<P_155>

<font> Oroonoko </font> coming from the wars <paren> which were now
ended </paren> after he had made his court to his grandfather , he
thought in honour he ought to make a visit to <font> Imoinda </font> ,
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 .
(BEHN-E3-H,155.2)

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 was so exceeding all he had ever beheld ,
(BEHN-E3-H,155.3)

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 <font> Oroonoko </font> , 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 ,
(BEHN-E3-H,155.4)

and made him feel , the victor cou'd 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 <font> Imoinda </font> , who wish'd <P_156> 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 . (BEHN-E3-H,156.5)

The prince return'd to court with quite another humour than before ;
(BEHN-E3-H,156.6)

and though he did not speak much of the fair <font> Imoinda </font> ,
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 <font> Imoinda ! Imoinda ! </font> (BEHN-E3-H,156.7)

$'T $will {TEXT:'Twill} be imagin'd <font> Oroonoko </font> 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 . (BEHN-E3-H,156.8)

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 ;
(BEHN-E3-H,156.9)

but <paren> to use his own words </paren> 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 <font> Imoinda </font> with a sense of his passion .
(BEHN-E3-H,156.10)

She was touch'd with what he said , (BEHN-E3-H,156.11)

and return'd it all in such answers as went to his very heart , with a
pleasure unknown before . (BEHN-E3-H,156.12)

Nor did he use those obligations ill , that love had done him ,
(BEHN-E3-H,156.13)

but turn'd all his happy moments to the best advantage ;
(BEHN-E3-H,156.14)

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 with woman , is , to turn her off , to abandon
her to want , shame and misery : (BEHN-E3-H,156.15)

such ill morals are only practis'd in Christian countries , where they
prefer the bare name of religion ; and , without vertue or morality ,
think that sufficient . (BEHN-E3-H,156.16)

But <font> Oroonoko </font> was none of those <P_157> professors ;
(BEHN-E3-H,157.17)

but as he had right notions of honour , so he made her such
propositions as were not only and barely such ; (BEHN-E3-H,157.18)

but , contrary to the custom of his country , he made her vows , she
shou'd be the only woman he wou'd possess while he liv'd ; that no age
or wrinkles shou'd encline him to change ; for her soul wou'd be always
fine , and always young ; and he shou'd have an eternal idea in his
mind of the charms she now bore ; and shou'd look into his heart for
that idea , when he cou'd find it no longer in her face .
(BEHN-E3-H,157.19)

After a thousand assurances of his lasting flame , and her eternal
empire over him , she condescended to receive him for her husband ;
(BEHN-E3-H,157.20)

or rather , receiv'd him , as the greatest honour the gods cou'd do her
. (BEHN-E3-H,157.21)

There is a certain ceremony in these cases to be observ'd , which I
forgot to ask how $'t $was {TEXT:'twas} perform'd ; (BEHN-E3-H,157.22)

but $'t $was {TEXT:'twas} concluded on both sides , that in obedience
to him , the grandfather was to be first made acquainted with the
design : (BEHN-E3-H,157.23)

For they pay a most absolute resignation to the monarch , especially
when he is a parent also . (BEHN-E3-H,157.24)

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 . (BEHN-E3-H,157.25)

At this character , his old heart , like an extinguish'd brand , most
apt to take fire , felt new sparks of love , (BEHN-E3-H,157.26)

and began to kindle ; (BEHN-E3-H,157.27)

and now grown to his second childhood , long'd with impatience to
behold this gay thing , with whom , alas ! he could but innocently play
. (BEHN-E3-H,157.28)

But how he shou'd be confirm'd she was this wonder , before he us'd his
power to call her to court , <paren> where maidens never came , unless
for the king's private use </paren> he was next to consider ;
(BEHN-E3-H,157.29)

and while he was so doing , he had intelligence brought him , that
<font> Imoinda </font> was most certainly mistress to the Prince <font>
Oroonoko </font> . (BEHN-E3-H,157.30)

