Page:The Incas of Peru.djvu/166

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132
HUARACHICU

ran like deer across the plain—a thrilling sight. Few people, in the new or old world, could equal the Peruvians in speed, and the competition to be the first to receive drinks from the hands of beauty was very close. There were more songs and disciplinary flogging, and in the evening the grand procession was formed to return to Cuzco, headed by the Suntur Paucar of the Inca and the Raymi Napa, or golden llama.

On the next day the rewards were distributed by the Inca in person, on the hill called Raurana. The aspirants had passed the night in a place called Huaman Cancha (place of falcons), at the foot of the hill, which is two miles from Cuzco. The Inca proceeded to the summit of the hill, where stood the huaca called Raurana, consisting of two falcons carved in stone, upon an altar. The priest of the huaca officiated at the preliminary prayers and sacrifices, the youths standing in rows before their sovereign. There were prayers that the aspirants might become valiant and enterprising warriors. The haylli was sung and, at a sign from the Inca, the priest presented each of the youths with breeches called huarayuru, ear-pieces of gold, red mantles with blue tassels, and red shirts. They also received diadems with plumes called pilco cassa, and pieces of gold and silver to hang round their necks. Then followed songs and hymns, which lasted for an hour. The return to Cuzco was in the same order as on the previous day.