Page:The Incas of Peru.djvu/322

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284
THE INCA'S CHAPEL

exquisite Mihrab of Hakem II. Perhaps a few may find time to give a thought to the good old Inca. His chapel is on the north side, the third from the east. His arms are over the iron grating and gate. On the dexter side are Vargas quartering Figueroa, Saavedra, and Mendoza, and impaling the arms granted to the Incas. These are azure two serpents supporting a rainbow from their mouths, from which hangs the llautu, in chief a sun and moon. The stone covering the tomb is in the centre of the little chapel. The epitaph painted on boards is on each side of the altar. On the gospel side:

'The Inca Garcilasso de la Vega, a distinguished man worthy of perpetual memory, illustrious in blood, well versed in letters, valiant in arms. Son of Garcilasso de la Vega of the ducal houses of Feria and Infantado, and of Elizabeth Palla, sister of Huaina Ccapac, last Emperor of Peru. He edited La Florida, translated Leon Ebreo, composed the Royal Commentaries.'

On the epistle side:

'He lived very religiously in Cordova, died, and was buried in this chapel. He closed up his estate in a chain for the good of souls in purgatory, being perpetual trustees the Dean and Chapter of this holy church. He died on the 22nd of April, 1616.'

'Pray to God for his soul.'

A lamp hangs from the roof, and is always kept burning, night and day, in accordance with the clause in the Inca's will.