Now that we have laid the foundation stone of our history (although it be fabulous), being the origin of the Yncas, Kings of Peru, it will be well to pass on and give an account of the conquest and subjugation of the Indians, extending the narrative somewhat, which was given me by my uncle the Ynca, together with a narrative touching many other Yncas and Indians, natives of the settlements which the first Ynca, Manco Ccapac, ordered to be formed, and included in his empire. I was brought up amongst these Indians and held intercourse with them until I was twenty years of age. During that time I acquired a knowledge of all the matters on which we are about to treat; for in my childhood they told me their histories, just as they tell stories to children. Afterwards, when I had reached a more advanced age, they gave me a long account of their laws and government, comparing them with the new government of the Spaniards. They enumerated the crimes with their punishments in the days of the Yncas, and related how their kings governed in peace and in war, in what manner they treated their vassals, and how they were served by them. Besides they told me, as to their own son, of all their idolatries, rites, ceremonies, and sacrifices, of their festivals, their superstitions and abuses, and of all their customs, good or evil; as well those relating to their sacrifices, as others.