Loaysa might go without being impeded, under the guise of dissimulation, they submitted to Gonzalo Pizarro that it would be a wise thing for the clergyman to go to Lima as a spy, find out what was being done, and come quickly back with the news. Gonzalo Pizarro, thinking that they advised in good faith, agreed and gave Loaysa permission to go. So, with letters from many persons, he set out from Cuzco to Lima[47]. At the same time the Bishop, and the notaries and Secretary with the despatches, were on their way to Cuzco.