<P_147>

<heading>

OROONOKO ; OR THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL SLAVE (BEHN-E3-P1,147.3)

</heading>

I do not pretend , in giving you the history of this royal slave , to
entertain my reader with 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 : (BEHN-E3-P1,147.5)

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 . (BEHN-E3-P1,147.6)

I was myself an eye-witness to a great part of what you will find here
set down ; (BEHN-E3-P1,147.7)

and what I cou'd 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 : (BEHN-E3-P1,147.8)

And though 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 . (BEHN-E3-P1,147.9)

The scene of the last part of his adventures lies in a colony in <font>
America </font> , called <font> Surinam </font> , in the <font>
West-Indies </font> . (BEHN-E3-P1,147.10)

But before I give you the story of this gallant slave , $'t $is
{TEXT:'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 : (BEHN-E3-P1,147.11)

for those we live with in perfect <P_148> amity , without daring to
command 'em ; (BEHN-E3-P1,148.12)

but , on the contrary , caress 'em with all the brotherly and friendly
affection in the world ; trading with them for their fish , venison ,
buffalo's 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
minature . (BEHN-E3-P1,148.13)

Then for little paraketoes , great parrots , muckaws , and a thousand
other birds and beasts of wonderful and surprizing forms , shapes , and
colours . (BEHN-E3-P1,148.14)

For skins of prodigious snakes , of which there are some threescore
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 my self ; some as big as my
fist , some less ; and all of various excellencies , such as art $can
$not {TEXT:cannot} imitate . (BEHN-E3-P1,148.15)

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 .
(BEHN-E3-P1,148.16)

I had a set of these presented to me , (BEHN-E3-P1,148.17)

and I gave 'em to the King's Theatre , (BEHN-E3-P1,148.18)

and it was the dress of the <font> Indian Queen </font> , infinitely
admir'd by persons of quality ; (BEHN-E3-P1,148.19)

and was unimitable . (BEHN-E3-P1,148.20)

Besides these , a thousand little knacks , and rarities in nature ; and
some of art , as their baskets , weapons , aprons , &c.
(BEHN-E3-P1,148.21)

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 . (BEHN-E3-P1,148.22)

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 <font> Adam
</font> and <font> Eve </font> did the figleaves ; the men wearing a
long stripe of linen , <P_149> which they deal with us for .
(BEHN-E3-P1,149.23)

They thread these beads also on long cotton-threads ,
(BEHN-E3-P1,149.24)

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 . (BEHN-E3-P1,149.25)

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 . (BEHN-E3-P1,149.26)

Some of the beauties , which indeed are finely shap'd , as almost all
are , and who have pretty features , are charming and novel ;
(BEHN-E3-P1,149.27)

for they have all that is called beauty , except the colour , which is
a reddish yellow ; (BEHN-E3-P1,149.28)

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 .
(BEHN-E3-P1,149.29)

They are extreme modest and bashful , very shy , and nice of being
touch'd . (BEHN-E3-P1,149.30)

And though they are all thus naked , if one lives for ever among 'em ,
there is not to be seen an undecent action , or glance :
(BEHN-E3-P1,149.31)

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 ; (BEHN-E3-P1,149.32)

but all you can see , you see at once , (BEHN-E3-P1,149.33)

and every moment see ; (BEHN-E3-P1,149.34)

and where there is no novelty , there can be no curiosity .
(BEHN-E3-P1,149.35)

Not but I have seen a handsome young <font> Indian </font> , dying for
love of a very beautiful young <font> Indian </font> maid ;
(BEHN-E3-P1,149.36)

but all his courtship was , to fold his arms , pursue her with his eyes
, (BEHN-E3-P1,149.37)

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 look'd
down with all the blushing modesty I have seen in the most severe and
cautious of our world . (BEHN-E3-P1,149.38)

And these people represented to me an absolute idea of the first state
of innocence , before man knew how to sin : (BEHN-E3-P1,149.39)

And $'t $is {TEXT:'tis} most evident and plain , that simple nature is
the most harmless , inoffensive and vertuous mistress .
(BEHN-E3-P1,149.40)

$'T $is {TEXT:'Tis} she alone , if she were permitted , that better
instructs the world , than all the inventions of man :
(BEHN-E3-P1,149.41)

religion wou'd here but destroy that tranquillity they possess <P_150>
by ignorance ; (BEHN-E3-P1,150.42)

and laws wou'd but teach 'em to know offence , of which now they have
no notion . (BEHN-E3-P1,150.43)