This gave him some chagreen : (BEHN-E3-H,157.31)

however , it gave him also an opportunity , one day , when the prince
was a hunting , to wait <P_158> on a man of quality , as his slave and
attendant , who should go and make a present to <font> Imoinda </font>
, as from the prince ; (BEHN-E3-H,158.32)

he should then , unknown , see this fair maid , and have an opportunity
to hear what message she wou'd return the prince for his present , and
from thence gather the state of her heart , and degree of her
inclination . (BEHN-E3-H,158.33)

This was put in execution , (BEHN-E3-H,158.34)

and the old monarch saw , (BEHN-E3-H,158.35)

and burn'd : (BEHN-E3-H,158.36)

He found her all he had heard , (BEHN-E3-H,158.37)

and would not delay his happiness , (BEHN-E3-H,158.38)

but found he should have some obstacle to overcome her heart ;
(BEHN-E3-H,158.39)

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
cou'd not be dissembled , insomuch that $'t $was {TEXT:'twas} past
doubt whether she lov'd <font> Oroonoko </font> entirely .
(BEHN-E3-H,158.40)

This gave the old king some affliction ; (BEHN-E3-H,158.41)

but he salv'd it with this , that the obedience the people pay their
king , was not at all inferiour to what they paid their gods ;
(BEHN-E3-H,158.42)

and what love wou'd not oblige <font> Imoinda </font> to do , duty
wou'd compel her to . (BEHN-E3-H,158.43)

He was therefore no sooner got to his apartment , but he sent the royal
veil to <font> Imoinda </font> ; that is , the ceremony of invitation :
(BEHN-E3-H,158.44)

He sends the lady he has a mind to honour with his bed , a veil , with
which she is cover'd , and secur'd for the king's use ;
(BEHN-E3-H,158.45)

and $'t $is {TEXT:'tis} death to disobey ; besides , held a most
impious disobedience . (BEHN-E3-H,158.46)

$'T $is {TEXT:'Tis} not to be imagin'd the surprize and grief that
seiz'd the lovely maid at this news and sight . (BEHN-E3-H,158.47)

However , as delays in these cases are dangerous , and pleading worse
than treason ; trembling , and almost fainting , she was oblig'd to
suffer her self to be cover'd , and led away . (BEHN-E3-H,158.48)

They brought her thus to court ; (BEHN-E3-H,158.49)

and the king , who had caus'd a very rich bath to be prepar'd , was led
into it , where he sate under a canopy , in state , to receive this
long'd-for virgin ; whom he having commanded shou'd be brought to him ,
they <paren> after disrobing her </paren> led her to the bath , and
making fast the doors , left her to descend . (BEHN-E3-H,158.50)

The king , without more courtship , bad her throw off her mantle , and
come to his <P_159> arms . (BEHN-E3-H,159.51)

But <font> Imoinda </font> , all in tears , threw her self on the
marble , on the brink of the bath , (BEHN-E3-H,159.52)

and besought him to hear her . (BEHN-E3-H,159.53)

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 ;
(BEHN-E3-H,159.54)

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 shou'd 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 cou'd not
be so happy to be his . (BEHN-E3-H,159.55)

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
. (BEHN-E3-H,159.56)

<font> Imoinda </font> , seeing his eyes fierce , and his hands tremble
, <paren> whether with age or anger , I know not , but she fancy'd the
last </paren> almost repented she had said so much , (BEHN-E3-H,159.57)

for now she fear'd the storm wou'd fall on the prince ;
(BEHN-E3-H,159.58)

she therefore said a thousand things to appease the raging of his flame
, and to prepare him to hear who it was with calmness :
(BEHN-E3-H,159.59)

but before she spoke , he imagin'd who she meant , (BEHN-E3-H,159.60)

but wou'd not seem to do so , (BEHN-E3-H,159.61)

but commanded her to lay aside her mantle , and suffer her self to
receive his caresses , (BEHN-E3-H,159.62)

or , by his gods he swore , that happy man whom she was going to name
shou'd die , though it were even <font> Oroonoko </font> himself .
(BEHN-E3-H,159.63)

<font> Therefore </font> <paren> said he </paren> <font> deny this
marriage , (BEHN-E3-H,159.64)

and swear thy self a maid . (BEHN-E3-H,159.65)

