THE HISTORY OF THE _ROYAL SLAVE_.

I do not pretend, in giving you the History of this _ROYAL SLAVE_, to

entertain my Reader with the Adventures of a feign'd _Hero_, whose Life

and Fortunes Fancy may manage at the Poet's Pleasure; nor in relating

the Truth, design to adorn it with any Accidents, but such as arrived in

earnest to him: And it shall come simply into the World, recommended by

its own proper Merits, and natural Intrigues; there being enough of

Reality to support it, and to render it diverting, without the Addition

of Invention.

I was myself an Eye-witness to a great Part of what you will find here

set down; and what I could not be Witness of, I receiv'd from the Mouth

of the chief Actor in this History, the _Hero_ himself, who gave us the

whole Transactions of his Youth: And I shall omit, for Brevity's Sake,

a thousand little Accidents of his Life, which, however pleasant to us,

where History was scarce, and Adventures very rare, yet might prove

tedious and heavy to my Reader, in a World where he finds Diversions for

every Minute, new and strange. But we who were perfectly charm'd with

the Character of this great Man, were curious to gather every

Circumstance of his Life.

The Scene of the last Part of his Adventures lies in a Colony in

_America_, called _Surinam_, in the _West-Indies_.

But before I give you the Story of this _Gallant Slave_, 'tis fit I tell

you the Manner of bringing them to these new _Colonies_; those they make

Use of there, not being _Natives_ of the Place: for those we live with

in perfect Amity, without daring to command 'em; but, on the contrary,

caress 'em with all the brotherly and friendly Affection in the World;

trading with them for their Fish, Venison, Buffaloes Skins, and little

Rarities; as _Marmosets_, a sort of Monkey, as big as a Rat or Weasel,

but of a marvellous and delicate Shape, having Face and Hands like a

Human Creature; and _Cousheries_, a little Beast in the Form and Fashion

of a Lion, as big as a Kitten, but so exactly made in all Parts like

that Noble Beast, that it is it in _Miniature_: Then for little

_Paraketoes_, great _Parrots_, _Muckaws_, and a thousand other Birds and

Beasts of wonderful and surprizing Forms, Shapes, and Colours: For Skins

of prodigious Snakes, of which there are some three-score Yards in

Length; as is the Skin of one that may be seen at his Majesty's

_Antiquary's_; where are also some rare Flies, of amazing Forms and

Colours, presented to 'em by myself; some as big as my Fist, some less;

and all of various Excellencies, such as Art cannot imitate. Then we

trade for Feathers, which they order into all Shapes, make themselves

little short Habits of 'em, and glorious Wreaths for their Heads, Necks,

Arms and Legs, whose Tinctures are unconceivable. I had a Set of these

presented to me, and I gave 'em to the _King's Theatre_; it was the

Dress of the _Indian Queen_, infinitely admir'd by Persons of Quality;

and was inimitable. Besides these, a thousand little Knacks, and

Rarities in Nature; and some of Art, as their Baskets, Weapons, Aprons,

&c. We dealt with 'em with Beads of all Colours, Knives, Axes, Pins and

Needles, which they us'd only as Tools to drill Holes with in their

Ears, Noses and Lips, where they hang a great many little Things; as

long Beads, Bits of Tin, Brass or Silver beat thin, and any shining

Trinket. The Beads they weave into Aprons about a Quarter of an Ell

long, and of the same Breadth; working them very prettily in Flowers of

several Colours; which Apron they wear just before 'em, as _Adam_ and

_Eve_ did the Fig-leaves; the Men wearing a long Stripe of Linen, which

they deal with us for. They thread these Beads also on long

Cotton-threads, and make Girdles to tie their Aprons to, which come

twenty times, or more, about the Waste, and then cross, like a

Shoulder-belt, both Ways, and round their Necks, Arms and Legs. This

Adornment, with their long black Hair, and the Face painted in little

Specks or Flowers here and there, makes 'em a wonderful Figure to

behold. Some of the Beauties, which indeed are finely shap'd, as almost

all are, and who have pretty Features, are charming and novel; for they

have all that is called Beauty, except the Colour, which is a reddish

Yellow; or after a new Oiling, which they often use to themselves, they

are of the Colour of a new Brick, but smooth, soft and sleek. They are

extreme modest and bashful, very shy, and nice of being touch'd. And

tho' they are all thus naked, if one lives for ever among 'em, there is

not to be seen an indecent Action, or Glance: and being continually us'd

to see one another so unadorn'd, so like our first Parents before the

Fall, it seems as if they had no Wishes, there being nothing to heighten

Curiosity: but all you can see, you see at once, and every Moment see;

and where there is no Novelty, there can be no Curiosity. Not but I have

seen a handsome young _Indian_, dying for Love of a very beautiful young

_Indian_ Maid; but all his Courtship was, to fold his Arms, pursue her

with his Eyes, and Sighs were all his Language: While she, as if no such

Lover were present, or rather as if she desired none such, carefully

guarded her Eyes from beholding him; and never approach'd him, but she

looked down with all the blushing Modesty I have seen in the most Severe

and Cautious of our World. And these People represented to me an

absolute _Idea_ of the first State of Innocence, before Man knew how to

sin: And 'tis most evident and plain, that simple Nature is the most

harmless, inoffensive and virtuous Mistress. 'Tis she alone, if she were

permitted, that better instructs the World, than all the Inventions of

Man: Religion would here but destroy that Tranquillity they possess by

Ignorance; and Laws would but teach 'em to know Offences, of which now

they have no Notion. They once made Mourning and Fasting for the Death

of the _English_ Governor, who had given his Hand to come on such a Day

to 'em, and neither came nor sent; believing, when a Man's Word was

past, nothing but Death could or should prevent his keeping it: And when

they saw he was not dead, they ask'd him what Name they had for a Man

who promis'd a Thing he did not do? The Governor told them, Such a Man

was a _Lyar_, which was a Word of Infamy to a Gentleman. Then one of 'em

reply'd, _Governor, you are a Lyar, and guilty of that Infamy_. They

have a native Justice, which knows no Fraud; and they understand no

Vice, or Cunning, but when they are taught by the _White_ Men. They have

Plurality of Wives; which, when they grow old, serve those that succeed

'em, who are young, but with a Servitude easy and respected; and unless

they take Slaves in War, they have no other Attendants.

Those on that _Continent_ where I was, had no King; but the oldest

War-Captain was obey'd with great Resignation.

A War-Captain is a Man who has led them on to Battle with Conduct and

Success; of whom I shall have Occasion to speak more hereafter, and of

some other of their Customs and Manners, as they fall in my Way.

With these People, as I said, we live in perfect Tranquillity, and good

Understanding, as it behoves us to do; they knowing all the Places where

to seek the best Food of the Country, and the Means of getting it; and

for very small and unvaluable Trifles, supplying us with what 'tis

almost impossible for us to get; for they do not only in the Woods, and

over the _Sevana's_, in Hunting, supply the Parts of Hounds, by swiftly

scouring thro' those almost impassable Places, and by the mere Activity

of their Feet, run down the nimblest Deer, and other eatable Beasts; but

in the Water, one would think they were Gods of the Rivers, or

Fellow-Citizens of the Deep; so rare an Art they have in swimming,

diving, and almost living in Water; by which they command the less swift

Inhabitants of the Floods. And then for shooting, what they cannot take,

or reach with their Hands, they do with Arrows; and have so admirable an

Aim, that they will split almost an Hair, and at any Distance that an

Arrow can reach: they will shoot down Oranges, and other Fruit, and only

touch the Stalk with the Dart's Point, that they may not hurt the Fruit.

So that they being on all Occasions very useful to us, we find it

absolutely necessary to caress 'em as Friends, and not to treat 'em as

Slaves; nor dare we do otherwise, their Numbers so far surpassing ours

in that Continent.

Those then whom we make use of to work in our Plantations of Sugar, are

_Negroes_, Black-Slaves altogether, who are transported thither in this

Manner.

Those who want Slaves, make a Bargain with a Master, or a Captain of a

Ship, and contract to pay him so much apiece, a Matter of twenty Pound a

Head, for as many as he agrees for, and to pay for 'em when they shall

be deliver'd on such a Plantation: So that when there arrives a Ship

laden with Slaves, they who have so contracted, go aboard, and receive

their Number by Lot; and perhaps in one Lot that may be for ten, there

may happen to be three or four Men, the rest Women and Children. Or be

there more or less of either Sex, you are obliged to be contented with

your Lot.

_Coramantien_, a Country of _Blacks_ so called, was one of those Places

in which they found the most advantageous Trading for these Slaves, and

thither most of our great Traders in that Merchandize traffick; for that

Nation is very warlike and brave; and having a continual Campaign, being

always in Hostility with one neighbouring Prince or other, they had the

Fortune to take a great many Captives: for all they took in Battle were

sold as Slaves; at least those common Men who could not ransom

themselves. Of these Slaves so taken, the General only has all the

Profit; and of these Generals our Captains and Masters of Ships buy all

their Freights.

