CHAPTER XXXVIII

_How the Secretary Pero Lopez, with Francisco de Ampuero, travelled along the road to Cuzco, how they arrived at Guamanga, and what happened to the Bishop after he arrived in that city._

We have related how the Viceroy Blasco Nuñez Vela ordered Francisco de Ampuero and the Secretary Pero Lopez to proceed to the camp of Pizarro and proclaim the royal ordinances, believing that Pero Lopez, being well known, would be safe, and Francisco de Ampuero would be in no danger because Gonzalo Pizarro had a friendship for him, as a servant of the Marquis his brother. Leaving the city with despatches, they pushed forward with all possible speed and overtook the Bishop. Having given an account of what their orders were, and received his benediction, they pushed on to comply with the Viceroy’s wishes, and arrived at Guamanga where the citizens, knowing the power of Gonzalo Pizarro, were unwilling to receive them in the city. At last a meeting of the municipality was called. After some speeches it was agreed to do what his Majesty ordered and to acknowledge Blasco Nuñez Vela as Viceroy, in accordance with the King’s command. When they received the demand that they should proceed to Lima with their arms and horses, they begged that the citizens might be pointed out, who were to go in company with the royal ordinances. They were so much alarmed that they did not venture to point out any one, and at last they asked the Secretary to name the citizens who must accompany the royal ordinances. He chose Juan de Berrio, Antonio de Aurelio and others, and continued his journey with them. The Bishop Don Jeronimo de Loaysa had arrived at Guamanga before they started, and they reported to him what had been done. He told them to wait, because by coming together with him they might proclaim the ordinances with more authority. But they did not wish to wait for the Bishop, preferring to make the journey more rapidly, and so they set out for Cuzco.

The Bishop had received letters from the Viceroy in which he announced that he could raise 800 soldiers, and that with them he intended to encounter Gonzalo Pizarro if he had the insolence to come. The Bishop answered that he should not raise troops, but continue to rule with the court of justice, and despatch all business through it. He should await the arrival of Gonzalo Pizarro in his house, accompanied by the Judges. He gave this letter to Francisco de Cardenas who, they say, did not wish to deliver it to the Viceroy. This done the Bishop left Guamanga and set out on the road to Cuzco.