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 passages into a glorious chamber where everything
seemed to be gold, for even the walls were panelled with it. Never had
I dreamt of so much gold; indeed the sight of it wearied me till I could
have welcomed that of humble brick or wood.
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