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[s0001] [s0002] [147.3] OROONOKO; OR THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL SLAVE [s0004] [147.5] 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: [147.6] 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. [147.7] I was myself an eye-witness to a great part of what you will find here set down; [147.8] 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: [147.9] 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. [147.10] The scene of the last part of his adventures lies in a colony in America, called Surinam, in the West-Indies. [147.11] But before I give you the story of this gallant slave, $'t $is 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: [148.12] for those we live with in perfect amity, without daring to command 'em; [148.13] 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. [148.14] Then for little paraketoes, great parrots, muckaws, and a thousand other birds and beasts of wonderful and surprizing forms, shapes, and colours. [148.15] 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 imitate. [148.16] 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. [148.17] I had a set of these presented to me, [148.18] and I gave 'em to the King's Theatre, [148.19] and it was the dress of the Indian Queen, infinitely admir'd by persons of quality; [148.20] and was unimitable. [148.21] Besides these, a thousand little knacks, and rarities in nature; and some of art, as their baskets, weapons, aprons, &c. [148.22] 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. [149.23] The beads they weave into aprons about a quarter of an ell long, and of the same breadth; working them very prettily in flowers of several colours; which apron they wear just before 'em, as Adam and Eve did the figleaves; the men wearing a long stripe of linen, which they deal with us for. [149.24] They thread these beads also on long cotton-threads, [149.25] 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. [149.26] 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. [149.27] Some of the beauties, which indeed are finely shap'd, as almost all are, and who have pretty features, are charming and novel; [149.28] for they have all that is called beauty, except the colour, which is a reddish yellow; [149.29] 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. [149.30] They are extreme modest and bashful, very shy, and nice of being touch'd. [149.31] 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: [149.32] 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; [149.33] but all you can see, you see at once, [149.34] and every moment see; [149.35] and where there is no novelty, there can be no curiosity. [149.36] Not but I have seen a handsome young Indian, dying for love of a very beautiful young Indian maid; [149.37] but all his courtship was, to fold his arms, pursue her with his eyes, [149.38] 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. [149.39] And these people represented to me an absolute idea of the first state of innocence, before man knew how to sin: [149.40] And $'t $is most evident and plain, that simple nature is the most harmless, inoffensive and vertuous mistress. [149.41] $'T $is she alone, if she were permitted, that better instructs the world, than all the inventions of man: [150.42] religion wou'd here but destroy that tranquillity they possess by ignorance; [150.43] and laws wou'd but teach 'em to know offence, of which now they have no notion. [150.44] 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: [150.45] 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? [150.46] The governor told them, Such a man was a lyar, which was a word of infamy to a gentleman. [150.47] Then one of 'em reply'd, Governor, you are a lyar, and guilty of that infamy. [150.48] They have a native justice, which knows no fraud; [150.49] and they understand no vice, or cunning, but when they are taught by the white men. [150.50] 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; [150.51] and unless they take slaves in war, they have no other attendants. [150.52] Those on that continent where I was, had no king; [150.53] but the oldest war-captain was obey'd with great resignation. [150.54] 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. [150.55] 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; [150.56] and for very small and unvaluable trifles, supply us with that $'t $is impossible for us to get: [150.57] 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, [150.58] and by the mere activity of their feet run down the nimblest deer, and other eatable beasts; [151.59] 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, diving, and almost living in water; by which they command the less swift inhabitants of the floods. [151.60] And then for shooting, what they $can $not take, or reach with their hands, they do with arrows; [151.61] and have so admirable an aim, that they will split almost an hair, and at any distance that an arrow can reach: [151.62] 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, [151.63] nor dare we do other, their numbers so far surpassing ours in that continent. [151.64] 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. [151.65] Those