Oroonoko, or, The Royal Slave

By Mrs. A. BEHN.

LONDON,

Printed for Will. Canning, at his Shop in

the Temple-Cloysters. 1688.

[page break]

TO THE

Right Honourable

THE

Lord MAITLAND.

My Lord,

[page break] Exception; and whose Wit, and Worth, truly Merits all that one is capable of saying upon that Occasion.

[page break] many Lights, before he begins; that he may chuse, from the several turns of it, which is most Agreeable, and gives it the best Grace; and if there be a Scar, an ungrateful Mole, or any little Defect, they leave it out; and yet make the Picture extreamly like: But he who has the good Fortune to draw a Face that is exactly Charming in all its Parts and Features, what Colours or Agreements can be added to make it Finer? All that he can give is but its due; and Glories in a Piece whose Original alone gives it its Perfection. An ill Hand may diminish, but a good Hand cannot augment its Beauty. A Poet is a Painter [page break] in his way; he draws to the Life, but in another kind; we draw the Nobler part, the Soul and Mind; the Pictures of the Pen shall out-last those of the Pencil, and even Worlds themselves. ‘Tis a short Chronicle of those Lives that possibly wou’d be forgotten by other Historians, or lye neglected there, however deserving an immortal Fame; for Men of eminent Parts are as Exemplary as even Monarchs themselves; and Virtue is a noble Lesson to be learn’d, and ’tis by Comparison we can Judge and Chuse. ‘Tis by such illustrious Presidents, as your Lordship, the World can be Better’d and Refin’d; when a great part of the lazy Nobi- [page break] lity shall, with Shame, behold the admirable Accomplishments of a Man so Great, and so Young.

[page break] and fine Knowledge; such noble Principles of Loyalty and Religion this Nation Sighs for. Where shall we find a Man so Young, like St. Augustine, in the midst of all his Youth and Gaiety, Teaching the World divine Precepts, true Notions of Faith, and Excellent Morality, and, at the same time, be also a perfect Pattern of all that accomplish a Great Man? You have, my Lord, all that refin’d Wit that Charms, and the Affability that Obliges; a Generosity that gives a Lustre to your Nobility; that. Hospitality, and Greatness of Mind, that ingages the World; and that admirable Conduct, that so [page break] well Instructs it. Our Nation ought to regret and bemoan their Misfortunes, for not being able to claim the Honour of the Birth of a Man who is so fit to serve his Majesty, and his Kingdoms, in all Great and Publick Affairs: And to the Glory of your Nation be it spoken, it produces more considerable Men, for all fine Sence, Wit, Wisdom, Breeding, and Generosity (for the generality of the Nobility) than all other Nations can Boast; and the Fruitfulness of your Virtues sufficiently make amends for the Barrenness of your Soil: Which however cannot be incommode to your Lordship; since your Quality, and the [page break] Veneration that the Commonalty naturally pay their Lords, creates a flowing Plenty there—that makes you Happy. And to compleat your Happiness, my Lord, Heaven has blest you with a Lady, to whom it has given all the Graces, Beauties, and Virtues of her Sex; all the Youth, Sweetness of Nature; of a most illustrious Family; and who is a most rare Example to all Wives of Quality, for her eminent Piety, Easiness, and Condescention; and as absolutely merits Respect from all the World, as she does that Passion and Resignation she receives from your Lordship; and which is, on her part, with so much Ten- [page break] derness return’d. Methinks your tranquil Lives are an Image of the new Made and Beautiful Pair in Paradise: And ’tis the Prayers and Wishes of all, who have the Honour to know you, that it may Eternally so continue, with Additions of all the Blessings this World can give you.

[page break] true Story, of a Man Gallant enough to merit your Protection; and, had he always been so Fortunate, he had not made so Inglorious an end: The Royal Slave I had the Honour to know in my Travels to the other World; and though I had none above me in that Country, yet I wanted power to preserve this Great Man. If there be any thing that seems Romantick, I beseech your Lordship to consider, these Countries do, in all things, so far differ from ours, that they produce unconceivable Wonders; at least, they appear so to us, because New and Strange. What I have mention’d I have taken care shou’d [page break] be Truth, let the Critical Reader judge as he pleases. ‘Twill be no Commendation to the Book, to assure your Lordship I writ it in a few Hours, though it may serve to Excuse some of its Faults of Connexion; for I never rested my Pen a Moment for Thought: ‘Tis purely the Merit of my Slave that must render it worthy of the Honour it begs; and the Author of that of Subscribing herself,

My Lord,
A. BEHN.

[page break]

THE

HISTORY

OF THE

Royal Slave.

[2] 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.

tedious and heavy to my Reader, in a World where he finds Diversions for every Minute, [3] new and strange: But we who were perfectly charm’d with the Character of this great Man, were curious to gather every Circumstance of his Life.

The Scene of the last part of his Adventures lies in a Colony in America, called Surinam, in the West-Indies.

