156 



CHARACTER OF AMARU. 



Chap. IX. 



In the revolting cruelty of Areche may be traced the abject 

 terror of a dastardly and craven mind ; and to this cowardice 

 may also be imputed the concessions wbich were afterwards 

 wrung from him.* Tupac Amaru did not die in vain ; for, 

 after the suppression of his revolt, the repartos were abolished, 

 and the mitas were much modified. 



Thus fell the last of the Incas. He was a man of whom 

 his nation might well be proud, and Avill bear comparison 

 with the gi'eatest monarchs of his race. Having enjoyed the 

 best education which Spanish policy at that time permitted 

 to the people of the colonies, he brought a cultivated mind, a 

 clear understanding, untiring industry, and devoted zeal for 

 the welfare of his countrymen to his important duties as a 

 wealthy and influential cacique. When he afterwards under- 

 took tbe office of defender of the oppressed Indians he 

 displayed an amount of patient perseverance, combined with 

 great ability in the advocacy of their cause, which excited 

 the admiration of the Bishop of Cuzco and others of the 

 more enlightened Spaniards. Finally, after he had unwill- 

 ingly become convinced that all remonstrance was useless, 

 he, in his appeal to arms, combined promptitude of action 

 with great moderation in his demands ; his edicts were re- 

 markable for theii- good sense and humanity; and had his 

 efforts been met by the Spaniards in a corresponding spirit, 

 the viceroy of the King of Castille might at length have 

 succeeded in enforcing the practical observance of the humane 

 laws of his master. 



But this was not to be. Instead of a calm and enlightened 



^ The PizaiTOS and their companions 

 were angels of mercy when compared 

 with such vile wi-etches as Areclie and 

 Matta Linares ; yet we are told by one 

 of his flatterers that " the tender heart 

 of the visitador was filled with piety 

 and humanity, and that early on the 



day after the execution he went to tlie 

 cathedral, and, having confessed and 

 l)art{iken of the sacrament, he paid for 

 several masses for the souls of tlie cul- 

 prits, and heard them all on his knees, 

 thus edifyuig the whole city." Hypn- 

 critical hya;na ! — Guzman MSS. 