The King of _Coramantien_ was of himself a Man of an hundred and odd

Years old, and had no Son, tho' he had many beautiful Black Wives: for

most certainly there are Beauties that can charm of that Colour. In his

younger Years he had had many gallant Men to his Sons, thirteen of whom

died in Battle, conquering when they fell; and he had only left him for

his Successor, one Grand-child, Son to one of these dead Victors, who,

as soon as he could bear a Bow in his Hand, and a Quiver at his Back,

was sent into the Field, to be train'd up by one of the oldest Generals

to War; where, from his natural Inclination to Arms, and the Occasions

given him, with the good Conduct of the old General, he became, at the

Age of seventeen, one of the most expert Captains, and bravest Soldiers

that ever saw the Field of _Mars_: so that he was ador'd as the Wonder

of all that World, and the Darling of the Soldiers. Besides, he was

adorn'd with a native Beauty, so transcending all those of his gloomy

Race, that he struck an Awe and Reverence, even into those that knew not

his Quality; as he did into me, who beheld him with Surprize and Wonder,

when afterwards he arrived in our World.

He had scarce arrived at his seventeenth Year, when, fighting by his

Side, the General was kill'd with an Arrow in his Eye, which the Prince

_Oroonoko_ (for so was this gallant _Moor_ call'd) very narrowly

avoided; nor had he, if the General who saw the Arrow shot, and

perceiving it aimed at the Prince, had not bow'd his Head between, on

Purpose to receive it in his own Body, rather than it should touch that

of the Prince, and so saved him.

'Twas then, afflicted as _Oroonoko_ was, that he was proclaimed General

in the old Man's Place: and then it was, at the finishing of that War,

which had continu'd for two Years, that the Prince came to Court, where

he had hardly been a Month together, from the Time of his fifth Year to

that of seventeen: and 'twas amazing to imagine where it was he learn'd

so much Humanity; or to give his Accomplishments a juster Name, where

'twas he got that real Greatness of Soul, those refined Notions of true

Honour, that absolute Generosity, and that Softness, that was capable of

the highest Passions of Love and Gallantry, whose Objects were almost

continually fighting Men, or those mangled or dead, who heard no Sounds

but those of War and Groans. Some Part of it we may attribute to the

Care of a _Frenchman_ of Wit and Learning, who finding it turn to a very

good Account to be a sort of Royal Tutor to this young Black, and

perceiving him very ready, apt, and quick of Apprehension, took a great

Pleasure to teach him Morals, Language and Science; and was for it

extremely belov'd and valu'd by him. Another Reason was, he lov'd when

he came from War, to see all the _English_ Gentlemen that traded

thither; and did not only learn their Language, but that of the

_Spaniard_ also, with whom he traded afterwards for Slaves.

I have often seen and conversed with this Great Man, and been a Witness

to many of his mighty Actions; and do assure my Reader, the most

illustrious Courts could not have produced a braver Man, both for

Greatness of Courage and Mind, a Judgment more solid, a Wit more quick,

and a Conversation more sweet and diverting. He knew almost as much as

if he had read much: He had heard of and admired the _Romans_: He had

heard of the late Civil Wars in _England_, and the deplorable Death of

our great Monarch; and would discourse of it with all the Sense and

Abhorrence of the Injustice imaginable. He had an extreme good and

graceful Mien, and all the Civility of a well-bred Great Man. He had

nothing of Barbarity in his Nature, but in all Points address'd himself

as if his Education had been in some _European_ Court.

This great and just Character of _Oroonoko_ gave me an extreme Curiosity

to see him, especially when I knew he spoke _French_ and _English_, and

that I could talk with him. But tho' I had heard so much of him, I was

as greatly surprized when I saw him, as if I had heard nothing of him;

so beyond all Report I found him. He came into the Room, and addressed

himself to me, and some other Women, with the best Grace in the World.

He was pretty tall, but of a Shape the most exact that can be fancy'd:

The most famous Statuary could not form the Figure of a Man more

admirably turn'd from Head to Foot. His Face was not of that brown rusty

Black which most of that Nation are, but a perfect Ebony, or polished

Jet. His Eyes were the most aweful that could be seen, and very

piercing; the White of 'em being like Snow, as were his Teeth. His Nose

was rising and _Roman_, instead of _African_ and flat: His Mouth the

finest shaped that could be seen; far from those great turn'd Lips,

which are so natural to the rest of the Negroes. The whole Proportion

and Air of his Face was so nobly and exactly form'd, that bating his

Colour, there could be nothing in Nature more beautiful, agreeable and

handsome. There was no one Grace wanting, that bears the Standard of

true Beauty. His Hair came down to his Shoulders, by the Aids of Art,

which was by pulling it out with a Quill, and keeping it comb'd; of

which he took particular Care. Nor did the Perfections of his Mind come

short of those of his Person; for his Discourse was admirable upon

almost any Subject: and whoever had heard him speak, would have been

convinced of their Errors, that all fine Wit is confined to the white

Men, especially to those of Christendom; and would have confess'd that

_Oroonoko_ was as capable even of reigning well, and of governing as

wisely, had as great a Soul, as politick Maxims, and was as sensible of

Power, as any Prince civiliz'd in the most refined Schools of Humanity

and Learning, or the most illustrious Courts.

This Prince, such as I have describ'd him, whose Soul and Body were so

admirably adorned, was (while yet he was in the Court of his

Grandfather, as I said) as capable of Love, as 'twas possible for a

brave and gallant Man to be; and in saying that, I have named the

highest Degree of Love: for sure great Souls are most capable of that

Passion.

I have already said, the old General was kill'd by the Shot of an Arrow,

by the Side of this Prince, in Battle; and that _Oroonoko_ was made

General. This old dead Hero had one only Daughter left of his Race,

a Beauty, that to describe her truly, one need say only, she was Female

to the noble Male; the beautiful Black _Venus_ to our young _Mars_; as

charming in her Person as he, and of delicate Virtues. I have seen a

hundred White Men sighing after her, and making a thousand Vows at her

Feet, all in vain and unsuccessful. And she was indeed too great for any

but a Prince of her own Nation to adore.

_Oroonoko_ coming from the Wars (which were now ended) after he had made

his Court to his Grandfather, he thought in Honour he ought to make a

Visit to _Imoinda_, the Daughter of his Foster-father, the dead General;

and to make some Excuses to her, because his Preservation was the

Occasion of her Father's Death; and to present her with those Slaves

that had been taken in this last Battle, as the Trophies of her Father's

Victories. When he came, attended by all the young Soldiers of any

Merit, he was infinitely surpriz'd at the Beauty of this fair Queen of

Night, whose Face and Person were so exceeding all he had ever beheld,

that lovely Modesty with which she receiv'd him, that Softness in her

Look and Sighs, upon the melancholy Occasion of this Honour that was

done by so great a Man as _Oroonoko_, and a Prince of whom she had heard

such admirable Things; the Awfulness wherewith she receiv'd him, and the

Sweetness of her Words and Behaviour while he stay'd, gain'd a perfect

Conquest over his fierce Heart, and made him feel, the Victor could be

subdu'd. So that having made his first Compliments, and presented her an

hundred and fifty Slaves in Fetters, he told her with his Eyes, that he

was not insensible of her Charms; while _Imoinda_, who wish'd for

nothing more than so glorious a Conquest, was pleas'd to believe, she

understood that silent Language of new-born Love; and, from that Moment,

put on all her Additions to Beauty.

The Prince return'd to Court with quite another Humour than before; and

tho' he did not speak much of the fair _Imoinda_, he had the Pleasure to

hear all his Followers speak of nothing but the Charms of that Maid,

insomuch, that, even in the Presence of the old King, they were

extolling her, and heightning, if possible, the Beauties they had found

in her: so that nothing else was talk'd of, no other Sound was heard in

every Corner where there were Whisperers, but _Imoinda! Imoinda!_

'Twill be imagin'd _Oroonoko_ stay'd not long before he made his second

Visit; nor, considering his Quality, not much longer before he told her,

he ador'd her. I have often heard him say, that he admir'd by what

strange Inspiration he came to talk Things so soft, and so passionate,

who never knew Love, nor was us'd to the Conversation of Women; but

(to use his own Words) he said, 'Most happily, some new, and, till then,

unknown Power instructed his Heart and Tongue in the Language of Love;

and at the same Time, in Favour of him, inspir'd _Imoinda_ with a Sense

of his Passion.' She was touch'd with what he said, and return'd it all

in such Answers as went to his very Heart, with a Pleasure unknown

before. Nor did he use those Obligations ill, that Love had done him,

but turn'd all his happy Moments to the best Advantage; and as he knew

no Vice, his Flame aim'd at nothing but Honour, if such a Distinction

may be made in Love; and especially in that Country, where Men take to

themselves as many as they can maintain; and where the only Crime and

Sin against a Woman, is, to turn her off, to abandon her to Want, Shame

and Misery: such ill Morals are only practis'd in _Christian_ Countries,

where they prefer the bare Name of Religion; and, without Virtue or

Morality, think that sufficient. But _Oroonoko_ was none of those

Professors; but as he had right Notions of Honour, so he made her such

Propositions as were not only and barely such; but, contrary to the

Custom of his Country, he made her Vows, she should be the only Woman he

would possess while he liv'd; that no Age or Wrinkles should incline him

to change: for her Soul would be always fine, and always young; and he

should have an eternal _Idea_ in his Mind of the Charms she now bore;

and should look into his Heart for that _Idea_, when he could find it no

longer in her Face.

