<P_169>

$'T $is {TEXT:'Tis} not to be imagined the satisfaction of these two
young lovers ; nor the vows she made him , that she <P_170> 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 . (BEHN-E3-P2,170.2)

And $'t $is {TEXT:'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 : (BEHN-E3-P2,170.3)

and nothing now afflicted him , but his sudden departure from her ;
(BEHN-E3-P2,170.4)

for he told her the necessity , and his commands , (BEHN-E3-P2,170.5)

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 ; (BEHN-E3-P2,170.6)

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 . (BEHN-E3-P2,170.7)

$'T $was {TEXT:'Twas} thus , between a thousand caresses , that both
bemoan'd the hard fate of youth and beauty , so liable to that cruel
promotion : (BEHN-E3-P2,170.8)

$'t $was {TEXT:'twas} a glory that could well have been spared here ,
tho desired and aim'd at by all the young females of that kingdom .
(BEHN-E3-P2,170.9)

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 <font>
Imoinda </font> , ran to a little battle-ax he used to wear by his side
; (BEHN-E3-P2,170.10)

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 <font> Oroonoko </font> was not able to
defend it ; but was forced to cry out with a commanding voice , <font>
Whoever ye are that have the boldness to attempt to approach this
apartment thus rudely ; know , that I , the Prince </font> Oroonoko ,
<font> will revenge it with the certain death of him </font> <P_171>
<font> that first enters : (BEHN-E3-P2,171.11)

Therefore , stand back , (BEHN-E3-P2,171.12)

and know , this place is sacred to love and me this night ;
(BEHN-E3-P2,171.13)

to-morrow $'t $is {TEXT:'tis} the king's . </font> (BEHN-E3-P2,171.14)

This he spoke with a voice so resolv'd and assur'd , that they soon
retired from the door ; (BEHN-E3-P2,171.15)

but cry'd , <font> ' $'T $is {TEXT:Tis} by the king's command we are
come ; (BEHN-E3-P2,171.16)

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 . </font> (BEHN-E3-P2,171.17)

At these words they departed , (BEHN-E3-P2,171.18)

and left the prince to take a short and sad leave of his <font> Imoinda
</font> ; 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
. (BEHN-E3-P2,171.19)

All her concern now was for his life , (BEHN-E3-P2,171.20)

and therefore she hasten'd him to the camp , (BEHN-E3-P2,171.21)

and with much ado prevail'd on him to go . (BEHN-E3-P2,171.22)

Nor was it she alone that prevailed ; (BEHN-E3-P2,171.23)

<font> Aboan </font> and <font> Onahal </font> both pleaded ,
(BEHN-E3-P2,171.24)

and both assured him of a lye that should be well enough contrived to
secure <font> Imoinda </font> . So that at last , with a heart sad as
death , dying eyes , and sighing soul , <font> Oroonoko </font>
departed , and took his way to the camp . (BEHN-E3-P2,171.25)

It was not long after , the king in person came to the otan ; where
beholding <font> Imoinda </font> , with rage in his eyes , he upbraided
her wickedness , and perfidy ; (BEHN-E3-P2,171.26)

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 <font> Onahal
</font> , who was also prostrate with her , could testify : That ,
unknown to her , he had broke into her apartment , and ravished her .
(BEHN-E3-P2,171.27)

She spoke this much against her conscience ; (BEHN-E3-P2,171.28)

but to save her own life , $'t $was {TEXT:'twas} absolutely necessary
she should feign this falsity . (BEHN-E3-P2,171.29)

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 .
(BEHN-E3-P2,171.30)

However this last thought of <font> Imoinda's </font> being ravished ,
changed the <P_172> measures of his revenge ; (BEHN-E3-P2,172.31)

and whereas before he designed to be himself her executioner , he now
resolved she should not die . (BEHN-E3-P2,172.32)

But as it is the greatest crime in nature amongst 'em , to touch a
woman after having been possess'd by a son , a father , or a brother .
so now he looked on <font> Imoinda </font> as a polluted thing , wholly
unfit for his embrace ; (BEHN-E3-P2,172.33)

nor would he resign her to his grandson , because she had received the
royal veil : (BEHN-E3-P2,172.34)

