Page:The Incas of Peru.djvu/104



land of the Incas! the land of the sovereign city! the land of the sacred vale! The land converted from the home of many contending tribes, to a realm obedient to one king and lord. This change had been due to the great military skill and administrative ability of the two generals, Apu Mayta and Vicaquirau. It was a work of many years, but it was completed.

The land of the Incas was 250 miles in length by 60 in width. It is bounded on its western side by the river Apurimac, 'chief of the speaking waters,' dashing down a profound ravine with precipitous sides. On the east was the Vilcamayu, 'the sacred river,' flowing from the 'sacred lake' (Vilca uñuta) at the foot of the lofty snowy peak which is visible from Cuzco, rising majestically into the azure sky. Unlike the Apurimac, the Vilcamayu irrigates a wide and fertile valley unsurpassed for beauty in the wide world. To the south this classic land is separated from the