After a thousand Assurances of his lasting Flame, and her eternal Empire

over him, she condescended to receive him for her Husband; or rather,

receive him, as the greatest Honour the Gods could do her.

There is a certain Ceremony in these Cases to be observ'd, which I

forgot to ask how 'twas perform'd; but 'twas concluded on both Sides,

that in Obedience to him, the Grandfather was to be first made

acquainted with the Design: For they pay a most absolute Resignation to

the Monarch, especially when he is a Parent also.

On the other Side, the old King, who had many Wives, and many

Concubines, wanted not Court-Flatterers to insinuate into his Heart a

thousand tender Thoughts for this young Beauty; and who represented her

to his Fancy, as the most charming he had ever possess'd in all the long

Race of his numerous Years. At this Character, his old Heart, like an

extinguish'd Brand, most apt to take Fire, felt new Sparks of Love, and

began to kindle; and now grown to his second Childhood, long'd with

Impatience to behold this gay Thing, with whom, alas! he could but

innocently play. But how he should be confirm'd she was this _Wonder_,

before he us'd his Power to call her to Court, (where Maidens never

came, unless for the King's private Use) he was next to consider; and

while he was so doing, he had Intelligence brought him, that _Imoinda_

was most certainly Mistress to the Prince _Oroonoko_. This gave him some

Chagrine: however, it gave him also an Opportunity, one Day, when the

Prince was a hunting, to wait on a Man of Quality, as his Slave and

Attendant, who should go and make a Present to _Imoinda_, as from the

Prince; he should then, unknown, see this fair Maid, and have an

Opportunity to hear what Message she would return the Prince for his

Present, and from thence gather the State of her Heart, and Degree of

her Inclination. This was put in Execution, and the old Monarch saw, and

burn'd: He found her all he had heard, and would not delay his

Happiness, but found he should have some Obstacle to overcome her Heart;

for she express'd her Sense of the Present the Prince had sent her, in

Terms so sweet, so soft and pretty, with an Air of Love and Joy that

could not be dissembled, insomuch that 'twas past Doubt whether she

lov'd _Oroonoko_ entirely. This gave the old King some Affliction; but

he salv'd it with this, that the Obedience the People pay their King,

was not at all inferior to what they paid their Gods; and what Love

would not oblige _Imoinda_ to do, Duty would compel her to.

He was therefore no sooner got into his Apartment, but he sent the Royal

Veil to _Imoinda_; that is the Ceremony of Invitation: He sends the Lady

he has a Mind to honour with his Bed, a Veil, with which she is covered,

and secur'd for the King's Use; and 'tis Death to disobey; besides, held

a most impious Disobedience.

'Tis not to be imagin'd the Surprize and Grief that seiz'd the lovely

Maid at this News and Sight. However, as Delays in these Cases are

dangerous, and Pleading worse than Treason; trembling, and almost

fainting, she was oblig'd to suffer herself to be cover'd, and led away.

They brought her thus to Court; and the King, who had caus'd a very rich

Bath to be prepar'd, was led into it, where he sat under a Canopy, in

State, to receive this long'd-for Virgin; whom he having commanded to be

brought to him, they (after disrobing her) led her to the Bath, and

making fast the Doors, left her to descend. The King, without more

Courtship, bad her throw off her Mantle, and come to his Arms. But

_Imoinda_, all in Tears, threw herself on the Marble, on the Brink of

the Bath, and besought him to hear her. She told him, as she was a Maid,

how proud of the Divine Glory she should have been, of having it in her

Power to oblige her King: but as by the Laws he could not, and from his

Royal Goodness would not take from any Man his wedded Wife; so she

believ'd she should be the occasion of making him commit a great Sin, if

she did not reveal her State and Condition; and tell him she was

another's, and could not be so happy to be his.

The King, enrag'd at this Delay, hastily demanded the Name of the bold

Man, that had married a Woman of her Degree, without his Consent.

_Imoinda_ seeing his Eyes fierce, and his Hands tremble, (whether with

Age or Anger, I know not, but she fancy'd the last) almost repented she

had said so much, for now she fear'd the Storm would fall on the Prince;

she therefore said a thousand Things to appease the raging of his Flame,

and to prepare him to hear who it was with Calmness: but before she

spoke, he imagin'd who she meant, but would not seem to do so, but

commanded her to lay aside her Mantle, and suffer herself to receive his

Caresses, or, by his Gods he swore, that happy Man whom she was going to

name should die, tho' it was even _Oroonoko_ himself. _Therefore_

(said he) _deny this Marriage, and swear thyself a Maid. That_ (reply'd

_Imoinda_) _by all our Powers I do; for I am not yet known to my

Husband. 'Tis enough_ (said the King) _'tis enough both to satisfy my

Conscience and my Heart._ And rising from his Seat, he went and led her

into the Bath; it being in vain for her to resist.

In this Time, the Prince, who was return'd from Hunting, went to visit

his _Imoinda_, but found her gone; and not only so, but heard she had

receiv'd the Royal Veil. This rais'd him to a Storm; and in his Madness,

they had much ado to save him from laying violent Hands on himself.

Force first prevail'd, and then Reason: They urg'd all to him, that

might oppose his Rage; but nothing weigh'd so greatly with him as the

King's old Age, uncapable of injuring him with _Imoinda_. He would give

Way to that Hope, because it pleas'd him most, and flatter'd best his

Heart. Yet this serv'd not altogether to make him cease his different

Passions, which sometimes rag'd within him, and soften'd into Showers.

'Twas not enough to appease him, to tell him, his Grandfather was old,

and could not that Way injure him, while he retain'd that awful Duty

which the young Men are us'd there to pay to their grave Relations. He

could not be convinc'd he had no Cause to sigh and mourn for the Loss of

a Mistress, he could not with all his Strength and Courage retrieve, and

he would often cry, 'Oh, my Friends! were she in wall'd Cities, or

confin'd from me in Fortifications of the greatest Strength; did

Inchantments or Monsters detain her from me; I would venture thro' any

Hazard to free her; But here, in the Arms of a feeble old Man, my Youth,

my violent Love, my Trade in Arms, and all my vast Desire of Glory,

avail me nothing. _Imoinda_ is as irrecoverably lost to me, as if she

were snatch'd by the cold Arms of Death: Oh! she is never to be

retrieved. If I would wait tedious Years; till Fate should bow the old

King to his Grave, even that would not leave me _Imoinda_ free; but

still that Custom that makes it so vile a Crime for a Son to marry his

Father's Wives or Mistresses, would hinder my Happiness; unless I would

either ignobly set an ill Precedent to my Successors, or abandon my

Country, and fly with her to some unknown World who never heard our

Story.'

But it was objected to him, That his Case was not the same: for

_Imoinda_ being his lawful Wife by solemn Contract, 'twas he was the

injur'd Man, and might, if he so pleas'd, take _Imoinda_ back, the

Breach of the Law being on his Grandfather's Side; and that if he could

circumvent him, and redeem her from the _Otan_, which is the Palace of

the King's Women, a sort of _Seraglio_, it was both just and lawful for

him so to do.

This Reasoning had some Force upon him, and he should have been entirely

comforted, but for the Thought that she was possess'd by his

Grandfather. However, he lov'd her so well, that he was resolv'd to

believe what most favour'd his Hope, and to endeavour to learn from

_Imoinda's_ own Mouth, what only she could satisfy him in, whether she

was robb'd of that Blessing which was only due to his Faith and Love.

But as it was very hard to get a Sight of the Women, (for no Men ever

enter'd into the _Otan_ but when the King went to entertain himself with

some one of his Wives or Mistresses; and 'twas Death, at any other Time,

for any other to go in) so he knew not how to contrive to get a Sight of

her.

While _Oroonoko_ felt all the Agonies of Love, and suffer'd under a

Torment the most painful in the World, the old King was not exempted

from his Share of Affliction. He was troubled, for having been forc'd,

by an irresistible Passion, to rob his Son of a Treasure, he knew, could

not but be extremely dear to him; since she was the most beautiful that

ever had been seen, and had besides, all the Sweetness and Innocence of

Youth and Modesty, with a Charm of Wit surpassing all. He found, that

however she was forc'd to expose her lovely Person to his wither'd Arms,

she could only sigh and weep there, and think of _Oroonoko_; and

oftentimes could not forbear speaking of him, tho' her Life were, by

Custom, forfeited by owning her Passion. But she spoke not of a Lover

only, but of a Prince dear to him to whom she spoke; and of the Praises

of a Man, who, 'till now, fill'd the old Man's Soul with Joy at every

Recital of his Bravery, or even his Name. And 'twas this Dotage on our

young Hero, that gave _Imoinda_ a thousand Privileges to speak of him

without offending; and this Condescension in the old King, that made her

take the Satisfaction of speaking of him so very often.

