What he had heard from Malinche had greatly raised his curiosity with regard to her country, and his longing to see these people, whom she described as invincible in war, and so infinitely superior in civilization to the Tabascans.
He had closely inquired, from Malinche, whether she thought he would be well received, did he reach her country.

Malinche's opinion was not encouraging.
"I think," she said, "that they would sacrifice you in the temples.
All our gods love sacrifices, and every year countless persons are offered up to them." "It is a horrible custom, Malinche." Malinche did not seem to be impressed, as he expected.
"Why ?" she asked.

"They would be killed in battle, were they not kept for sacrifice.

The Aztecs never kill if they can help it, but take prisoners, so that death comes to them in one way instead of another; and it is better to be killed in the service of the gods, than to fall uselessly in battle." "I don't think so at all, Malinche.

In battle one's blood's up, and one scarcely feels pain; and if one is killed one is killed, and there is an end of it.