That </font> <paren> reply'd <font> Imoinda </font> </paren> <font> by
all our powers I do ; (BEHN-E3-H,159.66)

for I am not yet known to my husband . (BEHN-E3-H,159.67)

$'T $is {TEXT:'Tis} enough </font> <paren> said the King ; </paren>
(BEHN-E3-H,159.68)

<font> $'t $is {TEXT:'tis} enough both-1 to satisfy my conscience , and
my heart . </font> (BEHN-E3-H,159.69)

And rising from his seat , he went (BEHN-E3-H,159.70)

and led her into the bath ; it being in vain for her to resist .
(BEHN-E3-H,159.71)

In this time , the prince , who was return'd from hunting , went to
visit his <font> Imoinda </font> , (BEHN-E3-H,159.72)

but found her gone ; and not only so , (BEHN-E3-H,159.73)

but heard she had receiv'd the royal veil . (BEHN-E3-H,159.74)

This rais'd him to a storm ; (BEHN-E3-H,159.75)

and in his madness , they had much ado to save him from laying violent
hands on himself . (BEHN-E3-H,159.76)

Force first prevail'd , and then reason : (BEHN-E3-H,159.77)

They urg'd all to him , that might oppose his <P_160> rage ;
(BEHN-E3-H,160.78)

but nothing weigh'd so greatly with him as the king's old age ,
uncapable of injuring him with <font> Imoinda </font> .
(BEHN-E3-H,160.79)

He wou'd give way to that hope , because it pleas'd him most , and
flatter'd best his heart . (BEHN-E3-H,160.80)

Yet this serv'd not altogether to make him cease his different passions
, which sometimes rag'd within him , and softned into showers .
(BEHN-E3-H,160.81)

$'T $was {TEXT:'Twas} not enough to appease him , to tell him , his
grandfather was old , and cou'd 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 . (BEHN-E3-H,160.82)

He cou'd not be convinc'd he had no cause to sigh and mourn for the
loss of a mistress , he cou'd not with all his strength and courage
retrieve . (BEHN-E3-H,160.83)

And he wou'd often cry , <font> Oh , my friends ! (BEHN-E3-H,160.84)

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 wou'd venture through any hazard to free her : (BEHN-E3-H,160.85)

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
</font> . (BEHN-E3-H,160.86)

Imoinda <font> is as irrecoverably lost to me , as if she were snatch'd
by the cold arms of death : (BEHN-E3-H,160.87)

Oh ! she is never to be retriev'd . (BEHN-E3-H,160.88)

If I wou'd wait tedious years , till fate shou'd bow the old king to
his grave , even that wou'd not leave me </font> Imoinda <font> free ;
(BEHN-E3-H,160.89)

but still that custom that makes it so vile a crime for a son to marry
his father's wives or mistresses , wou'd hinder my happiness ; unless I
wou'd 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 . </font> (BEHN-E3-H,160.90)

But it was objected to him , That his case was not the same ; for
<font> Imoinda </font> being his lawful wife by solemn contract , $'t
$was {TEXT:'twas} he was the injur'd man , and might , if he so pleas'd
, take <font> Imoinda </font> back , the breach of the law being on his
grandfather's side ; and that if he cou'd 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 .
(BEHN-E3-H,160.91)

This reasoning had some force upon him , (BEHN-E3-H,160.92)

and he <P_161> shou'd have been entirely comforted , but for the
thought that she was possess'd by his grandfather . (BEHN-E3-H,161.93)

However , he lov'd so well , that he was resolv'd to believe what most
favour'd his hope , and to endeavour to learn from <font> Imoinda's
</font> own mouth , what only she cou'd satisfy him in , whether she
was robb'd of that blessing which was only due to his faith and love .
(BEHN-E3-H,161.94)

But as it was very hard to get a sight of the women , <paren> 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 $'t $was
{TEXT:'twas} death , at any other time , for any other to go in
</paren> so he knew not how to contrive to get a sight of her .
(BEHN-E3-H,161.95)

While <font> Oroonoko </font> 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 . (BEHN-E3-H,161.96)

He was troubled , (BEHN-E3-H,161.97)

for having been forc'd , by an irresistible passion , to rob his son of
a treasure , he knew , cou'd 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 . (BEHN-E3-H,161.98)