Besides, he many times enquir'd how the Prince bore himself: And those

of whom he ask'd, being entirely Slaves to the Merits and Virtues of the

Prince, still answer'd what they thought conduc'd best to his Service;

which was, to make the old King fancy that the Prince had no more

Interest in _Imoinda_, and had resign'd her willingly to the Pleasure of

the King; that he diverted himself with his Mathematicians, his

Fortifications, his Officers, and his Hunting.

This pleas'd the old Lover, who fail'd not to report these Things again

to _Imoinda_, that she might, by the Example of her young Lover,

withdraw her Heart, and rest better contented in his Arms. But, however

she was forc'd to receive this unwelcome News, in all Appearance, with

Unconcern and Content; her Heart was bursting within, and she was only

happy when she could get alone, to vent her Griefs and Moans with Sighs

and Tears.

What Reports of the Prince's Conduct were made to the King, he thought

good to justify, as far as possibly he could, by his Actions; and when

he appear'd in the Presence of the King, he shew'd a Face not at all

betraying his Heart: so that in a little Time, the old Man, being

entirely convinc'd that he was no longer a Lover of _Imoinda_ he carry'd

him with him in his Train to the _Otan_, often to banquet with his

Mistresses. But as soon as he enter'd, one Day, into the Apartment of

_Imoinda_, with the King, at the first Glance from her Eyes,

notwithstanding all his determined Resolution, he was ready to sink in

the Place where he stood; and had certainly done so, but for the Support

of _Aboan_, a young Man who was next to him; which, with his Change of

Countenance, had betray'd him, had the King chanc'd to look that Way.

And I have observ'd, 'tis a very great Error in those who laugh when one

says, _A +Negro+ can change Colour_: for I have seen 'em as frequently

blush, and look pale, and that as visibly as ever I saw in the most

beautiful _White_. And 'tis certain, that both these Changes were

evident, this Day, in both these Lovers. And _Imoinda_, who saw with

some Joy the Change in the Prince's Face, and found it in her own,

strove to divert the King from beholding either, by a forc'd Caress,

with which she met him; which was a new Wound in the Heart of the poor

dying Prince. But as soon as the King was busy'd in looking on some fine

Thing of _Imoinda's_ making, she had Time to tell the Prince, with her

angry, but Love-darting Eyes, that she resented his Coldness, and

bemoan'd her own miserable Captivity. Nor were his Eyes silent, but

answer'd her's again, as much as Eyes could do, instructed by the most

tender and most passionate Heart that ever lov'd: And they spoke so

well, and so effectually, as _Imoinda_ no longer doubted but she was the

only Delight and Darling of that Soul she found pleading in 'em its

Right of Love, which none was more willing to resign than she. And 'twas

this powerful Language alone that in an Instant convey'd all the

Thoughts of their Souls to each other; that they both found there wanted

but Opportunity to make them both entirely happy. But when he saw

another Door open'd by _Onahal_ (a former old Wife of the King's, who

now had Charge of _Imoinda_) and saw the Prospect of a Bed of State made

ready, with Sweets and Flowers for the Dalliance of the King, who

immediately led the trembling Victim from his Sight, into that prepar'd

Repose; what Rage! what wild Frenzies seiz'd his Heart! which forcing to

keep within Bounds, and to suffer without Noise, it became the more

insupportable, and rent his Soul with ten thousand Pains. He was forc'd

to retire to vent his Groans, where he fell down on a Carpet, and lay

struggling a long Time, and only breathing now and then--Oh _Imoinda_!

When _Onahal_ had finished her necessary Affair within, shutting the

Door, she came forth, to wait till the King called; and hearing some one

sighing in the other Room, she pass'd on, and found the Prince in that

deplorable Condition, which she thought needed her Aid. She gave him

Cordials, but all in vain; till finding the Nature of his Disease, by

his Sighs, and naming _Imoinda_, she told him he had not so much Cause

as he imagined to afflict himself: for if he knew the King so well as

she did, he would not lose a Moment in Jealousy; and that she was

confident that _Imoinda_ bore, at this Minute, Part in his Affliction.

_Aboan_ was of the same Opinion, and both together persuaded him to

re-assume his Courage; and all sitting down on the Carpet, the Prince

said so many obliging Things to _Onahal_, that he half-persuaded her to

be of his Party: and she promised him, she would thus far comply with

his just Desires, that she would let _Imoinda_ know how faithful he was,

what he suffer'd, and what he said.

This Discourse lasted till the King called, which gave _Oroonoko_ a

certain Satisfaction; and with the Hope _Onahal_ had made him conceive,

he assumed a Look as gay as 'twas possible a Man in his Circumstances

could do: and presently after, he was call'd in with the rest who waited

without. The King commanded Musick to be brought, and several of his

young Wives and Mistresses came all together by his Command, to dance

before him; where _Imoinda_ perform'd her Part with an Air and Grace so

surpassing all the rest, as her Beauty was above 'em, and received the

Present ordained as a Prize. The Prince was every Moment more charmed

with the new Beauties and Graces he beheld in this Fair-One; and while

he gazed, and she danc'd, _Onahal_ was retired to a Window with _Aboan_.

This _Onahal_, as I said, was one of the Cast-Mistresses of the old

King; and 'twas these (now past their Beauty) that were made Guardians

or Governantees to the new and the young ones, and whose Business it was

to teach them all those wanton Arts of Love, with which they prevail'd

and charm'd heretofore in their Turn; and who now treated the triumphing

Happy-ones with all the Severity, as to Liberty and Freedom, that was

possible, in Revenge of the Honours they rob them of; envying them those

Satisfactions, those Gallantries and Presents, that were once made to

themselves, while Youth and Beauty lasted, and which they now saw pass,

as it were regardless by, and paid only to the Bloomings. And certainly,

nothing is more afflicting to a decay'd Beauty, than to behold in itself

declining Charms, that were once ador'd; and to find those Caresses paid

to new Beauties, to which once she laid Claim; to hear them whisper, as

she passes by, that once was a delicate Woman. Those abandon'd ladies

therefore endeavour to revenge all the Despights and Decays of Time, on

these flourishing Happy-ones. And 'twas this Severity that gave

_Oroonoko_ a thousand Fears he should never prevail with _Onahal_ to see

_Imoinda_. But, as I said, she was now retir'd to a Window with _Aboan_.

This young Man was not only one of the best Quality, but a Man extremely

well made, and beautiful; and coming often to attend the King to the

_Otan_, he had subdu'd the Heart of the antiquated _Onahal_, which had

not forgot how pleasant it was to be in love. And tho' she had some

Decays in her Face, she had none in her Sense and Wit; she was there

agreeable still, even to _Aboan's_ Youth: so that he took Pleasure in

entertaining her with Discourses of Love. He knew also, that to make his

Court to these She-favourites, was the Way to be great; these being the

Persons that do all Affairs and Business at Court. He had also observed,

that she had given him Glances more tender and inviting than she had

done to others of his Quality. And now, when he saw that her Favour

could so absolutely oblige the Prince, he fail'd not to sigh in her Ear,

and look with Eyes all soft upon her, and gave her Hope that she had

made some Impressions on his Heart. He found her pleas'd at this, and

making a thousand Advances to him: but the Ceremony ending, and the King

departing, broke up the Company for that Day, and his Conversation.

_Aboan_ fail'd not that Night to tell the Prince of his Success, and how

advantageous the Service of _Onahal_ might be to his Amour with

_Imoinda_. The Prince was overjoy'd with this good News, and besought

him, if it were possible, to caress her so, as to engage her entirely,

which he could not fail to do, if he comply'd with her Desires: _For

then_ (said the Prince) _her Life lying at your Mercy, she must grant

you the Request you make in my Behalf_. _Aboan_ understood him, and

assur'd him he would make Love so effectually, that he would defy the

most expert Mistress of the Art, to find out whether he dissembled it,

or had it really. And 'twas with Impatience they waited the next

Opportunity of going to the _Otan_.

The Wars came on, the Time of taking the Field approached; and 'twas

impossible for the Prince to delay his going at the Head of his Army to

encounter the Enemy; so that every Day seem'd a tedious Year, till he

saw his _Imoinda_: for he believed he could not live, if he were forced

away without being so happy. 'Twas with Impatience therefore that he

expected the next Visit the King would make; and, according to his Wish,

it was not long.

The Parley of the Eyes of these two Lovers had not pass'd so secretly,

but an old jealous Lover could spy it; or rather, he wanted not

Flatterers who told him they observ'd it: so that the Prince was

hasten'd to the Camp, and this was the last Visit he found he should

make to the _Otan_; he therefore urged _Aboan_ to make the best of this

last Effort, and to explain himself so to _Onahal_, that she deferring

her Enjoyment of her young Lover no longer, might make Way for the

Prince to speak to _Imoinda_.