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 cou'd or shou'd prevent his keeping it :
(BEHN-E3-P1,150.44)

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 ? (BEHN-E3-P1,150.45)

The governor told them , Such a man was a lyar , which was a word of
infamy to a gentleman . (BEHN-E3-P1,150.46)

Then one of 'em reply'd , <font> Governor , you are a lyar , and guilty
of that infamy </font> . (BEHN-E3-P1,150.47)

They have a native justice , which knows no fraud ; (BEHN-E3-P1,150.48)

and they understand no vice , or cunning , but when they are taught by
the white men . (BEHN-E3-P1,150.49)

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 ; (BEHN-E3-P1,150.50)

and unless they take slaves in war , they have no other attendants .
(BEHN-E3-P1,150.51)

Those on that continent where I was , had no king ; (BEHN-E3-P1,150.52)

but the oldest war-captain was obey'd with great resignation .
(BEHN-E3-P1,150.53)

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 .
(BEHN-E3-P1,150.54)

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 ; (BEHN-E3-P1,150.55)

and for very small and unvaluable trifles , supply us with that $'t $is
{TEXT:'tis} impossible for us to get : (BEHN-E3-P1,150.56)

for they do not only in the woods , and over the Sevana's , in hunting
, supply the parts of hounds , by swiftly scouring through those almost
impassable places , (BEHN-E3-P1,150.57)

and by the mere activity of their feet run down the nimblest deer , and
other eatable beasts ; (BEHN-E3-P1,150.58)

but in the water , one wou'd think they were gods of the rivers , or
fellow-citizens of the deep ; so rare an art they have in swimming ,
<P_151> diving , and almost living in water ; by which they command the
less swift inhabitants of the floods . (BEHN-E3-P1,151.59)

And then for shooting , what they $can $not {TEXT:cannot} take , or
reach with their hands , they do with arrows ; (BEHN-E3-P1,151.60)

and have so admirable an aim , that they will split almost an hair ,
and at any distance that an arrow can reach : (BEHN-E3-P1,151.61)

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 , (BEHN-E3-P1,151.62)

nor dare we do other , their numbers so far surpassing ours in that
continent . (BEHN-E3-P1,151.63)

Those then whom we make use of to work in our plantations of sugar ,
are negroes , black slaves all together , who are transported thither
in this manner . (BEHN-E3-P1,151.64)

Those who want slaves , make a bargain with a master , or a captain of
a ship , (BEHN-E3-P1,151.65)

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 a-board , and
receive their number by lot ; (BEHN-E3-P1,151.66)

and perhaps in one lot that may be for ten , there may happen to be
three or four men , the rest women and children . (BEHN-E3-P1,151.67)

Or be there more or less of either sex , you are obliged to be
contented with your lot . (BEHN-E3-P1,151.68)

<font> Coramantien </font> , a country of blacks so called , was one of
those places in which they found the most advantageous trading for
these slaves , (BEHN-E3-P1,151.69)

and thither most of our great traders in that merchandize traffick ;
(BEHN-E3-P1,151.70)

for that nation is very warlike and brave : (BEHN-E3-P1,151.71)

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 : (BEHN-E3-P1,151.72)

for all they took in battle were sold as slaves ; at least those common
men who cou'd not ransom themselves . (BEHN-E3-P1,151.73)

Of these slaves so taken , the general only has all the profit ;
(BEHN-E3-P1,151.74)

and of these <P_152> generals our captains and masters of ships buy all
their freights . (BEHN-E3-P1,152.75)

The king of <font> Coramantien </font> was himself a man of an hundred
and odd years old , (BEHN-E3-P1,152.76)

and had no son , tho he had many beautiful black wives :
(BEHN-E3-P1,152.77)

for most certainly there are beauties that can charm of that colour .
(BEHN-E3-P1,152.78)

In his younger years he had had many gallant men to his sons , thirteen
of whom died in battle , conquering when they fell ;
(BEHN-E3-P1,152.79)

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
<font> Mars </font> : so that he was ador'd as the wonder of all that
world , and the darling of the soldiers (BEHN-E3-P1,152.80)

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
. (BEHN-E3-P1,152.81)

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 <font> Oroonoko </font> <paren> for so was this gallant <font>
Moor </font> call'd </paren> very narrowly avoided ;
(BEHN-E3-P1,152.82)