who want slaves, make a bargain with a master, or a captain of a ship, [151.66] 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; [151.67] and perhaps in one lot that may be for ten, there may happen to be three or four men, the rest women and children. [151.68] Or be there more or less of either sex, you are obliged to be contented with your lot. [151.69] Coramantien, a country of blacks so called, was one of those places in which they found the most advantageous trading for these slaves, [151.70] and thither most of our great traders in that merchandize traffick; [151.71] for that nation is very warlike and brave: [151.72] 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: [151.73] for all they took in battle were sold as slaves; at least those common men who cou'd not ransom themselves. [151.74] Of these slaves so taken, the general only has all the profit; [152.75] and of these generals our captains and masters of ships buy all their freights. [152.76] The king of Coramantien was himself a man of an hundred and odd years old, [152.77] and had no son, tho he had many beautiful black wives: [152.78] for most certainly there are beauties that can charm of that colour. [152.79] In his younger years he had had many gallant men to his sons, thirteen of whom died in battle, conquering when they fell; [152.80] and he had only left him for his successor, one grand-child, son to one of these dead victors, who, as soon as he could bear a bow in his hand, and a quiver at his back, was sent into the field to be train'd up by one of the oldest generals to war; where, from his natural inclination to arms, and the occasions given him with the good conduct of the old general, he became, at the age of seventeen, one of the most expert captains, and bravest soldiers that ever saw the field of Mars: so that he was ador'd as the wonder of all that world, and the darling of the soldiers [152.81] 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. [152.82] He had scarce arrived at his seventeenth year, when, fighting by his side, the general was kill'd with an arrow in his eye, which the Prince Oroonoko for so was this gallant Moor call'd very narrowly avoided; [152.83] 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. [152.84] $'T $was then, afflicted as Oroonoko was, that he was proclaimed general in the old man's place: [153.85] 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 time of his fifth year to that of seventeen; [153.86] and $'t $was amazing to imagine where it was he learn'd so much humanity: or, to give his accomplishments a juster name, where $'t $was 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. [153.87] Some part of it we may attribute to the care of a Frenchman 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. [153.88] Another reason was, he lov'd when he came from war, to see all the English gentlemen that traded thither; [153.89] and did not only learn their language, but that of the Spaniard also, with whom he traded afterwards for slaves. [153.90] I have often seen and conversed with this great man, and been a witness to many of his mighty actions; [153.91] and do assure my reader, the most illustrious courts could not have produced a braver man, both for greatness of courage and mind, a judgment more solid, a wit more quick, and a conversation more sweet and diverting. [153.92] He knew almost as much as if he had read much: [153.93] He had heard of and admired the Romans: [153.94] He had heard of the late civil wars in England, and the deplorable death of our great monarch; [153.95] and wou'd discourse of it with all the sense and abhorrence of the injustice imaginable. [153.96] He had an extreme good and graceful mien, and all the civility of a well-bred great man. [153.97] He had nothing of barbarity in his nature, [153.98] but in all points address'd himself as if his education had been in some European court. [154.99] This great and just character of Oroonoko gave me an extreme curiosity to see him, especially when I knew he spoke French and English, and that I could talk with him. [154.100] 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. [154.101] He came into the room, [154.102] and addressed himself to me, and some other women, with the best grace in the world. [154.103] He was pretty tall, but of a shape the most exact that can be fancy'd: [154.104] The most famous statuary cou'd not form the figure of a man more admirably turn'd from head to foot. [154.105] His face was not of that brown rusty black which most of that nation are, but of perfect ebony, or polished jett. [154.106] 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. [154.107] His nose was rising and Roman, instead of African and flat. His mouth the finest shaped that could be seen; far from those great turn'd lips, which are so natural to the rest of the negroes. [154.108] 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. [154.109] There was no one grace wanting, that bears the standard of true beauty. [154.110] 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. [154.111] Nor did the perfections of his mind come short of those of his person; [154.112] for his discourse was admirable upon almost any subject: [154.113] 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; [154.114] and wou'd have confess'd that Oroonoko was as capable even of reigning well, and of governing as wisely, had as great a soul, as politick maxims, and was as sensible of power, as any prince civiliz'd in the most refined schools of humanity and learning, or the most illustrious courts. [155.115] This prince, such as I have describ'd him, whose soul and body were so admirably adorned, was while yet he was in the court of his grandfather, as I said as capable of love, as $'t $was possible for a brave and gallant man to be; [155.116] and in saying that, I have named the highest degree of love: [155.117] for sure great souls are most capable of that passion. [155.118] I have already said, the old general was kill'd by the shot of an arrow by the side of this prince in battle; and that Oroonoko was made general. [155.119] This old dead hero had one only daughter left of his race, a beauty, that to describe her truly, one need say only, she was female to the noble male; the beautiful black Venus to our young Mars; as charming in her person as he, and of delicate vertues. [155.120] I have seen a hundred white men sighing after her, and making a thousand vows at her feet, all in vain, and unsuccessful. [155.121] And she was indeed too great for any but a prince of her own nation to adore. [s0122] [s0123] [162.124] 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; [162.125] and when he appear'd in the presence of the king, he shew'd a face not at all betraying his heart: so that in a little time, the old man, being entirely convinc'd that he was no longer a lover of Imoinda, he carry'd him with him, in his train, to the otan, often to banquet with his mistresses. [162.126] But as soon as he enter'd, one day, into the apartment of Imoinda, with the king, at the first glance from her eyes, notwithstanding all his determined resolution, he was ready to sink in the place where he stood; [162.127] and had certainly done so, but for the support of Aboan, a young man who was next to him; which, with his change of countenance, had betray'd him, had the king chanc'd to look that way. [162.128] And I have observ'd, $'t $is a very great error in those who laugh when one says, A negro can change colour: [162.129] for I have seen 'em as frequently blush, and look pale, and that as visibly as ever I saw in the most beautiful white. [162.130] And $'t $is certain, that both these changes were evident, this day, in both these lovers. [163.131] And Imoinda, who saw with some joy the change in the prince's face, and found it in her own, strove to divert the king from beholding either, by a forc'd caress, with which she met him; which was a new wound in the heart of the poor dying prince. [163.132] But as soon as the king was busy'd in looking on some fine thing of Imoinda 's making, she had time to tell the prince, with her angry, but love-darting eyes, that she resented his coldness, and bemoan'd her own miserable captivity. [163.133] Nor were his eyes silent, [163.134] 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: [163.135] And they spoke so well, and so effectually, as Imoinda no longer doubted but she was the only delight and darling of that soul she found pleading in 'em its right of love, which none was more willing to resign than she. [163.136] And $'t $was 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. [163.137] But when he saw another door open'd by Onahal a former old wife of the king's, who now had charge of Imoinda, and saw the prospect of a bed of state made ready, with sweets and flowers for the dalliance of the king, who immediately led the trembling victim from his sight, into that prepar'd repose; what rage! what wild frenzies seiz'd his heart! which forcing to keep within bounds, and to suffer without noise, it became the more insupportable, and rent his soul with ten thousand pains. [163.138] 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 Imoinda! [163.139] When Onahal had finished her necessary affair within, shutting the door, she came forth, to wait till the king called; [163.140] and hearing some one sighing in the other room, she past on, [163.141] and found the prince in that deplorable condition, which she thought needed her aid. [164.142] She gave him cordials, but all in vain; till finding the nature of his disease, by his sighs, and naming Imoinda, she told him he had not so much cause as he imagined to afflict himself: for if he knew the king so well as she did, he wou'd not lose a moment in jealousy; and that she was confident that Imoinda bore, at this minute, part in his affliction. [164.143] Aboan was of the same opinion, [164.144] and both together persuaded him to re-assume his courage; [164.145] and all sitting down on the carpet, the prince said so many obliging things to Onahal, that he half-persuaded her to be of his party: [164.146] and she promised him, she would thus far comply with his just desires, that she would let Imoinda know how faithful he was, what he suffer'd, and what he said. [164.147] This discourse lasted till the king called, which gave Oroonoko a certain satisfaction; [164.148] and with the hope Onahal had made him conceive, he