far above his subjects that even the
proudest of the nobles only ventured into his presence barefooted, and
carrying upon his shoulders a light burden in token of homage. The title
of Inca was borne by all the nobility who were related to the king, or
who, like himself, claimed descent from the Children of the Sun; but the
crown passed from father to son, the heir being the eldest son of the
'coya,' or queen. From his earliest years he was educated by the
'amautas,' or wise men of the kingdom, in the ceremonial of their
religion, as well as in military matters and all manly exercises, that
he might be fitted to reign in his turn.

At the age of sixteen the prince, with the young Inca nobles who had
shared his studies, underwent a kind of public examination, their
proficiency as warriors being tested by various athletic exercises and
by mimic combats which, though fought with blunted weapons, generally
resulted in wounds, and sometimes in death. During this trial, which
lasted thirty days, the young prince fared no better than his comrades,
wearing mean attire, going barefoot, and sleeping upon the ground--a
mode of life which was supposed to give him sympathy with the destitute.
At the end of that time, the candidates considered worthy of the honours
of this barbaric chivalry were presented to the sovereign, who reminded
them of the responsibilities of their birth and station, and exhorted
them, as Children of the Sun, to imitate the glorious career of their
ancestor. He then, as they knelt before him one by one, pierced their
ears with a golden bodkin, which they continued to wear until the hole
was made large enough to contain the enormous pendants worn by the
Incas, which made the Spaniards call them 'Orejones.' Indeed, as one of
the conquerors remarked, 'The larger the hole, the more of a gentleman,'
and the sovereign wore so massive an ornament that the cartilage of his
ear was distended by it nearly to the shoulder. After this ceremony the
feet of the candidates were dressed in the sandals of the order, and
girdles, and garlands of flowers were given them. The head of the prince
was then encircled with a tasselled fringe of a yellow colour, which
distinguished him as the heir apparent, and he at once received the
homage of all the Inca nobility; and then the whole assembly
proceeded to the great square of the capital, where with songs, dances,
and other festivities the ceremony was brought to an end. After this the