He therefore removes her from the otan , with <font> Onahal </font> ;
whom he put into safe hands , with order they should be both sold off
as slaves to another country , either Christian or heathen , $'t $was
{TEXT:'twas} no matter where . (BEHN-E3-P2,172.35)

This cruel sentence , worse than death , they implor'd might be
reversed ; (BEHN-E3-P2,172.36)

but their prayers were vain , (BEHN-E3-P2,172.37)

and it was put in execution accordingly , (BEHN-E3-P2,172.38)

and that with so much secrecy , that none , either without or within
the otan , knew any thing of their absence , or their destiny .
(BEHN-E3-P2,172.39)

The old king nevertheless executed this with a great deal of reluctancy
; (BEHN-E3-P2,172.40)

but he believed he had made a very great conquest over himself , when
he had once resolved , and had perform'd what he resolv'd .
(BEHN-E3-P2,172.41)

He believed now , that his love had been unjust ; and that he cou'd not
expect the gods , or Captain of the Clouds <paren> as they call the
unknown power </paren> wou'd suffer a better consequence from so ill a
cause . (BEHN-E3-P2,172.42)

He now begins to hold <font> Oroonoko </font> excused ; and to say , he
had reason for what he did : (BEHN-E3-P2,172.43)

And now every body cou'd assure the king how passionately <font>
Imoinda </font> was beloved by the prince ; (BEHN-E3-P2,172.44)

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-6 to himself or his old
grandfather the offender , he began to repent him extremely of the
contempt he had , in his rage , put on <font> Imoinda . </font>
(BEHN-E3-P2,172.45)

Besides <P_173> he consider'd he ought in honour to have killed her for
this offence , if it had been one . (BEHN-E3-P2,173.46)

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 <font> Imoinda </font> did , but cou'd not obtain that honour .
(BEHN-E3-P2,173.47)

Seeing therefore it was certain that <font> Oroonoko </font> would
highly resent this affront , he thought good to make some excuse for
his rashness to him ; (BEHN-E3-P2,173.48)

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 to endeavour
to mitigate his grief ; but that by no means he shou'd tell him she was
sold , but secretly put to death : (BEHN-E3-P2,173.49)

for he knew he should never obtain his pardon for the other .
(BEHN-E3-P2,173.50)

When the messenger came , he found the prince upon the point of
engaging with the enemy ; (BEHN-E3-P2,173.51)

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 <font> Oroonoko </font> ; who ,
impatient of delay , ask'd a thousand questions in a breath , and all
concerning <font> Imoinda </font> . (BEHN-E3-P2,173.52)

But there needed little return ; (BEHN-E3-P2,173.53)

for he cou'd almost answer himself of all he demanded from his sighs
and eyes . (BEHN-E3-P2,173.54)

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 , he 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 must relate . (BEHN-E3-P2,173.55)

<font> Oroonoko </font> reply'd , with a deep sigh , and a languishing
voice , - <font> I am armed against their worst efforts -
(BEHN-E3-P2,173.56)

For I know they will tell me , </font> Imoinda <font> is no more -
(BEHN-E3-P2,173.57)

and after that , you may spare the rest . </font> (BEHN-E3-P2,173.58)

Then , commanding him to rise , he laid himself on a carpet , under a
rich pavilion , (BEHN-E3-P2,173.59)

and remained a good <P_174> while silent , (BEHN-E3-P2,174.60)

and was hardly heard to sigh . (BEHN-E3-P2,174.61)

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 :
(BEHN-E3-P2,174.62)

And the prince cry'd , <font> I permit thee </font> -
(BEHN-E3-P2,174.63)

Then he told him the affliction the old king was in , for the rashness
he had committed in his cruelty to <font> Imoinda </font> ; 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 . (BEHN-E3-P2,174.64)