He found , that however she was forc'd to expose her lovely person to
his wither'd arms , she cou'd only sigh and weep there , and think of
<font> Oroonoko </font> ; (BEHN-E3-H,161.99)

and oftentimes cou'd not forbear speaking of him , tho her life were ,
by custom , forfeited by owning her passion . (BEHN-E3-H,161.100)

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 . (BEHN-E3-H,161.101)

And $'t $was {TEXT:'twas} this dotage on our young hero , that gave
<font> Imoinda </font> 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 . (BEHN-E3-H,161.102)

Besides , he many times enquir'd how the prince bore himself :
(BEHN-E3-H,161.103)

And those of whom he ask'd , being entirely slaves to the merits and
vertues of the prince , still answer'd what they thought conduc'd best
to his <P_162> service ; which was , to make the old king fancy that
the prince had no more interest in <font> Imoinda </font> , 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 . (BEHN-E3-H,162.104)

This pleas'd the old lover , who fail'd not to report these things
again to <font> Imoinda </font> , that she might , by the example of
her young lover , withdraw her heart , and rest better contented in his
arms . (BEHN-E3-H,162.105)

But , however she was forc'd to receive this unwelcome news , in all
appearance , with unconcern and content ; her heart was bursting within
, (BEHN-E3-H,162.106)

and she was only happy when she cou'd get alone , to vent her griefs
and moans with sighs and tears . (BEHN-E3-H,162.107)

<P_186>

For the future therefore I must call <font> Oroonoko Caesar </font> ,
since by that name only he was known in our western world ,
(BEHN-E3-H,186.109)

and by that name he was received on shore at <font> Parham House
</font> , where he was destin'd a slave . (BEHN-E3-H,186.110)

But if the king himself <paren> God bless him </paren> had come ashore
, there cou'd not have been greater expectation by all the whole
plantation , and those neighbouring ones , than was on ours at that
time ; (BEHN-E3-H,186.111)

and he was received more like a governour than a slave :
(BEHN-E3-H,186.112)

notwithstanding , as the custom was , they assigned him his portion of
land , his house and his business up in the plantation .
(BEHN-E3-H,186.113)

But as it was more for form , than any design to put him to his task ,
he endured no more of the slave but the name , (BEHN-E3-H,186.114)

and remain'd some days in the house , receiving all visits that were
made him , without stirring towards that part of the plantation where
the negroes were . (BEHN-E3-H,186.115)

At last , he wou'd needs go view his land , his house , and the
business assign'd him . (BEHN-E3-H,186.116)

But he no sooner came <P_187> to the houses of the slaves , which are
like a little town by it self , the negroes all having left work , but
they all came forth to behold him , (BEHN-E3-H,187.117)

and found he was that prince who had , at several times , sold most of
'em to these parts ; (BEHN-E3-H,187.118)

and from a veneration they pay to great men , especially if they know
'em , and from the surprize and awe they had at the sight of him , they
all cast themselves at his feet , crying out , in their language ,
<font> Live , O King ! (BEHN-E3-H,187.119)

Long live , O King ! </font> (BEHN-E3-H,187.120)

and kissing his feet , paid him even divine homage .
(BEHN-E3-H,187.121)

Several <font> English </font> gentlemen were with him ,
(BEHN-E3-H,187.122)

and what Mr. <font> Trefry </font> had told 'em was here confirm'd ; of
which he himself before had no other witness than <font> Caesar </font>
himself : (BEHN-E3-H,187.123)

But he was infinitely glad to find his grandeur confirmed by the
adoration of all the slaves . (BEHN-E3-H,187.124)

<font> Caesar </font> troubled with their over-joy , and over-ceremony
, besought 'em to rise , and to receive him as their fellow-slave ;
assuring them he was no better . At which they set up with one accord a
most terrible and hideous mourning and condoling , which he and the
<font> English </font> had much ado to appease : (BEHN-E3-H,187.125)

but at last they prevailed with 'em , (BEHN-E3-H,187.126)

and they prepared all their barbarous musick , (BEHN-E3-H,187.127)

and every one kill'd and dress'd something of his own stock
(BEHN-E3-H,187.128)

