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.
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