of Titicaca in the Collao,
as has already been related, came back and began, with others, to preach
that he was Viracocha. Although at first the people were doubtful, they
finally saw that it was false, and ridiculed them[33].

[Note 32: A mistake. See Garcilasso de la Vega, ii. p. 66.]

[Note 33: This story is told in a somewhat different form by Yamqui
Pachacuti, p. 72.]

This absurd fable of their creation is held by these barbarians and they
affirm and believe it as if they had really seen it to happen and come
to pass[34].

[Note 34: The tradition of the exercise of his creative powers by
Viracocha at lake Titicaca, is derived from the more ancient people who
were the builders of Tiahuanacu. Besides Sarmiento, the authors who give
this Titicaca Myth are Garcilasso de la Vega, Cieza de Leon, Molina,
Betanzos, Yamqui Pachacuti, Polo de Ondegardo, and the anonymous Jesuit.
Acosta, Montesinos, Balboa and Santillana are silent respecting it.]

VIII.

THE ANCIENT _BEHETRIAS_[35] OF THESE KINGDOMS OF PERU AND THEIR
PROVINCES.

It is important to note that these barbarians could tell nothing more
respecting what happened from the second creation by Viracocha down to
the time of the Incas. But it may be assumed that, although the land was
peopled and full of inhabitants before the Incas, it had no regular
government, nor did it have natural lords elected by common consent to
govern and rule, and who were respected by the people, so that they were
obeyed and received tribute. On the contrary all the people were
scattered and disorganized, living in complete liberty, and each man
being sole lord of his house and estate. In each tribe there were two
divisions. One was called Hanansaya, which means the upper division, and
the other Hurinsaya, which is the lower division, a custom which
continues to this day. These divisions do not mean anything more than a
way to count each other, for their satisfaction, though afterwards it
served a more useful purpose, as will be seen in its place.

[Note 35: _Behetria_. A condition of perfect equality without any
distinction of rank. Freedom from the subjection of any lord.]

As there were dissensions among them, a certain kind of militia was
organized for defence, in the following way. When it became known to the
people of one district that some from other parts were coming to make
war, they chose one who was a native, or he might be a stranger, who was
known to be a val