<paren> for every family has their land apart , on which , at their
leisure-times , they breed all eatable things </paren>
(BEHN-E3-H,187.129)

and clubbing it together , made a most magnificent supper , inviting
their grandee captain , their prince , to honour it with his precence ;
which he did , and several <font> English </font> with him , where they
all waited on him , some playing , others dancing before him all the
time , according to the manners of their several nations , and with
unweary'd industry endeavouring to please and delight him .
(BEHN-E3-H,187.130)

While they sat at meat , Mr. <font> Trefry </font> told <font> Caesar
</font> , that most of these young slaves were undone in love with a
fine she-slave , whom they had had about six months on their land ;
(BEHN-E3-H,187.131)

the prince , who never heard the name of love without a sigh , nor any
mention of it without the curiosity of examining further into that tale
, which <P_188> of all discourses was most agreeable to him , asked ,
how they came to be so unhappy , as to be all undone for one fair slave
? (BEHN-E3-H,188.132)

<font> Trefry </font> , who was naturally amorous , and lov'd to talk
of love as well as any body , proceeded to tell him , they had the most
charming black that ever was beheld on their plantation , about fifteen
or sixteen years old , as he guess'd ; that for his part he had done
nothing but sigh for her ever since she came ; and that all the white
beauties he had seen , never charm'd him so absolutely as this fine
creature had done ; and that no man , of any nation , ever beheld her
that did not fall in love with her ; and that she had all the slaves
perpetually at her feet ; and the whole country resounded with the fame
of <font> Clemene </font> , (BEHN-E3-H,188.133)

for so <paren> said he </paren> we have christen'd her :
(BEHN-E3-H,188.134)

but she denies us all with such a noble disdain , that $'t $is
{TEXT:'tis} a miracle to see , that she who can give such eternal
desires , should her self be all ice and all unconcern .
(BEHN-E3-H,188.135)

She is adorn'd with the most graceful modesty that ever beautify'd
youth ; the softest sigher - that , if she were capable of love , one
would swear she languished for some absent happy man ; and so retired ,
as if she fear'd a rape even from the god of day , or that the breezes
wou'd steal kisses from her delicate mouth . (BEHN-E3-H,188.136)

Her task of work , some sighing lover every day makes it his petition
to perform for her ; which she accepts blushing , and with reluctancy ,
for fear he will ask her a look for a recompence , which he dares not
presume to hope ; so great an awe she strikes into the hearts of her
admirers . (BEHN-E3-H,188.137)

<font> I do not wonder </font> <paren> reply'd the prince </paren>
<font> that </font> Clemene <font> should refuse slaves , being , as
you say , so beautiful ; (BEHN-E3-H,188.138)

but wonder how she escapes those that can entertain her as you can do :
or why , being your slave , you do not oblige her to yield ?
(BEHN-E3-H,188.139)

I confess </font> <paren> said <font> Trefry </font> </paren> <font>
when I have , against her will , entertained her with love so long , as
to be transported with my passion even above decency , I have been
ready to make use of those advantages of strength and force nature has
given me : (BEHN-E3-H,188.140)

But oh ! she disarms me with that modesty and weeping , so tender and
so moving , that <P_189> I retire , and thank my stars she overcame me
. </font> (BEHN-E3-H,189.141)

The company laugh'd at his civility to a slave , (BEHN-E3-H,189.142)

and <font> Caesar </font> only applauded the nobleness of his passion
and nature , since that slave might be noble , or , what was better ,
have true notions of honour and vertue in her . (BEHN-E3-H,189.143)

Thus passed they this night , after having received from the slaves all
imaginable respect and obedience . (BEHN-E3-H,189.144)

The next day , <font> Trefry </font> ask'd <font> Caesar </font> to
walk when the heat was allay'd , (BEHN-E3-H,189.145)

and designedly carry'd him by the cottage of the fair slave ;
(BEHN-E3-H,189.146)

and told him she whom he spoke of last night lived there retir'd :
(BEHN-E3-H,189.147)

<font> But </font> <paren> says he </paren> <font> I would not wish you
to approach ; (BEHN-E3-H,189.148)

for I am sure you will be in love as soon as you behold her . </font>
(BEHN-E3-H,189.149)

