I understood, when I was in Cuzco, that it was the custom among the kings Incas, that the king, as soon as he died should be mourned for with much lamentation, and that great sacrifices should be offered up in accordance with their religion. When these ceremonies were over, the oldest people of the country discussed the life and acts of the recently deceased king, considering whether he had done good to the country, and what battles he had gained over the country's enemies. Having settled these questions, and others which we do not entirely understand, they decided whether the deceased king had been so fortunate as to merit praise and fame, and to deserve that his memory should for ever be preserved. They then called for the great quiposcamayos who preserve the records, and understand how to give an account of the events that occur in the kingdom. Next they communicated with those who were most expert, and who were selected for their skill in rhetoric and the use of words. These knew how to narrate the events in regular order, like ballad singers and romance writers. These compose the songs, so that they shall be heard by all at marriage ceremonies and other festivities.