assing down long streets and across a bridge, I came to a vast square
round which stood mighty buildings, low, massive, and constructed of
huge stones. At the door of one of these the litter halted and I was
helped to descend. Men beautifully clad in broidered linen led me
through a gateway and across a garden where I noted a marvellous thing,
namely: that all the plants therein were fashioned of solid gold with
silver flowers, or sometimes of silver with golden flowers. Also there
were trees on which were perched birds of gold and silver. When I saw
this I thought that I must be mad, but it was not so, for having no
other use for the precious metals, of which they had so much abundance,
thus did these Incas adorn their palaces.

Leaving the golden garden, I reached a courtyard surrounded by rooms,
to one of which I was conducted. Passing its door, I found myself in a
splendid chamber hung with tapestries fantastically wrought and having
cushioned seats, and tables of rich woods incrusted with precious
stones. Here servants or slaves appeared with a chamberlain who bowed
deeply and welcomed me in the name of the Inca.

Then, as though I were something half divine, gently enough, they loosed
the sword from my wrist, took the long bow from my back, with the few
arrows that remained, also my dagger, and hid them away. They unbound
me, and freeing me from my armour, as I told them how, and the garments
beneath, laved me with warm, scented water, rubbed my bruised limbs, and
clothed me in wonderful soft garments, also scented and fastened about
my middle with a golden belt. This done, food and spiced drinks of their
native wine were brought to me in golden vessels. I ate and drank and,
being very weary, laid myself down upon one of the couches to sleep.
For now I no longer took any thought as to what might befall me, but
received all as it came, good and ill together, entrusting my body and
soul to the care of God and St. Hubert. Indeed, what else could I do who
was disarmed and a prisoner?

When I awoke again, very stiff and bruised, but much refreshed, night
had fallen, for hanging lamps were lit about the room. By their light
I saw the chamberlain of whom I have spoken standing before me. I asked
him his errand. With many bows he said that if I were rested the Inca
Upanqui desired my presence that he might speak with me.

I bade him lead on, and, with others who waited without, he conducted
me through a maze of passage