cruelly treating those unfortunate
people; they have thereby made themselves even more notorious than
the others, because, being at a greater distance from Spain, they
could do more as they pleased and consequently lived in greater
disorder and with less justice. As for justice, however, there has
never been any in all the Indies, as is seen from what has been
related above.
5. Among infinite other cases, the three following have been read
before the Council of the Indies. A tyrant governor commanded
certain of his people, to go to some Indian town and, if food was
not given them, to kill all the inhabitants. Thus authorised, they
started and, because the Indians considered them their enemies and
more out of fear and the desire to escape from them, than from a
want of generosity, refused to supply them, the Spaniards put more
than five thousand persons to the sword.
6. Another time a certain number of people presented themselves
peaceably for their service, or perhaps they had been summoned by
the Spaniards; and because they did not come quickly enough, or
because, as is their habit and common usage, they wished to inspire
them with fear and horrible fright, the Governor commanded that they
should all be consigned into the hands of their Indian enemies.
7. They wept and cried, praying that the Spaniards would kill them,
rather than deliver them to their enemies. (103) And as they would
not leave the house where they were, they were cut to pieces there,
weeping, and crying out: "We came peaceably to serve you and you
kill us? May our blood, remain on these walls as testimony of our
unjust death and of your cruelty!" This was, in truth, a notorious
action, and worthy of consideration, but much more of being
lamented.

The Vast Kingdoms and Great Provinces of Peru

In the year 1531 another great tyrant went with certain people to
the kingdoms of Peru,(104) which he invaded by virtue of the same
title, intentions, and principles as all the former ones, because he
was one of the most experienced, and since a long time had taken
part in all the cruelties and massacres that had been committed on
the continent since the year 1510; he was devoid of faith and
honour, and he did more cruelty and slaughter