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 . (BEHN-E3-P1,152.83)

$'T $was {TEXT:'Twas} then , afflicted as <font> Oroonoko </font> was ,
that he was proclaimed general in the old man's place :
(BEHN-E3-P1,152.84)

and then it was , at the finishing of that war , which had continued
for two years , that the prince came to court , where he had hardly
been a month together , from the <P_153> time of his fifth year to that
of seventeen ; (BEHN-E3-P1,153.85)

and $'t $was {TEXT:'twas} amazing to imagine where it was he learn'd so
much humanity : or , to give his accomplishments a juster name , where
$'t $was {TEXT:'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 .
(BEHN-E3-P1,153.86)

Some part of it we may attribute to the care of a <font> Frenchman
</font> of wit and learning , who finding it turn to 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 . (BEHN-E3-P1,153.87)

Another reason was , he lov'd when he came from war , to see all the
<font> English </font> gentlemen that traded thither ;
(BEHN-E3-P1,153.88)

and did not-1 only-2 learn their language , but that of the <font>
Spaniard </font> also , with whom he traded afterwards for slaves .
(BEHN-E3-P1,153.89)

I have often seen and conversed with this great man , and been a
witness to many of his mighty actions ; (BEHN-E3-P1,153.90)

and do assure my reader , the most illustrious courts could not have
produced a braver man , both-1 for greatness of courage and mind , a
judgment more solid , a wit more quick , and a conversation more sweet
and diverting . (BEHN-E3-P1,153.91)

He knew almost as much as if he had read much : (BEHN-E3-P1,153.92)

He had heard of and admired the <font> Romans </font> :
(BEHN-E3-P1,153.93)

He had heard of the late civil wars in <font> England </font> , and the
deplorable death of our great monarch ; (BEHN-E3-P1,153.94)

and wou'd discourse of it with all the sense and abhorrence of the
injustice imaginable . (BEHN-E3-P1,153.95)

He had an extreme good and graceful mien , and all the civility of a
well-bred great man . (BEHN-E3-P1,153.96)

He had nothing of barbarity in his nature , (BEHN-E3-P1,153.97)

but in all points address'd himself as if his education had been in
some <font> European </font> court . (BEHN-E3-P1,153.98)

This great and just character of <font> Oroonoko </font> gave me an
extreme curiosity to see him , especially when I knew he spoke <font>
French </font> and <font> English </font> , and that I could talk with
<P_154> him . (BEHN-E3-P1,154.99)

But though 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 . (BEHN-E3-P1,154.100)

He came into the room , (BEHN-E3-P1,154.101)

and addressed himself to me , and some other women , with the best
grace in the world . (BEHN-E3-P1,154.102)

He was pretty tall , but of a shape the most exact that can be fancy'd
: (BEHN-E3-P1,154.103)

The most famous statuary cou'd not form the figure of a man more
admirably turn'd from head to foot . (BEHN-E3-P1,154.104)

His face was not of that brown rusty black which most of that nation
are , but of perfect ebony , or polished jett . (BEHN-E3-P1,154.105)

His eyes were the most awful that cou'd be seen , and very piercing ;
the white of 'em being like snow , as were his teeth .
(BEHN-E3-P1,154.106)

His nose was rising and <font> Roman </font> , instead of <font>
African </font> 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 . (BEHN-E3-P1,154.107)

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 . (BEHN-E3-P1,154.108)

There was no one grace wanting , that bears the standard of true beauty
. (BEHN-E3-P1,154.109)

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 . (BEHN-E3-P1,154.110)

Nor did the perfections of his mind come short of those of his person ;
(BEHN-E3-P1,154.111)

for his discourse was admirable upon almost any subject :
(BEHN-E3-P1,154.112)

and whoever had heard him speak , wou'd have been convinced of their
errors , that all fine wit is confined to the white men , especially to
those of Christendom ; (BEHN-E3-P1,154.113)

and wou'd have confess'd that <font> Oroonoko </font> 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 . (BEHN-E3-P1,154.114)

This prince , such as I have describ'd him , whose soul and body were
so admirably adorned , was <paren> while yet he was in the court of his
grandfather , as I said </paren> as capable of love , as $'t $was
{TEXT:'twas} possible for a brave and <P_155> gallant man to be ;
(BEHN-E3-P1,155.115)

and in saying that , I have named the highest degree of love :
(BEHN-E3-P1,155.116)

for sure great souls are most capable of that passion .
(BEHN-E3-P1,155.117)