The whole Affair being agreed on between the Prince and _Aboan_, they

attended the King, as the Custom was, to the _Otan_; where, while the

whole Company was taken up in beholding the Dancing, and Antick Postures

the Women-Royal made to divert the King, _Onahal_ singled out _Aboan_,

whom she found most pliable to her Wish. When she had him where she

believed she could not be heard, she sigh'd to him, and softly cry'd,

'Ah, _Aboan!_ when will you be sensible of my Passion? I confess it with

my Mouth, because I would not give my Eyes the Lye; and you have but too

much already perceived they have confess'd my Flame: nor would I have

you believe, that because I am the abandon'd Mistress of a King,

I esteem myself altogether divested of Charms: No, _Aboan_; I have still

a Rest of Beauty enough engaging, and have learn'd to please too well,

not to be desirable. I can have Lovers still, but will have none but

_Aboan_. Madam, (_reply'd the half-feigning Youth_) you have already, by

my Eyes, found you can still conquer; and I believe 'tis in pity of me

you condescend to this kind Confession. But, Madam, Words are used to be

so small a Part of our Country-Courtship, that 'tis rare one can get so

happy an Opportunity as to tell one's Heart; and those few Minutes we

have, are forced to be snatch'd for more certain Proofs of Love than

speaking and sighing: and such I languish for.'

He spoke this with such a Tone, that she hoped it true, and could not

forbear believing it; and being wholly transported with Joy for having

subdued the finest of all the King's Subjects to her Desires, she took

from her Ears two large Pearls, and commanded him to wear 'em in his. He

would have refused 'em, crying, _Madam these are not the Proofs of our

Love that I expect; 'tis Opportunity, 'tis a Lone-Hour only, that can

make me happy._ But forcing the Pearls into his Hand, she whisper'd

softly to him; _Oh! do not fear a Woman's Invention, when Love sets her

a thinking._ And pressing his Hand, she cry'd, _This Night you shall be

happy. Come to the Gate of the Orange-Grove, behind the +Otan+, and I

will be ready about midnight to receive you._ 'Twas thus agreed, and she

left him, that no Notice might be taken of their speaking together.

The Ladies were still dancing, and the King, laid on a Carpet, with a

great deal of Pleasure was beholding them, especially _Imoinda_, who

that Day appeared more lovely than ever, being enlivened with the good

Tidings _Onahal_ had brought her, of the constant Passion the Prince had

for her. The Prince was laid on another Carpet at the other End of the

Room, with his Eyes fixed on the Object of his Soul; and as she turned

or moved, so did they; and she alone gave his Eyes and Soul their

Motions. Nor did _Imoinda_ employ her Eyes to any other use, than in

beholding with infinite Pleasure the Joy she produced in those of the

Prince. But while she was more regarding him than the Steps she took,

she chanced to fall, and so near him, as that leaping with extreme Force

from the Carpet, he caught her in his Arms as she fell; and 'twas

visible to the whole Presence, the Joy wherewith he received her. He

clasped her close to his Bosom, and quite forgot that Reverence that was

due to the Mistress of a King, and that Punishment that is the Reward of

a Boldness of this Nature. And had not the Presence of Mind of _Imoinda_

(fonder of his Safety than her own) befriended him, in making her spring

from his Arms, and fall into her Dance again, he had at that Instant met

his Death; for the old King, jealous to the last Degree, rose up in

Rage, broke all the Diversion, and led _Imoinda_ to her Apartment, and

sent out Word to the Prince, to go immediately to the Camp; and that if

he were found another Night in Court, he should suffer the Death

ordained for disobedient Offenders.

You may imagine how welcome this News was to _Oroonoko_, whose

unseasonable Transport and Caress of _Imoinda_ was blamed by all Men

that loved him: and now he perceived his Fault, yet cry'd, _That for

such another Moment he would be content to die_.

All the _Otan_ was in Disorder about this Accident; and _Onahal_ was

particularly concern'd, because on the Prince's Stay depended her

Happiness; for she could no longer expect that of _Aboan_: So that e'er

they departed, they contrived it so, that the Prince and he should both

come that Night to the Grove of the _Otan_, which was all of Oranges and

Citrons, and that there they would wait her Orders.

They parted thus with Grief enough 'till Night, leaving the King in

Possession of the lovely Maid. But nothing could appease the Jealousy of

the old Lover; he would not be imposed on, but would have it, that

_Imoinda_ made a false Step on Purpose to fall into _Oroonoko's_ Bosom,

and that all things looked like a Design on both Sides; and 'twas in

vain she protested her Innocence: He was old and obstinate, and left

her, more than half assur'd that his Fear was true.

The King going to his Apartment, sent to know where the Prince was, and

if he intended to obey his Command. The Messenger return'd, and told

him, he found the Prince pensive, and altogether unprepar'd for the

Campaign; that he lay negligently on the Ground, and answer'd very

little. This confirmed the Jealousy of the King, and he commanded that

they should very narrowly and privately watch his Motions; and that he

should not stir from his Apartment, but one Spy or other should be

employ'd to watch him: So that the Hour approaching, wherein he was to

go to the Citron-Grove; and taking only _Aboan_ along with him, he

leaves his Apartment, and was watched to the very Gate of the _Otan_;

where he was seen to enter, and where they left him, to carry back the

Tidings to the King.

_Oroonoko_ and _Aboan_ were no sooner enter'd, but _Onahal_ led the

Prince to the Apartment of _Imoinda_; who, not knowing any thing of her

Happiness, was laid in Bed. But _Onahal_ only left him in her Chamber,

to make the best of his Opportunity, and took her dear _Aboan_ to her

own; where he shewed the Height of Complaisance for his Prince, when, to

give him an Opportunity, he suffered himself to be caressed in Bed by

_Onahal_.

The Prince softly waken'd _Imoinda_, who was not a little surpriz'd with

Joy to find him there; and yet she trembled with a thousand Fears.

I believe he omitted saying nothing to this young Maid, that might

persuade her to suffer him to seize his own, and take the Rights of

Love. And I believe she was not long resisting those Arms where she so

longed to be; and having Opportunity, Night, and Silence, Youth, Love,

and Desire, he soon prevail'd, and ravished in a Moment what his old

Grandfather had been endeavouring for so many Months.

'Tis not to be imagined the Satisfaction of these two young Lovers; nor

the Vows she made him, that she remained a spotless Maid till that

Night, and that what she did with his Grandfather had robb'd him of no

Part of her Virgin-Honour; the Gods, in Mercy and Justice, having

reserved that for her plighted Lord, to whom of Right it belonged. And

'tis impossible to express the Transports he suffer'd, while he listen'd

to a Discourse so charming from her loved Lips; and clasped that Body in

his Arms, for whom he had so long languished; and nothing now afflicted

him, but his sudden Departure from her; for he told her the Necessity,

and his Commands, but should depart satisfy'd in this, That since the

old King had hitherto not been able to deprive him of those Enjoyments

which only belonged to him, he believed for the future he would be less

able to injure him; so that, abating the Scandal of the Veil, which was

no otherwise so, than that she was Wife to another, he believed her

safe, even in the Arms of the King, and innocent; yet would he have

ventur'd at the Conquest of the World, and have given it all to have had

her avoided that Honour of receiving the _Royal Veil_. 'Twas thus,

between a thousand Caresses, that both bemoan'd the hard Fate of Youth

and Beauty, so liable to that cruel Promotion: 'Twas a Glory that could

well have been spared here, tho' desired and aim'd at by all the young

Females of that Kingdom.

But while they were thus fondly employ'd, forgetting how Time ran on,

and that the Dawn must conduct him far away from his only Happiness,

they heard a great Noise in the _Otan_, and unusual Voices of Men; at

which the Prince, starting from the Arms of the frighted _Imoinda_, ran

to a little Battle-Ax he used to wear by his Side; and having not so

much Leisure as to put on his Habit, he opposed himself against some who

were already opening the Door: which they did with so much Violence,

that _Oroonoko_ was not able to defend it; but was forced to cry out

with a commanding Voice, 'Whoever ye are that have the Boldness to

attempt to approach this Apartment thus rudely; know, that I, the Prince

_Oroonoko_, will revenge it with the certain Death of him that first

enters: Therefore stand back, and know, this Place is sacred to Love and

Me this Night; To-morrow 'tis the King's.'

This he spoke with a Voice so resolv'd and assur'd, that they soon

retired from the Door; but cry'd, ''Tis by the King's Command we are

come; and being satisfy'd by thy Voice, O Prince, as much as if we had

enter'd, we can report to the King the Truth of all his Fears, and leave

thee to provide for thy own Safety, as thou art advis'd by thy Friends.'

At these Words they departed, and left the Prince to take a short and

sad Leave of his _Imoinda_; who, trusting in the Strength of her Charms,

believed she should appease the Fury of a jealous King, by saying, she

was surprized, and that it was by Force of Arms he got into her

Apartment. All her Concern now was for his Life, and therefore she

hasten'd him to the Camp, and with much ado prevail'd on him to go. Nor

was it she alone that prevail'd; _Aboan_ and _Onahal_ both pleaded, and

both assured him of a Lye that should be well enough contrived to secure

_Imoinda_. So that at last, with a Heart sad as Death, dying Eyes, and

sighing Soul, _Oroonoko_ departed, and took his way to the Camp.

