If I could land at Plymouth tomorrow, with all the presents I have received today, I should be a rich man.

Here they are valueless.
"I received presents at first at Tabasco, and yet, had I remained there a month longer, I should have been sacrificed to those cruel gods of theirs.

These presents mean really nothing to me.

They seem magnificent, but gold is so common, here, that it is no more than if, at home, one presented a man with necklaces of glass, and some woolen cloths.

It is a mark of civility, but that is all.
"When I get there, the priest will be inquiring into my religion, and when they see that I pay no honor to their gods, they will be sure to raise a cry against me.
"Malinche was telling me that, every year, some special prisoner is chosen for sacrifice, and is treated with great honor, and has every luxury until the time comes, and then they put him to death.
Brutes! I have no doubt they will consider that, from my very rarity, I shall make a specially acceptable sacrifice.
"I wish I was back on the Hoe again.