<font> Oroonoko </font> bad him return his duty to his lord and master
; and to assure him , there was no account of revenge to be adjusted
between them : (BEHN-E3-P2,174.65)

if there were , $'t $was {TEXT:'twas} he was the aggressor ,
(BEHN-E3-P2,174.66)

and that death would be just , and , maugre his age , wou'd see him
righted ; (BEHN-E3-P2,174.67)

and he was contented to leave his share of glory to youths more
fortunate and worthy of that favour from the gods : (BEHN-E3-P2,174.68)

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
. (BEHN-E3-P2,174.69)

After having spoken this , whatever his greatest officers and men of
the best rank cou'd do , they could not raise him from the carpet , or
persuade him to action , and resolutions of life ; (BEHN-E3-P2,174.70)

but commanding all to retire , he shut himself into his pavilion all
that day , while the enemy was ready to engage : (BEHN-E3-P2,174.71)

and wondring at the delay , the whole body of the chief of the army
then address'd themselves to him , (BEHN-E3-P2,174.72)

and to whom they had much ado to get admittance . (BEHN-E3-P2,174.73)

They fell on their faces at the foot of his carpet , where they lay ,
(BEHN-E3-P2,174.74)

and besought him with earnest prayers and tears , to lead them forth to
battle , and not let the enemy take <P_175> advantages of them ;
(BEHN-E3-P2,175.75)

and implored him to have regard to his glory , and to the world , that
depended on his courage and conduct . (BEHN-E3-P2,175.76)

But he made no other reply to all their supplications , but this , That
he had now no more business for glory ; and for the world ,
(BEHN-E3-P2,175.77)

it was a trifle not worth his care : (BEHN-E3-P2,175.78)

<font> Go </font> <paren> continued he , sighing </paren>
(BEHN-E3-P2,175.79)

<font> and divide it amongst you , (BEHN-E3-P2,175.80)

and reap with joy what you so vainly prize , (BEHN-E3-P2,175.81)

and leave me to my more welcome destiny . </font> (BEHN-E3-P2,175.82)

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 .
(BEHN-E3-P2,175.83)

He reply'd , he would not give himself the trouble - but wished 'em to
chuse the bravest man amongst 'em , let his quality or birth be what it
wou'd : (BEHN-E3-P2,175.84)

<font> For , oh my friends ! </font> <paren> said he </paren> <font> it
is not titles make men brave or good ; or birth that bestows courage
and generosity , or makes the owner happy . (BEHN-E3-P2,175.85)

Believe this , when you behold </font> Oroonoko <font> the most
wretched , and abandoned by fortune , of all the creation of the gods .
</font> (BEHN-E3-P2,175.86)

So turning himself about , he wou'd make no more reply to all they
could urge or implore . (BEHN-E3-P2,175.87)

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 would provide for their safety , by any defence
: (BEHN-E3-P2,175.88)

and though 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 <font> Aboan </font> 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 , downright
fled before the enemy , who pursued 'em to the very tents , killing 'em
. (BEHN-E3-P2,175.89)

Nor could all <font> Aboan's </font> courage , which that day gained
him immortal glory , shame 'em into a manly defence of themselves .
(BEHN-E3-P2,175.90)

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 <P_176> great disorder , made such outcries as rouz'd the
prince from his amorous slumber , in which he had remain'd bury'd for
two days , without permitting any sustenance to approach him .
(BEHN-E3-P2,176.91)

But , in spight 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 ; (BEHN-E3-P2,176.92)

and in that instant he leaped from his couch , (BEHN-E3-P2,176.93)

and cry'd - <font> Come , (BEHN-E3-P2,176.94)

if we must die , let us meet death the noblest way ;
(BEHN-E3-P2,176.95)

and $'t $will {TEXT:'twill} be more like </font> Oroonoko <font> to
encounter him at an army's head , opposing the torrent of a conquering
foe , than lazily on a couch , to wait his lingring 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
</font> Jamoan , <font> that young victor , who already is enter'd
beyond the limits I have prescrib'd him . </font> (BEHN-E3-P2,176.96)