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 <font> Oroonoko
</font> was made general . (BEHN-E3-P1,155.118)

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 <font> Venus </font> to our young
<font> Mars </font> ; as charming in her person as he , and of delicate
vertues . (BEHN-E3-P1,155.119)

I have seen a hundred white men sighing after her , and making a
thousand vows at her feet , all in vain , and unsuccessful .
(BEHN-E3-P1,155.120)

And she was indeed too great for any but a prince of her own nation to
adore . (BEHN-E3-P1,155.121)

{COM:insert_helsinki_sample_1_here}

<P_162>

What reports of the prince's conduct were made to the king , he thought
good to justify as far as possibly he cou'd by his actions ;
(BEHN-E3-P1,162.124)

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 <font>
Imoinda </font> , he carry'd him with him , in his train , to the otan
, often to banquet with his mistresses . (BEHN-E3-P1,162.125)

But as soon as he enter'd , one day , into the apartment of <font>
Imoinda </font> , 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 ; (BEHN-E3-P1,162.126)

and had certainly done so , but for the support of <font> Aboan </font>
, 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
. (BEHN-E3-P1,162.127)

And I have observ'd , $'t $is {TEXT:'tis} a very great error in those
who laugh when one says , <font> A negro can change colour </font> :
(BEHN-E3-P1,162.128)

for I have seen 'em as frequently blush , and look pale , and that as
visibly as ever I saw in the most beautiful white .
(BEHN-E3-P1,162.129)

And $'t $is {TEXT:'tis} certain , that both these changes were evident
, this day , in both these lovers . (BEHN-E3-P1,162.130)

And <font> Imoinda </font> , 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 ;
<P_163> which was a new wound in the heart of the poor dying prince .
(BEHN-E3-P1,163.131)

But as soon as the king was busy'd in looking on some fine thing of
<font> Imoinda </font> '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 . (BEHN-E3-P1,163.132)

Nor were his eyes silent , (BEHN-E3-P1,163.133)

but answer'd hers again , as much as eyes cou'd do , instructed by the
most tender and most passionate heart that ever lov'd :
(BEHN-E3-P1,163.134)

And they spoke so well , and so effectually , as <font> Imoinda </font>
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 . (BEHN-E3-P1,163.135)

And $'t $was {TEXT:'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 . (BEHN-E3-P1,163.136)

But when he saw another door open'd by <font> Onahal </font> <paren> a
former old wife of the king's , who now had charge of <font> Imoinda
</font> , </paren> 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 .
(BEHN-E3-P1,163.137)

He was forced 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 <font> Imoinda </font> ! (BEHN-E3-P1,163.138)

When <font> Onahal </font> had finished her necessary affair within ,
shutting the door , she came forth , to wait till the king called ;
(BEHN-E3-P1,163.139)

and hearing some one sighing in the other room , she past on ,
(BEHN-E3-P1,163.140)

and found the prince in that deplorable condition , which she thought
needed her aid . (BEHN-E3-P1,163.141)

She gave him cordials , but all in vain ; till finding the nature of
his disease , by his sighs , and naming <font> Imoinda </font> , 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 wou'd not lose a moment
in jealousy ; and that she was confident <P_164> that <font> Imoinda
</font> bore , at this minute , part in his affliction .
(BEHN-E3-P1,164.142)

<font> Aboan </font> was of the same opinion , (BEHN-E3-P1,164.143)

and both together persuaded him to re-assume his courage ;
(BEHN-E3-P1,164.144)

and all sitting down on the carpet , the prince said so many obliging
things to <font> Onahal </font> , that he half-persuaded her to be of
his party : (BEHN-E3-P1,164.145)

and she promised him , she would thus far comply with his just desires
, that she would let <font> Imoinda </font> know how faithful he was ,
what he suffer'd , and what he said . (BEHN-E3-P1,164.146)

This discourse lasted till the king called , which gave <font> Oroonoko
</font> a certain satisfaction ; (BEHN-E3-P1,164.147)

and with the hope <font> Onahal </font> had made him conceive , he
assumed a look as gay as $'t $was {TEXT:'twas} possible a man in his
circumstances could do : (BEHN-E3-P1,164.148)

and presently after , he was call'd in with the rest who waited without
. (BEHN-E3-P1,164.149)

