The Chasqui.

 

This morning at the dawn of day,

Rumi-naui despatched this quipu.

 

 

 

Tupac Yupanqui (to the Uillac Uma).

 

See what it says.

 

 

 

Uillac Uma.

 

This knot, coloured burnt ahuarancu,

Tells us that Tampu too is burnt;

This triple knot to which is hung

Another which is quintuple,

In all of quintuples are three,

Denotes that Anti-suyu's thine,

Its ruler prisoner of war.

 

 

 

Tupac Yupanqui (to the Chasqui).

 

And thou. Where wert thou?

 

 

 

The Chasqui.

 

Sole King and Lord! Child of the Sun!

I am the first to bring the news,

That thou mayst trample on the foe,

And in thine anger drink their blood.

 

 

 

Tupac Yupanqui.

 

Did I not reiterate commands

To spare and not to shed their blood--

Not anger but pity is my rule.

 

 

 

The Chasqui.

 

O Lord, we have not shed their blood;

They were all captured in the night,

Unable to resist our force.