It was not long after, the King in Person came to the _Otan_; where

beholding _Imoinda_, with Rage in his Eyes, he upbraided her Wickedness,

and Perfidy; and threatning her Royal Lover, she fell on her Face at his

Feet, bedewing the Floor with her Tears, and imploring his Pardon for a

Fault which she had not with her Will committed; as _Onahal_, who was

also prostrate with her, could testify: That, unknown to her, he had

broke into her Apartment, and ravished her. She spoke this much against

her Conscience; but to save her own Life, 'twas absolutely necessary she

should feign this Falsity. She knew it could not injure the Prince, he

being fled to an Army that would stand by him, against any Injuries that

should assault him. However, this last Thought of _Imoinda's_ being

ravished, changed the Measures of his Revenge; and whereas before he

designed to be himself her Executioner, he now resolved she should not

die. But as it is the greatest Crime in Nature amongst them, to touch a

Woman after having been possess'd by a Son, a Father, or a Brother, so

now he looked on _Imoinda_ as a polluted thing wholly unfit for his

Embrace; nor would he resign her to his Grandson, because she had

received the _Royal Veil_: He therefore removes her from the _Otan_,

with _Onahal_; whom he put into safe Hands, with Order they should be

both sold off as Slaves to another Country, either _Christian_ or

_Heathen_, 'twas no Matter where.

This cruel Sentence, worse than Death, they implor'd might be reversed;

but their Prayers were vain, and it was put in Execution accordingly,

and that with so much Secrecy, that none, either without or within the

_Otan_, knew any thing of their Absence, or their Destiny.

The old King nevertheless executed this with a great deal of Reluctancy;

but he believed he had made a very great Conquest over himself, when he

had once resolved, and had perform'd what he resolved. He believed now,

that his Love had been unjust; and that he could not expect the Gods, or

_Captain of the Clouds_ (as they call the unknown Power) would suffer a

better Consequence from so ill a Cause. He now begins to hold _Oroonoko_

excused; and to say, he had reason for what he did. And now every body

could assure the King how passionately _Imoinda_ was beloved by the

Prince; even those confess'd it now, who said the contrary before his

Flame was not abated. So that the King being old, and not able to defend

himself in War, and having no Sons of all his Race remaining alive, but

only this, to maintain him on his Throne; and looking on this as a man

disobliged, first by the Rape of his Mistress, or rather Wife, and now

by depriving him wholly of her, he fear'd, might make him desperate, and

do some cruel thing, either to himself or his old Grandfather the

Offender, he began to repent him extremely of the Contempt he had, in

his Rage, put on _Imoinda_. Besides, he consider'd he ought in Honour to

have killed her for this Offence, if it had been one. He ought to have

had so much Value and Consideration for a Maid of her Quality, as to

have nobly put her to Death, and not to have sold her like a common

Slave; the greatest Revenge, and the most disgraceful of any, and to

which they a thousand times prefer Death, and implore it; as _Imoinda_

did, but could not obtain that Honour. Seeing therefore it was certain

that _Oroonoko_ would highly resent this Affront, he thought good to

make some Excuse for his Rashness to him; and to that End, he sent a

Messenger to the Camp, with Orders to treat with him about the Matter,

to gain his Pardon, and endeavour to mitigate his Grief: but that by no

Means he should tell him she was sold, but secretly put to Death; for he

knew he should never obtain his Pardon for the other.

When the Messenger came, he found the Prince upon the Point of engaging

with the Enemy; but as soon as he heard of the Arrival of the Messenger,

he commanded him to his Tent, where he embraced him, and received him

with Joy; which was soon abated by the down-cast Looks of the Messenger,

who was instantly demanded the Cause by _Oroonoko_; who, impatient of

Delay, ask'd a thousand Questions in a Breath, and all concerning

_Imoinda_. But there needed little Return; for he could almost answer

himself of all he demanded, from his Sight and Eyes. At last the

Messenger casting himself at the Prince's Feet, and kissing them with

all the Submission of a Man that had something to implore which he

dreaded to utter, besought him to hear with Calmness what he had to

deliver to him, and to call up all his noble and heroick Courage, to

encounter with his Words, and defend himself against the ungrateful

Things he had to relate. _Oroonoko_ reply'd, with a deep Sigh, and a

languishing Voice,--_I am armed against their worst Efforts--For I know

they will tell me, +Imoinda+ is no more--And after that, you may spare

the rest._ Then, commanding him to rise, he laid himself on a Carpet,

under a rich Pavilion, and remained a good while silent, and was hardly

heard to sigh. When he was come a little to himself, the Messenger asked

him Leave to deliver that Part of his Embassy which the Prince had not

yet divin'd: And the Prince cry'd, _I permit thee_--Then he told him the

Affliction the old King was in, for the Rashness he had committed in his

Cruelty to _Imoinda_; and how he deign'd to ask Pardon for his Offence,

and to implore the Prince would not suffer that Loss to touch his Heart

too sensibly, which now all the Gods could not restore him, but might

recompense him in Glory, which he begged he would pursue; and that

Death, that common Revenger of all Injuries, would soon even the Account

between him and a feeble old Man.

_Oroonoko_ bad him return his Duty to his Lord and Master; and to assure

him, there was no Account of Revenge to be adjudged between them; If

there was, he was the Aggressor, and that Death would be just, and,

maugre his Age, would see him righted; and he was contented to leave his

Share of Glory to Youths more fortunate and worthy of that Favour from

the Gods: That henceforth he would never lift a Weapon, or draw a Bow,

but abandon the small Remains of his Life to Sighs and Tears, and the

continual Thoughts of what his Lord and Grandfather had thought good to

send out of the World, with all that Youth, that Innocence and Beauty.

After having spoken this, whatever his greatest Officers and Men of the

best Rank could do, they could not raise him from the Carpet, or

persuade him to Action, and Resolutions of Life; but commanding all to

retire, he shut himself into his Pavilion all that Day, while the Enemy

was ready to engage: and wondring at the Delay, the whole Body of the

chief of the Army then address'd themselves to him, and to whom they had

much ado to get Admittance. They fell on their Faces at the Foot of his

Carpet, where they lay, and besought him with earnest Prayers and Tears

to lead them forth to Battle, and not let the Enemy take Advantages of

them; and implored him to have Regard to his Glory, and to the World,

that depended on his Courage and Conduct. But he made no other Reply to

all their Supplications than this, That he had now no more Business for

Glory; and for the World, it was a Trifle not worth his Care: _Go_,

(continued he, sighing) _and divide it amongst you, and reap with Joy

what you so vainly prize, and leave me to my more welcome Destiny._

They then demanded what they should do, and whom he would constitute in

his Room, that the Confusion of ambitious Youth and Power might not ruin

their Order, and make them a Prey to the Enemy. He reply'd, he would not

give himself that Trouble--but wished 'em to chuse the bravest Man

amongst 'em, let his Quality or Birth be what it would: 'For, Oh my

Friends! (says he) it is not Titles make Men Brave or Good; or Birth

that bestows Courage and Generosity, or makes the Owner Happy. Believe

this, when you behold _Oroonoko_ the most wretched, and abandoned by

Fortune, of all the Creation of the Gods.' So turning himself about, he

would make no more Reply to all they could urge or implore.

The Army beholding their Officers return unsuccessful, with sad Faces

and ominous Looks, that presaged no good Luck, suffer'd a thousand Fears

to take Possession of their Hearts, and the Enemy to come even upon them

before they could provide for their Safety by any Defence: and tho' they

were assured by some who had a Mind to animate them, that they should be

immediately headed by the Prince; and that in the mean time _Aboan_ had

Orders to command as General; yet they were so dismay'd for want of that

great Example of Bravery, that they could make but a very feeble

Resistance; and, at last, down-right fled before the Enemy, who pursued

'em to the very Tents, killing 'em: Nor could all _Aboan's_ Courage,

which that Day gained him immortal Glory, shame 'em into a manly Defence

of themselves. The Guards that were left behind about the Prince's Tent,

seeing the Soldiers flee before the Enemy, and scatter themselves all

over the Plain, in great Disorder, made such Out-cries, as rouz'd the

Prince from his amorous Slumber, in which he had remained buried for two

Days, without permitting any Sustenance to approach him. But, in Spite

of all his Resolutions, he had not the Constancy of Grief to that

Degree, as to make him insensible of the Danger of his Army; and in that

Instant he leaped from his Couch, and cry'd--'Come, if we must die, let

us meet Death the noblest Way; and 'twill be more like _Oroonoko_ to

encounter him at an Army's Head, opposing the Torrent of a conquering

Foe, than lazily on a Couch, to wait his lingering Pleasure, and die

every Moment by a thousand racking Thoughts; or be tamely taken by an

Enemy, and led a whining, love-sick Slave to adorn the Triumphs of

_Jamoan_, that young Victor, who already is enter'd beyond the Limits I

have prescrib'd him.'

While he was speaking, he suffer'd his People to dress him for the

Field; and sallying out of his Pavilion, with more Life and Vigour in

his Countenance than ever he shew'd, he appear'd like some Divine Power

descended to save his Country from Destruction: And his People had

purposely put him on all Things that might make him shine with most

Splendor, to strike a reverend Awe into the Beholders. He flew into the

thickest of those that were pursuing his Men; and being animated with

Despair, he fought as if he came on Purpose to die, and did such Things

as will not be believed that human Strength could perform; and such, as

soon inspir'd all the rest with new Courage, and new Ardor. And now it

was that they began to fight indeed; and so, as if they would not be

out-done even by their ador'd Hero; who turning the Tide of the Victory,

changing absolutely the Fate of the Day, gain'd an entire Conquest: And

_Oroonoko_ having the good Fortune to single out _Jamoan_, he took him

Prisoner with his own Hand, having wounded him almost to Death.