While he was speaking , he suffer'd his people to dress him for the
field ; (BEHN-E3-P2,176.97)

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 : (BEHN-E3-P2,176.98)

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
. (BEHN-E3-P2,176.99)

He flew into the thickest of those that were pursuing his men ;
(BEHN-E3-P2,176.100)

and being animated with despair , he fought as if he came on purpose to
die , (BEHN-E3-P2,176.101)

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 order . (BEHN-E3-P2,176.102)

And now it was that they began to fight indeed ; and so , as if they
would not be outdone 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 : (BEHN-E3-P2,176.103)

and <font> Oroonoko </font> having the good fortune to single out
<font> Jamoan </font> , he took him prisoner with his own hand , having
wounded him almost to death . (BEHN-E3-P2,176.104)

This <font> Jamoan </font> 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 <P_177> 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 ;
(BEHN-E3-P2,177.105)

so great an affection he took for <font> Oroonoko </font> ,
(BEHN-E3-P2,177.106)

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 <font> Aboan </font> , and the <font>
French </font> governour 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 .
(BEHN-E3-P2,177.107)

This <font> Frenchman </font> was banished out of his own country , for
some heretical notions he held : (BEHN-E3-P2,177.108)

and tho he was a man of very little religion , he had admirable morals
, and a brave soul . (BEHN-E3-P2,177.109)

After the total defeat of <font> Jamoan's </font> army , which all fled
, or were left dead upon the place , they spent some time in the camp ;
<font> Oroonoko </font> chusing rather to remain awhile 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 . (BEHN-E3-P2,177.110)

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 <font> chagreen </font> , and torture
of despair , which the first effects of <font> Imoinda's </font> 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 : (BEHN-E3-P2,177.111)

and when he did so , there was a visible change in him ,
(BEHN-E3-P2,177.112)

and for a long time he was much more melancholy than before .
(BEHN-E3-P2,177.113)

But time lessens all extremes , (BEHN-E3-P2,177.114)

and reduces 'em to <font> mediums </font> , and unconcern :
(BEHN-E3-P2,177.115)

but no motives of beauties , tho all endeavour'd it , cou'd engage him
in any sort of amour , though he <P_178> had all the invitations to it
, both-1 from his own youth , and others ambitions and designs .
(BEHN-E3-P2,178.116)

<font> Oroonoko </font> was no sooner return'd from this last conquest
, and receiv'd at court with all the joy and magnificence that could be
expressed to a young victor , who was not only returned triumphant ,
but belov'd like a deity , than there arriv'd in the port an <font>
English ship . </font> (BEHN-E3-P2,178.117)

The master of it had often before been in these countries ,
(BEHN-E3-P2,178.118)

and was very well known to <font> Oroonoko </font> , with whom he had
traffick'd for slaves , and had us'd to do the same with his
predecessors . (BEHN-E3-P2,178.119)

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
{COM:to_have_been} almost all his life at sea . (BEHN-E3-P2,178.120)

This captain therefore was always better receiv'd at court , than most
of the traders to those countries were ; and especially by <font>
Oroonoko </font> , who was more civiliz'd , according to the <font>
European </font> mode , than any other had been , and took more delight
in the white nations ; and , above all , men of parts and wit .
(BEHN-E3-P2,178.121)

To this captain he sold abundance of his slaves ; (BEHN-E3-P2,178.122)

and for the favour and esteem he had for him , made him many presents ,
(BEHN-E3-P2,178.123)

and oblig'd him to stay at court as long as possibly he cou'd . 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 . (BEHN-E3-P2,178.124)

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 shou'd set sail : which he condescended to accept ,
and appointed his day . (BEHN-E3-P2,178.125)

The captain , on his part , fail'd not to have all things in a
readiness , in the most magnificent order he could possibly :
(BEHN-E3-P2,178.126)

And the day being come , the captain , in his boat , richly adorn'd
with carpets and velvet <P_179> cushions , row'd to the shore , to
receive the prince ; with another long-boat , where was plac'd all his
musick and trumpets , with which <font> Oroonoko </font> was extremely
delighted ; who met him on the shore , attended by his <font> French
</font> governor , <font> Jamoan , Aboan , </font> and about an hundred
of the noblest of the youths of the court : (BEHN-E3-P2,179.127)