<font> Caesar </font> assured him , he was proof against all the charms
of that sex ; and that if he imagined his heart could be so perfidious
to love again , after <font> Imoinda </font> , he believed he should
tear it from his bosom . (BEHN-E3-H,189.150)

They had no sooner spoke , but a little shock-dog , that <font> Clemene
</font> had presented her , which she took great delight in , ran out ;
(BEHN-E3-H,189.151)

and she , not knowing any body was there , ran to get it in again ,
(BEHN-E3-H,189.152)

and bolted out on those who were just speaking of her : when seeing
them , she would have run in again , (BEHN-E3-H,189.153)

but <font> Trefry </font> caught her by the hand , (BEHN-E3-H,189.154)

and cry'd , Clemene , <font> however you fly a lover , you ought to pay
some respect to this stranger </font> , <paren> pointing to <font>
Caesar </font> . </paren> (BEHN-E3-H,189.155)

But she , as if she had resolved never to raise her eyes to the face of
a man again , bent 'em the more to the earth , when he spoke ,
(BEHN-E3-H,189.156)

and gave the prince the leisure to look the more at her .
(BEHN-E3-H,189.157)

There needed no long gazing , or consideration , to examine who this
fair creature was ; (BEHN-E3-H,189.158)

he soon saw <font> Imoinda </font> all over her ; (BEHN-E3-H,189.159)

in a minute he saw her face , her shape , her air , her modesty ,
(BEHN-E3-H,189.160)

and all that call'd forth his soul with joy at his eyes ,
(BEHN-E3-H,189.161)

and left his body destitute of almost life : (BEHN-E3-H,189.162)

it stood without motion , (BEHN-E3-H,189.163)

and for a minute knew not that it had a being ; (BEHN-E3-H,189.164)

and , I believe , he had never come to himself , so oppress'd he was
with over-joy , if he had not met with this allay , that he perceived
<font> Imoinda </font> fall dead in the hands of <font> Trefry </font>
. (BEHN-E3-H,189.165)

This awaken'd him , (BEHN-E3-H,189.166)

and he ran to her aid , (BEHN-E3-H,189.167)

and caught her in his arms , <P_190> where by degrees she came to her
self ; (BEHN-E3-H,190.168)

and $'t $is {TEXT:'tis} needless to tell with what transports , what
exstasies of joy , they both awhile beheld each other , without
speaking ; (BEHN-E3-H,190.169)

then snatched each other to their arms ; (BEHN-E3-H,190.170)

then gaze again , as if they still doubted whether they possess'd the
blessing they grasped : (BEHN-E3-H,190.171)

but when they recover'd their speech , $'t $is {TEXT:'tis} not to be
imagined what tender things they express'd to each other ; wondring
what strange fate had brought them again together . (BEHN-E3-H,190.172)

They soon inform'd each other of their fortunes , (BEHN-E3-H,190.173)

and equally bewail'd their fate ; (BEHN-E3-H,190.174)

but at the same time they mutually protested , that even fetters and
slavery were soft and easy , and would be supported with joy and
pleasure , while they cou'd be so happy to possess each other , and to
be able to make good their vows . (BEHN-E3-H,190.175)

<font> Caesar </font> swore he disdained the empire of the world ,
while he could behold his <font> Imoinda </font> ; (BEHN-E3-H,190.176)

and she despised grandeur and pomp , those vanities of her sex , when
she could gaze on <font> Oroonoko </font> . (BEHN-E3-H,190.177)

He ador'd the very cottage where she resided , (BEHN-E3-H,190.178)

and said , That little inch of the world would give him more happiness
than all the universe cou'd do ; (BEHN-E3-H,190.179)

and she vow'd , it was a palace , while adorned with the presence of
<font> Oroonoko </font> . (BEHN-E3-H,190.180)

<font> Trefry </font> was infinitely pleased with this novel ,
(BEHN-E3-H,190.181)

and found this <font> Clemene </font> was the fair mistress of whom
<font> Caesar </font> had before spoke ; (BEHN-E3-H,190.182)

and was not a little satisfy'd , that heaven was so kind to the prince
as to sweeten his misfortunes by so lucky an accident ;
(BEHN-E3-H,190.183)

and leaving the lovers to themselves , was impatient to come down to
<font> Parham House </font> <paren> which was on the same plantation
</paren> to give me an account of what had hapned . (BEHN-E3-H,190.184)