This _Jamoan_ afterwards became very dear to him, being a Man very

Gallant, and of excellent Graces, and fine Parts; so that he never put

him amongst the Rank of Captives as they used to do, without

Distinction, for the common Sale, or Market, but kept him in his own

Court, where he retain'd nothing of the Prisoner but the Name, and

returned no more into his own Country; so great an Affection he took for

_Oroonoko_, and by a thousand Tales and Adventures of Love and

Gallantry, flatter'd his Disease of Melancholy and Languishment; which I

have often heard him say, had certainly kill'd him, but for the

Conversation of this Prince and _Aboan_, and the _French_ Governor he

had from his Childhood, of whom I have spoken before, and who was a Man

of admirable Wit, great Ingenuity and Learning; all which he had infused

into his young Pupil. This _Frenchman_ was banished out of his own

Country for some Heretical Notions he held; and tho' he was a Man of

very little Religion, yet he had admirable Morals, and a brave Soul.

After the total Defeat of _Jamoan's_ Army, which all fled, or were left

dead upon the Place, they spent some Time in the Camp; _Oroonoko_

chusing rather to remain a While there in his Tents, than to enter into

a Palace, or live in a Court where he had so lately suffer'd so great a

Loss, the Officers therefore, who saw and knew his Cause of Discontent,

invented all sorts of Diversions and Sports to entertain their Prince:

So that what with those Amusements abroad, and others at home, that is,

within their Tents, with the Persuasions, Arguments, and Care of his

Friends and Servants that he more peculiarly priz'd, he wore off in Time

a great Part of that Chagrin, and Torture of Despair, which the first

Efforts of _Imoinda's_ Death had given him; insomuch, as having received

a thousand kind Embassies from the King, and Invitation to return to

Court, he obey'd, tho' with no little Reluctancy; and when he did so,

there was a visible Change in him, and for a long Time he was much more

melancholy than before. But Time lessens all Extremes, and reduces 'em

to Mediums, and Unconcern; but no Motives of Beauties, tho' all

endeavour'd it, could engage him in any sort of Amour, tho' he had all

the Invitations to it, both from his own Youth, and other Ambitions and

Designs.

_Oroonoko_ was no sooner return'd from this last Conquest, and receiv'd

at Court with all the Joy and Magnificence that could be express'd to a

young Victor, who was not only return'd Triumphant, but belov'd like a

Deity, than there arriv'd in the Port an _English_ Ship.

The Master of it had often before been in these Countries, and was very

well known to _Oroonoko_, with whom he had traffick'd for Slaves, and

had us'd to do the same with his Predecessors.

This Commander was a Man of a finer sort of Address and Conversation,

better bred, and more engaging, than most of that sort of Men are; so

that he seem'd rather never to have been bred out of a Court, than

almost all his Life at Sea. This Captain therefore was always better

receiv'd at Court, than most of the Traders to those Countries were; and

especially by _Oroonoko_, who was more civiliz'd, according to the

_European_ Mode, than any other had been, and took more Delight in the

_White_ Nations; and, above all, Men of Parts and Wit. To this Captain

he sold abundance of his Slaves; and for the Favour and Esteem he had

for him, made him many Presents, and oblig'd him to stay at Court as

long as possibly he could. Which the Captain seem'd to take as a very

great Honour done him, entertaining the Prince every Day with Globes and

Maps, and Mathematical Discourses and Instruments; eating, drinking,

hunting, and living with him with so much Familiarity, that it was not

to be doubted but he had gain'd very greatly upon the Heart of this

gallant young Man. And the Captain, in Return of all these mighty

Favours, besought the Prince to honour his Vessel with his Presence some

Day or other at Dinner, before he should set sail; which he condescended

to accept, and appointed his Day. The Captain, on his Part, fail'd not

to have all Things in a Readiness, in the most magnificent Order he

could possibly: And the Day being come, the Captain, in his Boat, richly

adorn'd with Carpets and Velvet Cushions, rowed to the Shore, to receive

the Prince; with another Long-boat, where was plac'd all his Musick and

Trumpets, with which _Oroonoko_ was extremely delighted; who met him on

the Shore, attended by his _French_ Governor, _Jamoan_, _Aboan_, and

about an Hundred of the noblest of the Youths of the Court: And after

they had first carried the Prince on Board, the Boats fetch'd the rest

off; where they found a very splendid Treat, with all Sorts of fine

Wines; and were as well entertain'd, as 'twas possible in such a Place

to be.

The Prince having drank hard of Punch, and several Sorts of Wine, as did

all the rest, (for great Care was taken they should want nothing of that

Part of the Entertainment) was very merry, and in great Admiration of

the Ship, for he had never been in one before; so that he was curious of

beholding every Place where he decently might descend. The rest, no less

curious, who were not quite overcome with drinking, rambled at their

Pleasure _Fore_ and _Aft_, as their Fancies guided 'em: So that the

Captain, who had well laid his Design before, gave the Word, and seiz'd

on all his Guests; they clapping great Irons suddenly on the Prince,

when he was leap'd down into the Hold, to view that Part of the Vessel;

and locking him fast down, secur'd him. The same Treachery was used to

all the rest; and all in one Instant, in several Places of the Ship,

were lash'd fast in Irons, and betray'd to Slavery. That great Design

over, they set all Hands at Work to hoist Sail; and with as treacherous

as fair a Wind they made from the Shore with this innocent and glorious

Prize, who thought of nothing less than such an Entertainment.

Some have commended this Act, as brave in the Captain; but I will spare

my Sense of it, and leave it to my Reader to judge as he pleases. It may

be easily guess'd, in what Manner the Prince resented this Indignity,

who may be best resembled to a Lion taken in a Toil; so he raged, so he

struggled for Liberty, but all in vain: And they had so wisely managed

his Fetters, that he could not use a Hand in his Defence, to quit

himself of a Life that would by no Means endure Slavery; nor could he

move from the Place where he was ty'd, to any solid Part of the Ship,

against which he might have beat his Head, and have finish'd his

Disgrace that Way. So that being deprived of all other Means, he

resolv'd to perish for want of Food; and pleas'd at last with that

Thought, and toil'd and tir'd by Rage and Indignation, he laid himself

down, and sullenly resolv'd upon dying, and refused all Things that were

brought him.

This did not a little vex the Captain, and the more so, because he found

almost all of 'em of the same Humour; so that the Loss of so many brave

Slaves, so tall and goodly to behold, would have been very considerable:

He therefore order'd one to go from him (for he would not be seen

himself) to _Oroonoko_, and to assure him, he was afflicted for having

rashly done so unhospitable a Deed, and which could not be now remedied,

since they were far from Shore; but since he resented it in so high a

Nature, he assur'd him he would revoke his Resolution, and set both him

and his Friends ashore on the next Land they should touch at; and of

this the Messenger gave him his Oath, provided he would resolve to live.

And _Oroonoko_, whose Honour was such, as he never had violated a Word

in his Life himself, much less a solemn Asseveration, believ'd in an

Instant what this Man said; but reply'd, He expected, for a Confirmation

of this, to have his shameful Fetters dismis'd. This Demand was carried

to the Captain; who return'd him Answer, That the Offence had been so

great which he had put upon the Prince, that he durst not trust him with

Liberty while he remain'd in the Ship, for fear, lest by a Valour

natural to him, and a Revenge that would animate that Valour, he might

commit some Outrage fatal to himself, and the King his Master, to whom

the Vessel did belong. To this _Oroonoko_ reply'd, He would engage his

Honour to behave himself in all friendly Order and Manner, and obey the

Command of the Captain, as he was Lord of the King's Vessel, and General

of those Men under his Command.

This was deliver'd to the still doubting Captain, who could not resolve

to trust a Heathen, he said, upon his Parole, a Man that had no Sense or

Notion of the God that he worshipp'd. _Oroonoko_ then reply'd, He was

very sorry to hear that the Captain pretended to the Knowledge and

Worship of any Gods, who had taught him no better Principles, than not

to credit as he would be credited. But they told him, the Difference of

their Faith occasion'd that Distrust: for the Captain had protested to

him upon the Word of a Christian, and sworn in the Name of a great GOD;

which if he should violate, he must expect eternal Torments in the World

to come. 'Is that all the Obligations he has to be just to his Oath?

(reply'd _Oroonoko_) Let him know, I swear by my Honour; which to

violate, would not only render me contemptible and despised by all brave

and honest Men, and so give my self perpetual Pain, but it would be

eternally offending and displeasing all Mankind; harming, betraying,

circumventing, and outraging all Men. But Punishments hereafter are

suffer'd by one's self; and the World takes no Cognizance whether this

GOD has reveng'd 'em or not, 'tis done so secretly, and deferr'd so

long; while the Man of no Honour suffers every Moment the Scorn and

Contempt of the honester World, and dies every Day ignominiously in his

Fame, which is more valuable than Life. I speak not this to move Belief,

but to shew you how you mistake, when you imagine, that he who will

violate his Honour, will keep his Word with his _Gods_.' So, turning

from him with a disdainful Smile, he refused to answer him, when he

urged him to know what Answer he should carry back to his Captain; so

that he departed without saying any more.