And after they had first carry'd the prince on board , the boats
fetch'd the rest off ; where they found a very splendid treat , with
all sorts of fine wines ; (BEHN-E3-P2,179.128)

and were as well entertain'd , as $'t $was {TEXT:'twas} possible in
such a place to be . (BEHN-E3-P2,179.129)

The prince having drunk hard of punch , and several sorts of wine , as
did all the rest , <paren> for great care was taken , they shou'd want
nothing of that part of the entertainment </paren> was very merry , and
in great admiration of the ship , (BEHN-E3-P2,179.130)

for he had never been in one before ; so that he was curious of
beholding every place where he decently might descend .
(BEHN-E3-P2,179.131)

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 , (BEHN-E3-P2,179.132)

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 ; (BEHN-E3-P2,179.133)

and locking him fast down , secur'd him . (BEHN-E3-P2,179.134)

The same treachery was us'd to all the rest ; (BEHN-E3-P2,179.135)

and all in one instant , in several places of the ship , were lash'd
fast in irons , and betray'd to slavery . (BEHN-E3-P2,179.136)

That great design over , they set all hands to work to hoist sail ;
(BEHN-E3-P2,179.137)

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 . (BEHN-E3-P2,179.138)

Some have commended this act , as brave in the captain ;
(BEHN-E3-P2,179.139)

but I will spare my sense of it , and leave it to my reader to judge as
he pleases . (BEHN-E3-P2,179.140)

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 ;
(BEHN-E3-P2,179.141)

so he rag'd , (BEHN-E3-P2,179.142)

so he struggled for liberty , (BEHN-E3-P2,179.143)

but all in vain : (BEHN-E3-P2,179.144)

and they had so wisely manag'd his fetters , that he could not use a
hand in his defence to quit <P_180> himself of a life that wou'd by no
means endure slavery ; (BEHN-E3-P2,180.145)

nor cou'd 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 ; (BEHN-E3-P2,180.146)

and pleas'd at last with that thought , and toil'd and tir'd by rage
and indignation , he laid himself down , (BEHN-E3-P2,180.147)

and sullenly resolv'd upon dying , (BEHN-E3-P2,180.148)

and refused all things that were brought him . (BEHN-E3-P2,180.149)

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 : (BEHN-E3-P2,180.150)

He therefore order'd one to go from him <paren> for he would not be
seen himself </paren> to <font> Oroonoko </font> , and to assure him ,
he was afflicted for having rashly done so unhospitable a deed , and
which could not be now remedy'd , since they were far from shore ;
(BEHN-E3-P2,180.151)

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 a-shore on the
next land they should touch at ; (BEHN-E3-P2,180.152)

and of this the messenger gave him his oath , provided he would resolve
to live . (BEHN-E3-P2,180.153)

And <font> Oroonoko </font> , 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 ; (BEHN-E3-P2,180.154)

but reply'd , He expected , for a confirmation of this , to have his
shameful fetters dismiss'd . (BEHN-E3-P2,180.155)

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 this vessel did belong . (BEHN-E3-P2,180.156)

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 . (BEHN-E3-P2,180.157)

<P_181>

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 . (BEHN-E3-P2,181.159)

<font> Oroonoko </font> 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 . (BEHN-E3-P2,181.160)

But they told him , the difference of their faith occasion'd that
distrust : (BEHN-E3-P2,181.161)

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
would expect eternal torment in the world to come .
(BEHN-E3-P2,181.162)

<font> Is that all the obligation he has to be just to his oath ?
</font> <paren> reply'd <font> Oroonoko </font> </paren>
(BEHN-E3-P2,181.163)

<font> 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 . (BEHN-E3-P2,181.164)

But punishments hereafter are sufer'd by one's self ;
(BEHN-E3-P2,181.165)

and the world takes no cognizance whether this GOD have reveng'd 'em ,
or not , $'t $is {TEXT:'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 . (BEHN-E3-P2,181.166)