I was as impatient to make these lovers a visit , having already made a
friendship with <font> Caesar </font> , (BEHN-E3-H,190.185)

and from his own mouth learned what I have related ; which was
confirmed by his <font> Frenchman </font> , who was set on shore to
seek his fortune , and of whom they cou'd not make a slave , because a
Christian ; (BEHN-E3-H,190.186)

and he came daily to <font> Parham Hill </font> to see and pay his
respects to his pupil prince . So that concerning and interesting my
self in all that related to <P_191> <font> Caesar </font> , whom I had
assured of liberty as soon as the governour arrived , I hasted
presently to the place where these lovers were , (BEHN-E3-H,191.187)

and was infinitely glad to find this beautiful young slave <paren> who
had already gain'd all our esteems , for her modesty and her
extraordinary prettiness </paren> to be the same I had heard <font>
Caesar </font> speak so much of . (BEHN-E3-H,191.188)

One may imagine then we paid her a treble respect ; (BEHN-E3-H,191.189)

and tho from her being carved in fine flowers and birds all over her
body , we took her to be of quality before , yet when we knew <font>
Clemene </font> was <font> Imoinda </font> , we could not enough admire
her . (BEHN-E3-H,191.190)

I had forgot to tell you , that those who are nobly born of that
country , are so delicately cut and raised all over the fore-part of
the trunk of their bodies that it looks as if it were japan'd , the
works being raised like high point round the edges of the flowers .
(BEHN-E3-H,191.191)

Some are only carved with a little flower , or bird , at the sides of
the temples , as was <font> Caesar </font> ; (BEHN-E3-H,191.192)

and those who are so carved over the body , resemble our antient <font>
Picts </font> that are figur'd in the chronicles , (BEHN-E3-H,191.193)

but these carvings are more delicate . (BEHN-E3-H,191.194)

From that happy day <font> Caesar </font> took <font> Clemene </font>
for his wife , to the general joy of all people ; (BEHN-E3-H,191.195)

and there was as much magnificence as the country would afford at the
celebration of this wedding : (BEHN-E3-H,191.196)

and in a very short time after she conceived with child , which made
<font> Caesar </font> even adore her , knowing he was the last of his
great race . (BEHN-E3-H,191.197)

This new accident made him more impatient of liberty ,
(BEHN-E3-H,191.198)

and he was every day treating with <font> Trefry </font> for his and
<font> Clemene's </font> liberty (BEHN-E3-H,191.199)

and offer'd either gold , or a vast quantity of slaves , which should
be paid before they let him go , provided he could have any security
that he should go when his ransom was paid . (BEHN-E3-H,191.200)

They fed him from day to day with promises , (BEHN-E3-H,191.201)

and delay'd him till the Lord-Governour should come ; so that he began
to suspect them of falshood , and that they would delay him till the
time of his wife's delivery and make a slave of that too :
(BEHN-E3-H,191.202)

for all the breed is theirs to whom the parents belong .
(BEHN-E3-H,191.203)

This thought made him very <P_192> uneasy , (BEHN-E3-H,192.204)

and his sullenness gave them some jealousies of him ; so that I was
obliged , by some persons who fear'd a mutiny <paren> which is very
fatal sometimes in those colonies that abound so with slaves , that
they exceed the whites in vast numbers </paren> to discourse with
<font> Caesar </font> , and to give him all the satisfaction I possibly
could : (BEHN-E3-H,192.205)

They knew he and <font> Clemene </font> were scarce an hour in a day
from my lodgings ; that they eat with me , and that I oblig'd 'em in
all things I was capable of . (BEHN-E3-H,192.206)

I entertained them with the loves of the <font> Romans </font> , and
great men , which charmed him to my company ; and her , with teaching
her all the pretty works that I was mistress of , and telling her
stories of nuns , and endeavouring to bring her to the knowledg of the
true God : (BEHN-E3-H,192.207)