The Captain pondering and consulting what to do, it was concluded, that

nothing but _Oroonoko's_ Liberty would encourage any of the rest to eat,

except the _Frenchman_, whom the Captain could not pretend to keep

Prisoner, but only told him, he was secur'd, because he might act

something in Favour of the Prince; but that he should be freed as soon

as they came to Land. So that they concluded it wholly necessary to free

the Prince from his Irons, that he might shew himself to the rest; that

they might have an Eye upon him, and that they could not fear a single

Man.

This being resolved, to make the Obligation the greater, the Captain

himself went to _Oroonoko_; where, after many Compliments, and

Assurances of what he had already promis'd, he receiving from the Prince

his Parole, and his Hand, for his good Behaviour, dismiss'd his Irons,

and brought him to his own Cabin; where, after having treated and

repos'd him a While, (for he had neither eat nor slept in four Days

before) he besought him to visit those obstinate People in Chains, who

refused all manner of Sustenance; and intreated him to oblige 'em to

eat, and assure 'em of their Liberty the first Opportunity.

_Oroonoko_, who was too generous not to give Credit to his Words, shew'd

himself to his People, who were transported with Excess of Joy at the

Sight of their darling Prince; falling at his Feet, and kissing and

embracing 'em; believing, as some divine Oracle, all he assur'd 'em. But

he besought 'em to bear their Chains with that Bravery that became those

whom he had seen act so nobly in Arms; and that they could not give him

greater Proofs of their Love and Friendship, since 'twas all the

Security the Captain (his Friend) could have against the Revenge, he

said, they might possibly justly take for the Injuries sustained by him.

And they all, with one Accord, assur'd him, that they could not suffer

enough, when it was for his Repose and Safety.

After this, they no longer refus'd to eat, but took what was brought

'em, and were pleas'd with their Captivity, since by it they hoped to

redeem the Prince, who, all the rest of the Voyage, was treated with all

the Respect due to his Birth, tho' nothing could divert his Melancholy;

and he would often sigh for _Imoinda_, and think this a Punishment due

to his Misfortune, in having left that noble Maid behind him, that fatal

Night, in the _Otan_, when he fled to the Camp.

Possess'd with a thousand Thoughts of past Joys with this fair young

Person, and a thousand Griefs for her eternal Loss, he endur'd a tedious

Voyage, and at last arriv'd at the Mouth of the River of _Surinam_, a

Colony belonging to the King of _England_, and where they were to

deliver some Part of their Slaves. There the Merchants and Gentlemen of

the Country going on Board, to demand those Lots of Slaves they had

already agreed on; and, amongst those, the Overseers of those

Plantations where I then chanc'd to be: The Captain, who had given the

Word, order'd his Men to bring up those noble Slaves in Fetters, whom I

have spoken of; and having put 'em, some in one, and some in other Lots,

with Women and Children, (which they call _Pickaninies_) they sold 'em

off, as Slaves to several Merchants and Gentlemen; not putting any two

in one Lot, because they would separate 'em far from each other; nor

daring to trust 'em together, lest Rage and Courage should put 'em upon

contriving some great Action, to the Ruin of the Colony.

_Oroonoko_ was first seiz'd on, and sold to our Overseer, who had the

first Lot, with seventeen more of all Sorts and Sizes, but not one of

Quality with him. When he saw this, he found what they meant; for, as I

said, he understood _English_ pretty well; and being wholly unarm'd and

defenceless, so as it was in vain to make any Resistance, he only beheld

the Captain with a Look all fierce and disdainful, upbraiding him with

Eyes that forc'd Blushes on his guilty Cheeks, he only cry'd in passing

over the Side of the Ship; _Farewel, Sir, 'tis worth my Sufferings to

gain so true a Knowledge, both of you, and of your Gods, by whom you

swear._ And desiring those that held him to forbear their Pains, and

telling 'em he would make no Resistance, he cry'd, _Come, my

Fellow-Slaves, let us descend, and see if we can meet with more Honour

and Honesty in the next World we shall touch upon._ So he nimbly leapt

into the Boat, and shewing no more Concern, suffer'd himself to be row'd

up the River, with his seventeen Companions.

The Gentleman that bought him, was a young _Cornish_ Gentleman, whose

Name was _Trefry_; a Man of great Wit, and fine Learning, and was

carried into those Parts by the Lord ---- Governor, to manage all his

Affairs. He reflecting on the last Words of _Oroonoko_ to the Captain,

and beholding the Richness of his Vest, no sooner came into the Boat,

but he fix'd his Eyes on him; and finding something so extraordinary in

his Face, his Shape and Mein, a Greatness of Look, and Haughtiness in

his Air, and finding he spoke _English_, had a great Mind to be

enquiring into his Quality and Fortune; which, though _Oroonoko_

endeavour'd to hide, by only confessing he was above the Rank of common

Slaves, _Trefry_ soon found he was yet something greater than he

confess'd; and from that Moment began to conceive so vast an Esteem for

him, that he ever after lov'd him as his dearest Brother, and shew'd him

all the Civilities due to so great a Man.

_Trefry_ was a very good Mathematician, and a Linguist; could speak

_French_ and _Spanish_; and in the three Days they remain'd in the Boat,

(for so long were they going from the Ship to the Plantation) he

entertain'd _Oroonoko_ so agreeably with his Art and Discourse, that he

was no less pleas'd with _Trefry_, than he was with the Prince; and he

thought himself, at least, fortunate in this, that since he was a Slave,

as long as he would suffer himself to remain so, he had a Man of so

excellent Wit and Parts for a Master. So that before they had finish'd

their Voyage up the River, he made no Scruple of declaring to _Trefry_

all his Fortunes, and most Part of what I have here related, and put

himself wholly into the Hands of his new Friend, who he found resented

all the Injuries were done him, and was charm'd with all the Greatnesses

of his Actions; which were recited with that Modesty, and delicate

Sense, as wholly vanquish'd him, and subdu'd him to his Interest. And he

promis'd him, on his Word and Honour, he would find the Means to

re-conduct him to his own Country again; assuring him, he had a perfect

Abhorrence of so dishonourable an Action; and that he would sooner have

dy'd, than have been the Author of such a Perfidy. He found the Prince

was very much concerned to know what became of his Friends, and how they

took their Slavery; and _Trefry_ promised to take Care about the

enquiring after their Condition, and that he should have an Account

of 'em.

Tho', as _Oroonoko_ afterwards said, he had little Reason to credit the

Words of a _Backearary_; yet he knew not why, but he saw a kind of

Sincerity, and aweful Truth in the Face of _Trefry_; he saw Honesty in

his Eyes, and he found him wise and witty enough to understand Honour:

for it was one of his Maxims, _A Man of Wit could not be a Knave or

Villain_.

In their Passage up the River, they put in at several Houses for

Refreshment; and ever when they landed, Numbers of People would flock to

behold this Man: not but their Eyes were daily entertain'd with the

Sight of Slaves; but the Fame of _Oroonoko_ was gone before him, and all

People were in Admiration of his Beauty. Besides, he had a rich Habit

on, in which he was taken, so different from the rest, and which the

Captain could not strip him of, because he was forc'd to surprize his

Person in the Minute he sold him. When he found his Habit made him

liable, as he thought, to be gazed at the more, he begged _Trefry_ to

give him something more befitting a Slave, which he did, and took off

his Robes: Nevertheless, he shone thro' all, and his _Osenbrigs_ (a sort

of brown _Holland_ Suit he had on) could not conceal the Graces of his

Looks and Mein; and he had no less Admirers than when he had his dazling

Habit on: The Royal Youth appear'd in spite of the Slave, and People

could not help treating him after a different Manner, without designing

it. As soon as they approached him, they venerated and esteemed him; his

Eyes insensibly commanded Respect, and his Behaviour insinuated it into

every Soul. So that there was nothing talked of but this young and

gallant Slave, even by those who yet knew not that he was a Prince.

I ought to tell you, that the Christians never buy any Slaves but they

give 'em some Name of their own, their native ones being likely very

barbarous, and hard to pronounce; so that Mr. _Trefry_ gave _Oroonoko_

that of _Caesar_; which name will live in that Country as long as that

(scarce more) glorious one of the great _Roman_: for 'tis most evident

he wanted no Part of the personal Courage of that _Caesar_, and acted

Things as memorable, had they been done in some Part of the World

replenished with People and Historians, that might have given him his

Due. But his Misfortune was, to fall in an obscure World, that afforded

only a Female Pen to celebrate his Fame; tho' I doubt not but it had

lived from others Endeavours, if the _Dutch_, who immediately after his

Time took that Country, had not killed, banished and dispersed all those

that were capable of giving the World this great Man's Life, much better

than I have done. And Mr. _Trefry_, who design'd it, died before he

began it, and bemoan'd himself for not having undertook it in Time.