The king commanded musick to be brought , (BEHN-E3-P1,164.150)

and several of his young wives and mistresses came all together by his
command , to dance before him ; where <font> Imoinda </font> 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 .
(BEHN-E3-P1,164.151)

The prince was every moment more charmed with the new beauties and
graces he beheld in this fair one ; (BEHN-E3-P1,164.152)

and while he gazed , and she danc'd , <font> Onahal </font> was retired
to a window with <font> Aboan </font> . (BEHN-E3-P1,164.153)

This <font> Onahal </font> , as I said , was one of the cast-mistresses
{COM:sic} of the old king ; (BEHN-E3-P1,164.154)

and $'t $was {TEXT:'twas} these <paren> now past their beauty </paren>
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 charmed 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 their 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 . (BEHN-E3-P1,164.155)

And certainly , nothing is more afflicting to a decay'd beauty , than
to behold in it self declining <P_165> 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 . (BEHN-E3-P1,165.156)

Those abandon'd ladies therefore endeavour to revenge all the despights
and decays of time , on these flourishing happy ones .
(BEHN-E3-P1,165.157)

And $'t $was {TEXT:'twas} this severity that gave <font> Oroonoko
</font> a thousand fears he should never prevail with <font> Onahal
</font> to see <font> Imoinda </font> . (BEHN-E3-P1,165.158)

But , as I said , she was now retir'd to a window with <font> Aboan
</font> . (BEHN-E3-P1,165.159)

This young man was not only one of the best quality , but a man
extremely well made , and beautiful ; (BEHN-E3-P1,165.160)

and coming often to attend the king to the otan , he had subdu'd the
heart of the antiquated <font> Onahal </font> , which had not forgot
how pleasant it was to be in love . (BEHN-E3-P1,165.161)

And though she had some decays in her face , she had none in her sense
and wit ; (BEHN-E3-P1,165.162)

she was there agreeable still , even to <font> Aboan </font> 's youth :
so that he took pleasure in entertaining her with discourses of love .
(BEHN-E3-P1,165.163)

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 . (BEHN-E3-P1,165.164)

He had also observed that she had given him glances more tender and
inviting than she had done to others of his quality .
(BEHN-E3-P1,165.165)

And now , when he saw that her favour cou'd so absolutely oblige the
prince , he fail'd not to sigh in her ear , and to look with eyes all
soft upon her , (BEHN-E3-P1,165.166)

and gave her hope that she had made some impressions on his heart .
(BEHN-E3-P1,165.167)

He found her pleas'd at this , and making a thousand advances to him :
(BEHN-E3-P1,165.168)

but the ceremony ending , and the king departing , broke up the company
for that day , and his conversation . (BEHN-E3-P1,165.169)

<font> Aboan </font> fail'd not that night to tell the prince of his
success , and how advantageous the service of <font> Onahal </font>
might be to his amour with <font> Imoinda </font> .
(BEHN-E3-P1,165.170)

The prince was over-joy'd with this good news , (BEHN-E3-P1,165.171)

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 : (BEHN-E3-P1,165.172)

For then <paren> said the prince </paren> her life lying at your mercy
, she must grant you the request you make in my <P_166> behalf .
(BEHN-E3-P1,166.173)

<font> Aboan </font> understood him , (BEHN-E3-P1,166.174)

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 . (BEHN-E3-P1,166.175)

And $'t $was {TEXT:'twas} with impatience they waited the next
opportunity of going to the otan . (BEHN-E3-P1,166.176)

The wars came on , (BEHN-E3-P1,166.177)

the time of taking the field approached ; (BEHN-E3-P1,166.178)

and $'t $was {TEXT:'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 <font> Imoinda </font> :
(BEHN-E3-P1,166.179)

for he believed he cou'd not live , if he were forced away without
being so happy . (BEHN-E3-P1,166.180)

$'T $was {TEXT:'Twas} with impatience therefore that he expected the
next visit the king wou'd make ; (BEHN-E3-P1,166.181)

and according to his wish it was not long . (BEHN-E3-P1,166.182)