assumed a look as gay as $'t $was possible a man in his circumstances could do: [164.149] and presently after, he was call'd in with the rest who waited without. [164.150] The king commanded musick to be brought, [164.151] and several of his young wives and mistresses came all together by his command, to dance before him; where Imoinda perform'd her part with an air and grace so surpassing all the rest, as her beauty was above 'em, and received the present ordained as a prize. [164.152] The prince was every moment more charmed with the new beauties and graces he beheld in this fair one; [164.153] and while he gazed, and she danc'd, Onahal was retired to a window with Aboan. [164.154] This Onahal, as I said, was one of the cast-mistresses of the old king; [164.155] and $'t $was these now past their beauty that were made guardians or governantees to the new and the young ones, and whose business it was to teach them all those wanton arts of love, with which they prevail'd and 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. [165.156] And certainly, nothing is more afflicting to a decay'd beauty, than to behold in it self declining charms, that were once ador'd; and to find those caresses paid to new beauties, to which once she laid claim; to hear them whisper, as she passes by, that once was a delicate woman. [165.157] Those abandon'd ladies therefore endeavour to revenge all the despights and decays of time, on these flourishing happy ones. [165.158] And $'t $was this severity that gave Oroonoko a thousand fears he should never prevail with Onahal to see Imoinda. [165.159] But, as I said, she was now retir'd to a window with Aboan. [165.160] This young man was not only one of the best quality, but a man extremely well made, and beautiful; [165.161] and coming often to attend the king to the otan, he had subdu'd the heart of the antiquated Onahal, which had not forgot how pleasant it was to be in love. [165.162] And though she had some decays in her face, she had none in her sense and wit; [165.163] she was there agreeable still, even to Aboan 's youth: so that he took pleasure in entertaining her with discourses of love. [165.164] 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. [165.165] He had also observed that she had given him glances more tender and inviting than she had done to others of his quality. [165.166] 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, [165.167] and gave her hope that she had made some impressions on his heart. [165.168] He found her pleas'd at this, and making a thousand advances to him: [165.169] but the ceremony ending, and the king departing, broke up the company for that day, and his conversation. [165.170] Aboan fail'd not that night to tell the prince of his success, and how advantageous the service of Onahal might be to his amour with Imoinda. [165.171] The prince was over-joy'd with this good news, [165.172] 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: [166.173] For then said the prince her life lying at your mercy, she must grant you the request you make in my behalf. [166.174] Aboan understood him, [166.175] 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. [166.176] And $'t $was with impatience they waited the next opportunity of going to the otan. [166.177] The wars came on, [166.178] the time of taking the field approached; [166.179] and $'t $was impossible for the prince to delay his going at the head of his army to encounter the enemy; so that every day seem'd a tedious year, till he saw his Imoinda: [166.180] for he believed he cou'd not live, if he were forced away without being so happy. [166.181] $'T $was with impatience therefore that he expected the next visit the king wou'd make; [166.182] and according to his wish it was not long. [166.183] The parley of the eyes of these two lovers had not pass'd so secretly, but an old jealous lover could spy it; [166.184] or rather, he wanted not flatterers who told him they observ'd it: so that the prince was hasten'd to the camp, [166.185] and this was the last visit he found he should make to the otan; [166.186] he therefore urged Aboan to make the best of this last effort, and to explain himself so to Onahal, that she deferring her enjoyment of her young lover no longer, might make way for the prince to speak to Imoinda. [166.187] The whole affair being agreed on between the prince and Aboan, they attended the king, as the custom was, to the Otan; where, while the whole company was taken up in beholding the dancing, and antick postures the women-royal made, to divert the king, Onahal singled out Aboan, whom she found most pliable to her wish. [166.188] When she had him where she believ'd she cou'd not be heard, she sigh'd to him, and softly cry'd, Ah, Aboan! when will you be sensible of my passion? [166.189] I confess it with my mouth, because I would not give my eyes the lye; [166.190] and you have but too much already perceived they have confess'd my flame: [166.191] nor would I have you believe, that because I am the abandoned mistress of a king, I esteem my self altogether divested of charms: [167.192] No, Aboan; I have still a rest of beauty enough engaging, [167.193] and have learn'd to please too well, not to be desirable. [167.194] I