But of all discourses , <font> Caesar </font> liked that the worst ,
(BEHN-E3-H,192.208)

and would never be reconciled to our notions of the Trinity , of which
he ever made a jest ; (BEHN-E3-H,192.209)

it was a riddle he said would turn his brain to conceive ,
(BEHN-E3-H,192.210)

and one cou'd not make him understand what faith was .
(BEHN-E3-H,192.211)

However , these conversations fail'd not altogether so well to divert
him , that he liked the company of us women much above men ,
(BEHN-E3-H,192.212)

for he could not drink , (BEHN-E3-H,192.213)

and he is but an ill companion in that country that $can $not
{TEXT:cannot} . So that obliging him to love us very well , we had all
the liberty of speech with him , especially my self , whom he call'd
his great Mistress ; (BEHN-E3-H,192.214)

and indeed my word would go a great way with him . (BEHN-E3-H,192.215)

For these reasons I had opportunity to take notice to him , that he was
not well pleased of late , as he used to be ; was more retired and
thoughtful ; (BEHN-E3-H,192.216)

and told him , I took it ill he shou'd suspect we wou'd break our words
with him , and not permit both him and <font> Clemene </font> to return
to his own kingdom , which was not so long a way , (BEHN-E3-H,192.217)

but when he was once on his voyage he wou'd quickly arrive there .
(BEHN-E3-H,192.218)

He made me some answers that shew'd a doubt in him , which made me ask
, what advantage it would be to doubt ? (BEHN-E3-H,192.219)

It would but give us a fear of him , (BEHN-E3-H,192.220)

and possibly compel us to treat him so as I should be very loth to
behold : that is , it might occasion his confinement .
(BEHN-E3-H,192.221)

Perhaps <P_193> this was not so luckily spoke of me ,
(BEHN-E3-H,193.222)

for I perceiv'd he resented that word , which I strove to soften again
in vain : (BEHN-E3-H,193.223)

However , he assur'd me , that whatsoever resolutions he should take ,
he would act nothing upon the white people ; (BEHN-E3-H,193.224)

and as for my self , and those upon that plantation where he was , he
would sooner forfeit his eternal liberty , and life it self , than lift
his hand against his greatest enemy on that place . (BEHN-E3-H,193.225)

He besought me to suffer no fears upon his account ,
(BEHN-E3-H,193.226)

for he could do nothing that honour should not dictate ;
(BEHN-E3-H,193.227)

but he accus'd himself for having suffer'd slavery so long :
(BEHN-E3-H,193.228)

yet he charg'd that weakness on love alone , who was capable of making
him neglect even glory it self ; and , for which , now he reproaches
himself every moment of the day . (BEHN-E3-H,193.229)

Much more to this effect he spoke , with an air impatient enough to
make me know he would not be long in bondage ; (BEHN-E3-H,193.230)

and though he suffer'd only the name of a slave , and had nothing of
the toil and labour of one , yet that was sufficient to render him
uneasy ; (BEHN-E3-H,193.231)

and he had been too long idle , who us'd to be always in action , and
in arms . (BEHN-E3-H,193.232)

He had a spirit all rough and fierce , and that could not be tam'd to
lazy rest ; (BEHN-E3-H,193.233)

and though all endeavours were us'd to exercise himself in such actions
and sports as this world afforded , as running , wrestling , pitching
the bar , hunting and fishing , chasing and killing tygers of a
monstrous size , which this continent affords in abundance ; and
wonderful snakes , such as <font> Alexander </font> is reported to have
encounter'd at the river of <font> Amazons </font> , and which <font>
Caesar </font> took great delight to overcome ; yet these were not
actions great enough for his large soul , which was still panting after
more renown'd actions . (BEHN-E3-H,193.234)

Before I parted that day with him , I got , with much-ado , a promise
from him to rest yet a little longer with patience , and wait the
coming of the Lord Governour , who was every day expected on our shore
: (BEHN-E3-H,193.235)

he assur'd me he would , (BEHN-E3-H,193.236)

and this promise he desired me to know was given perfectly in
complaisance to me , in whom he had an intire confidence .
(BEHN-E3-H,193.237)