The parley of the eyes of these two lovers had not pass'd so secretly ,
but an old jealous lover could spy it ; (BEHN-E3-P1,166.183)

or rather , he wanted not flatterers who told him they observ'd it : so
that the prince was hasten'd to the camp , (BEHN-E3-P1,166.184)

and this was the last visit he found he should make to the otan ;
(BEHN-E3-P1,166.185)

he therefore urged <font> Aboan </font> to make the best of this last
effort , and to explain himself so to <font> Onahal </font> , that she
deferring her enjoyment of her young lover no longer , might make way
for the prince to speak to <font> Imoinda </font> .
(BEHN-E3-P1,166.186)

The whole affair being agreed on between the prince and <font> Aboan
</font> , 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 , <font>
Onahal </font> singled out <font> Aboan </font> , whom she found most
pliable to her wish . (BEHN-E3-P1,166.187)

When she had him where she believ'd she cou'd not be heard , she sigh'd
to him , and softly cry'd , <font> Ah </font> , Aboan ! <font> when
will you be sensible of my passion ? (BEHN-E3-P1,166.188)

I confess it with my mouth , because I would not give my eyes the lye ;
(BEHN-E3-P1,166.189)

and you have but too much already perceived they have confess'd my
flame : (BEHN-E3-P1,166.190)

nor would I have you believe , that because I am the abandoned mistress
of a king , I esteem my self altogether divested of charms :
(BEHN-E3-P1,166.191)

No </font> , Aboan ; <P_167> <font> I have still a rest of beauty
enough engaging , (BEHN-E3-P1,167.192)

and have learn'd to please too well , not to be desirable .
(BEHN-E3-P1,167.193)

I can have lovers still , (BEHN-E3-P1,167.194)

but will have none but </font> Aboan . (BEHN-E3-P1,167.195)

<font> Madam </font> , <paren> reply'd the half-feigning youth </paren>
<font> you have already , by my eyes , found you can still conquer ;
(BEHN-E3-P1,167.196)

and I believe $'t $is {TEXT:'tis} in Pity of me you condescend to this
kind confession . (BEHN-E3-P1,167.197)

But , madam , words are used to be so small a Part of our
country-courtship , that $'t $is {TEXT:'tis} rare one can get so happy
an opportunity as to tell one's heart ; (BEHN-E3-P1,167.198)

and those few minutes we have , are forced to be snatch'd for more
certain Proofs of love than speaking and sighing ; (BEHN-E3-P1,167.199)

and such I languish for . </font> (BEHN-E3-P1,167.200)

He spoke this with such a tone , that she hoped it true ,
(BEHN-E3-P1,167.201)

and cou'd not forbear believing it ; (BEHN-E3-P1,167.202)

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 , (BEHN-E3-P1,167.203)

and commanded him to wear 'em in his . (BEHN-E3-P1,167.204)

He would have refused 'em , crying , <font> Madam , these are not the
Proofs of your love that I expect ; (BEHN-E3-P1,167.205)

$'t $is {TEXT:'tis} opportunity , $'t $is {TEXT:'tis} a lone-hour only
, that can make me happy </font> . (BEHN-E3-P1,167.206)

But forcing the pearls into his hand , she whisper'd softly to him ;
<font> Oh ! do not fear a woman's invention , when love sets her a
thinking </font> . (BEHN-E3-P1,167.207)

And pressing his hand , she cry'd , <font> This night you shall be
happy : (BEHN-E3-P1,167.208)

Come to the gate of the orange-grove , behind the otan ,
(BEHN-E3-P1,167.209)

and I will be ready about mid-night to receive you . </font>
(BEHN-E3-P1,167.210)

$'T $was {TEXT:'Twas} thus agreed , (BEHN-E3-P1,167.211)

and she left him , that no notice might be taken of their speaking
together . (BEHN-E3-P1,167.212)

The ladies were still dancing , (BEHN-E3-P1,167.213)

and the king laid on a carpet with a great deal of pleasure was
beholding them , especially <font> Imoinda </font> , who that day
appear'd more lovely than ever , being enliven'd with the good tidings
<font> Onahal </font> had brought her , of the constant passion the
prince had for her . (BEHN-E3-P1,167.214)

The prince was laid on another carpet at the other end of the room ,
with his eyes fixed on the object of his soul ; (BEHN-E3-P1,167.215)

and as she turned or moved , so did they : (BEHN-E3-P1,167.216)

and she alone gave his eyes and soul their motions .
(BEHN-E3-P1,167.217)

Nor did <font> Imoinda </font> employ her eyes to any other use , than
in beholding with infinite pleasure <P_168> the joy she produced in
those of the prince . (BEHN-E3-P1,168.218)