can have lovers still, [167.195] but will have none but Aboan. [167.196] Madam, reply'd the half-feigning youth you have already, by my eyes, found you can still conquer; [167.197] and I believe $'t $is in Pity of me you condescend to this kind confession. [167.198] But, madam, words are used to be so small a Part of our country-courtship, that $'t $is rare one can get so happy an opportunity as to tell one's heart; [167.199] and those few minutes we have, are forced to be snatch'd for more certain Proofs of love than speaking and sighing; [167.200] and such I languish for. [167.201] He spoke this with such a tone, that she hoped it true, [167.202] and cou'd not forbear believing it; [167.203] 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, [167.204] and commanded him to wear 'em in his. [167.205] He would have refused 'em, crying, Madam, these are not the Proofs of your love that I expect; [167.206] $'t $is opportunity, $'t $is a lone-hour only, that can make me happy. [167.207] But forcing the pearls into his hand, she whisper'd softly to him; Oh! do not fear a woman's invention, when love sets her a thinking. [167.208] And pressing his hand, she cry'd, This night you shall be happy: [167.209] Come to the gate of the orange-grove, behind the otan, [167.210] and I will be ready about mid-night to receive you. [167.211] $'T $was thus agreed, [167.212] and she left him, that no notice might be taken of their speaking together. [167.213] The ladies were still dancing, [167.214] and the king laid on a carpet with a great deal of pleasure was beholding them, especially Imoinda, who that day appear'd more lovely than ever, being enliven'd with the good tidings Onahal had brought her, of the constant passion the prince had for her. [167.215] The prince was laid on another carpet at the other end of the room, with his eyes fixed on the object of his soul; [167.216] and as she turned or moved, so did they: [167.217] and she alone gave his eyes and soul their motions. [168.218] Nor did Imoinda employ her eyes to any other use, than in beholding with infinite pleasure the joy she produced in those of the prince. [168.219] 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: [168.220] and $'t $was visible to the whole presence, the joy wherewith he received her. [168.221] He clasped her close to his bosom, [168.222] 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. [168.223] And had not the presence of mind of Imoinda fonder of his safety, than her own befriended him, in making her spring from his arms, and fall into her dance again, he had at that instant met his death; [168.224] for the old king, jealous to the last degree, rose up in rage, [168.225] broke all the diversion, [168.226] and led Imoinda to her apartment, [168.227] 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. [168.228] You may imagine how welcome this news was to Oroonoko, whose unseasonable transport and caress of Imoinda was blamed by all men that loved him: [168.229] and now he perceived his fault, [168.230] yet cry'd, That for such another moment he would be content to die. [168.231] All the otan was in disorder about this accident; [168.232] and Onahal was particularly concern'd, because on the prince's stay depended her happiness; [168.233] for she cou'd no longer expect that of Aboan: [168.234] 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. [168.235] They parted thus with grief enough till night, leaving the king in possession of the lovely maid. [168.236] But nothing could appease the jealousy of the old lover; [168.237] he wou'd not be imposed on, [168.238] but would have it, that Imoinda made a false step on purpose to fall into Oroonoko 's bosom, and that all things looked like a design on both sides; [168.239] and $'t $was in vain she protested her innocence: [168.240] He was old and obstinate, [168.241] and left her more than half assur'd that his fear was true. [s0242] [169.243] The king going to his apartment, sent to know where the prince was, and if he intended to obey his command. [169.244] The messenger return'd, [169.245] 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. [169.246] This confirmed the jealousy of the king, [169.247] 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 Aboan along with him, he leaves his apartment, [169.248] 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. [169.249] Oroonoko and Aboan were no sooner enter'd, but Onahal led the prince to the apartment of Imoinda; who, not knowing any thing of her happiness, was laid in bed. [169.250] But Onahal only left him in her chamber, to make the best of his opportunity, [169.251] and took her dear Aboan 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 Onahal. [169.252] The prince softly waken'd Imoinda, who was not a little surpriz'd with joy to find him there; [169.253] and yet she trembled with a thousand fears. [169.254] 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. [169.255] And I believe she was not long resisting those arms where she so long'd to be; [169.256] and having opportunity, night, and silence, youth, love and desire, he soon prevail'd, [169.257] and ravished in a moment what his old grandfather had been endeavouring for so many months.