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 . </font> (BEHN-E3-P2,181.167)

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 .
(BEHN-E3-P2,181.168)

The captain pondering and consulting what to do , it was concluded that
nothing but <font> Oroonoko </font> 's liberty would encourage any of
the rest to eat , except the <font> Frenchman </font> , whom the
captain could not pretend to keep prisoner , but only told him , he was
secured , because he might act something in favour of the prince , but
that he should be freed as soon as they came to <P_182> 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 .
(BEHN-E3-P2,182.169)

This being resolv'd , to make the obligation the greater , the captain
himself went to <font> Oroonoko </font> ; 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 , <paren> for he
had neither eat nor slept in four days before </paren> he besought him
to visit those obstinate people in chains , who refus'd all manner of
sustenance ; and intreated him to oblige 'em to eat , and assure 'em of
their liberty on the first opportunity . (BEHN-E3-P2,182.170)

<font> Oroonoko </font> , 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 him ; believing , as some divine
oracle , all he assur'd 'em . (BEHN-E3-P2,182.171)

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 $'t $was
{TEXT:'twas} all the security the captain <paren> his friend </paren>
could have , against the revenge , he said , they might possibly justly
take , for the injuries sustain'd by him . (BEHN-E3-P2,182.172)

And they all , with one accord , assur'd him , they cou'd not suffer
enough , when it was for his repose and safety . (BEHN-E3-P2,182.173)

After this , they no longer refus'd to eat , (BEHN-E3-P2,182.174)

but took what was brought 'em , (BEHN-E3-P2,182.175)

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 <font> Imoinda </font> , 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 . (BEHN-E3-P2,182.176)

<P_183>

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 , (BEHN-E3-P2,183.178)

and at last arriv'd at the mouth of the river of <font> Surinam </font>
, a colony belonging to the king of <font> England </font> , and where
they were to deliver some part of their slaves . (BEHN-E3-P2,183.179)

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 ;
(BEHN-E3-P2,183.180)

and having put 'em , some in one , and some in other lots , with women
and children <paren> which they call pickaninies </paren> 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 .
(BEHN-E3-P2,183.181)

<font> Oroonoko </font> 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 . (BEHN-E3-P2,183.182)

When he saw this , he found what they meant ; (BEHN-E3-P2,183.183)

for , as I said , he understood <font> English </font> pretty well ;
(BEHN-E3-P2,183.184)

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 , (BEHN-E3-P2,183.185)

he only cry'd in passing over the side of the ship ; <font> Farewell ,
sir , (BEHN-E3-P2,183.186)

$'t $is {TEXT:'tis} worth my sufferings , to gain so true a knowledge
both of you , and of your gods by whom you swear . </font>
(BEHN-E3-P2,183.187)

And desiring those that held him to forbear their pains , and telling
'em he would make no resistance , he cry'd , <font> Come , my
fellow-slaves , (BEHN-E3-P2,183.188)

let us descend , and see if we can meet with more honour and honesty in
the next world we shall touch upon . </font> (BEHN-E3-P2,183.189)

So he nimbly leapt into the boat , (BEHN-E3-P2,183.190)

and shewing no more concern , suffer'd himself to be row'd up the river
, with his seventeen companions . (BEHN-E3-P2,183.191)

<P_184>

The gentleman that bought him , was a young <font> Cornish </font>
gentleman , whose name was <font> Trefry </font> ; a man of great wit ,
and fine learning , (BEHN-E3-P2,184.193)

and was carry'd into those parts by the Lord-Governour , to manage all
his affairs . (BEHN-E3-P2,184.194)

He reflecting on the last words of <font> Oroonoko </font> 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 <font> English
</font> , had a great mind to be enquiring into his quality and fortune
: which , though <font> Oroonoko </font> endeavour'd to hide , by only
confessing he was above the rank of common slaves ; <font> Trefry
</font> 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 . (BEHN-E3-P2,184.195)