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 :
(BEHN-E3-P1,168.219)

and $'t $was {TEXT:'twas} visible to the whole presence , the joy
wherewith he received her . (BEHN-E3-P1,168.220)

He clasped her close to his bosom , (BEHN-E3-P1,168.221)

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 .
(BEHN-E3-P1,168.222)

And had not the presence of mind of <font> Imoinda </font> <paren>
fonder of his safety , than her own </paren> befriended him , in making
her spring from his arms , and fall into her dance again , he had at
that instant met his death ; (BEHN-E3-P1,168.223)

for the old king , jealous to the last degree , rose up in rage ,
(BEHN-E3-P1,168.224)

broke all the diversion , (BEHN-E3-P1,168.225)

and led <font> Imoinda </font> to her apartment , (BEHN-E3-P1,168.226)

and sent out word to the prince , to go immediately to the camp ; and
that if he were found another night in court , he shou'd suffer the
death ordained for disobedient offenders . (BEHN-E3-P1,168.227)

You may imagine how welcome this news was to <font> Oroonoko </font> ,
whose unseasonable transport and caress of <font> Imoinda </font> was
blamed by all men that loved him : (BEHN-E3-P1,168.228)

and now he perceived his fault , (BEHN-E3-P1,168.229)

yet cry'd , <font> That for such another moment he would be content to
die . </font> (BEHN-E3-P1,168.230)

All the otan was in disorder about this accident ; (BEHN-E3-P1,168.231)

and <font> Onahal </font> was particularly concern'd , because on the
prince's stay depended her happiness ; (BEHN-E3-P1,168.232)

for she cou'd no longer expect that of <font> Aboan </font> :
(BEHN-E3-P1,168.233)

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 wou'd wait her orders .
(BEHN-E3-P1,168.234)

They parted thus with grief enough till night , leaving the king in
possession of the lovely maid . (BEHN-E3-P1,168.235)

But nothing could appease the jealousy of the old lover ;
(BEHN-E3-P1,168.236)

he wou'd not be imposed on , (BEHN-E3-P1,168.237)

but would have it , that <font> Imoinda </font> made a false step on
purpose to fall into <font> Oroonoko </font> 's bosom , and that all
things looked like a design on both sides ; (BEHN-E3-P1,168.238)

and $'t $was {TEXT:'twas} in vain she protested her innocence :
(BEHN-E3-P1,168.239)

He was old and obstinate , (BEHN-E3-P1,168.240)

and left her more than half assur'd that his fear was true .
(BEHN-E3-P1,168.241)

<P_169>

The king going to his apartment , sent to know where the prince was ,
and if he intended to obey his command . (BEHN-E3-P1,169.243)

The messenger return'd , (BEHN-E3-P1,169.244)

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 . (BEHN-E3-P1,169.245)

This confirmed the jealousy of the king , (BEHN-E3-P1,169.246)

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 shou'd be employ'd to watch him : So that the hour approaching
, wherein he was to go to the citrongrove ; and taking only <font>
Aboan </font> along with him , he leaves his apartment ,
(BEHN-E3-P1,169.247)

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
. (BEHN-E3-P1,169.248)

<font> Oroonoko </font> and <font> Aboan </font> were no sooner enter'd
, but <font> Onahal </font> led the prince to the apartment of <font>
Imoinda </font> ; who , not knowing any thing of her happiness , was
laid in bed . (BEHN-E3-P1,169.249)

But <font> Onahal </font> only left him in her chamber , to make the
best of his opportunity , (BEHN-E3-P1,169.250)

and took her dear <font> Aboan </font> to her own ; where he shew'd the
height of complaisance for his prince , when , to give him an
opportunity , he suffer'd himself to be caress'd in bed by <font>
Onahal </font> . (BEHN-E3-P1,169.251)

The prince softly waken'd <font> Imoinda </font> , who was not a little
surpriz'd with joy to find him there ; (BEHN-E3-P1,169.252)

and yet she trembled with a thousand fears . (BEHN-E3-P1,169.253)

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 . (BEHN-E3-P1,169.254)

And I believe she was not long resisting those arms where she so long'd
to be ; (BEHN-E3-P1,169.255)

and having opportunity , night , and silence , youth , love and desire
, he soon prevail'd , (BEHN-E3-P1,169.256)

and ravished in a moment what his old grandfather had been endeavouring
for so many months . (BEHN-E3-P1,169.257)