Marmosets, a sort of Monkey as [4] big as a Rat or Weesel, but of a marvellous and delicate shape, and has Face and Hands like an Humane 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. Then for little Parakeetoes, great Parrots, Muckaws, and a thousand other Birds and Beasts of wonderful and surprizing Forms, Shapes, and Colours. For Skins of prodigious Snakes, of which there are some threescore Yards in length; as is the Skin of one that may be seen at His Majesty’s Antiquaries: 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 [5] cannot imitate. Then we trade for Feathers, which they order into all Shapes, make themselves little short Habits of ’em, and glorious Wreaths for their Heads, Necks, Arms and Legs, whose Tinctures are unconceivable. I had a Set of these presented to me, and I gave ’em to the King’s Theatre, and it was the Dress of the Indian Queen, infinitely admir’d by Persons of Quality; and were unimitable. Besides these, a thousand little Knacks, and Rarities in Nature, and some of Art; as their Baskets, Weapons, Aprons, &c. We dealt with ’em with Beads of all Colours, Knives, Axes, Pins and Needles; which they us’d only as Tools to drill Holes with in their Ears, Noses and Lips, where they hang a great many little things; as long Beads, bits of Tin, [6] Brass, or Silver, beat thin; and any shining Trincket. 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 of Beads; which Apron they wear just before ’em, as Adam and Eve did the Fig-leaves; the Men wearing a long Stripe of Linen, which they deal with us for. They thread these Beads also on long Cotton-threads, and make Girdles to tie their Aprons to, which come twenty times, or more, about the Waste; and then cross, like a Shoulder-belt, both ways, and round their Necks, Arms and Legs. This Adornment, with their long black Hair, and the Face painted in little Specks or Flowers here and there, makes ’em a wonderful Figure to [7] behold. Some of the Beauties which indeed are finely shap’d, as almost all are, and who have pretty Features, are very charming and novel; for they have all that is called Beauty, except the Colour, which is a reddish Yellow; or after a new Oiling, which they often use to themselves, they are of the colour of a new Brick, but smooth, soft and sleek. They are extream modest and bashful, very shy, and nice of being touch’d. And though they are all thus naked, if one lives for ever among ’em, there is not to be seen an indecent Action, or Glance; and being continually us’d to see one another so unadorn’d, so like our first Parents before the Fall, it seems as if they had no Wishes; there being nothing to heighten Curiosity, but all you can see, you [8] see at once, and every Moment see; and where there is no Novelty, there can be no Curiosity. Not but I have seen a handsom young Indian, dying for Love of a very beautiful young Indian Maid; but all his Courtship was, to fold his Arms, pursue her with his Eyes, and Sighs were all his Language: While she, as if no such Lover were present; or rather, as if she desired none such, carefully guarded her Eyes from beholding him; and never approach’d him, but she look’d down with all the blushing Modesty I have seen in the most severe and cautious of our World. And these People represented to me an absolute Idea of the first State of Innocence, before Man knew how to sin: And ’tis most evident and plain, that simple Nature is the most harmless, inoffen-[9] sive and vertuous Mistress. ‘Tis she alone, if she were permitted, that better instructs the World, than all the Inventions of Man: Religion wou’d here but destroy that Tranquillity, they possess by Ignorance; and Laws wou’d but teach ’em to know Offence, of which now they have no Notion. They once made Mourning and Fasting for the Death of the English Governor, who had given his Hand to come on such a Day to ’em, and neither came, nor sent; believing, when once a Man’s Word was past, nothing but Death cou’d or shou’d prevent his keeping it: And when they saw he was not dead, they ask’d him, what Name they had for a Man who promis’d a thing he did not do? The Governor told them, Such a man was a Lyar, which [10] was a Word of Infamy to a Gentleman. Then one of ’em reply’d, Governor, you are a Lyar, and guilty of that Infamy. They have a Native Justice, which knows no Fraud; and they understand no Vice, or Cunning, but when they are taught by the White Men. They have Plurality of Wives, which, when they grow old, they serve those that succeed ’em, who are young; but with a Servitude easie and respected; and unless they take Slaves in War, they have no other Attendants.

[11] more hereafter, and of some other of their Customs and Manners, as they fall in my way.

[12] Deep; so rare an Art they have in Swimming, Diving, and almost Living in Water; by which they command the less swift Inhabitants of the Floods. And then for Shooting; what they cannot take, or reach with their Hands, they do with Arrows; and have so admirable an Aim, that they will split almost an Hair; and at any distance that an Arrow can reach, they will shoot down Oranges, and other Fruit, and only touch the Stalk with the Dart’s Points, that they may not hurt the Fruit. So that they being, on all Occasions, very useful to us, we find it absolutely necessary to caress ’em as Friends, and not to treat ’em as Slaves; nor dare we do other, their Numbers so far surpassing ours in that Continent.

Coramantien, a Country of Blacks so called, was one of those places in which they found the most advantageous Trading for these Slaves; and thither most of our great Traders in that Merchandice traffick’d; for that Nation is very war-like and brave; and having a continual Campaign, being always in Hostility with one neighbouring Prince or other, they had the fortune to take a great many Captives; for all they took in Battel, were sold as Slaves; at least, those common Men who cou’d not ransom themselves. Of these Slaves so taken, the General only has all the profit; and of these Generals, our Captains and Masters of Ships buy all their Freights.

[16] the Field of Mars: So that he was ador’d as the Wonder of all that World, and the Darling of the Soldiers. Besides, he was adorn’d with a native Beauty so transcending all those of his gloomy Race, that he strook an Awe and Reverence, even in those that knew not his Quality; as he did in me, who beheld him with Surprize and Wonder, when afterwards he arriv’d in our World.

[17] Body rather than it shou’d touch that of the Prince, and so saved him.

[18] continually fighting Men, or those mangl’d, or dead; who heard no Sounds, but those of War and Groans: Some part of it we may attribute to the Care of a French-Man of Wit and Learning; who finding it turn to very good Account to be a sort of Royal Tutor to this young Black, & perceiving him very ready, apt, and quick of Apprehension, took a great pleasure to teach him Morals, Language and Science; and was for it extreamly belov’d and valu’d by him. Another Reason was, He lov’d, when he came from War, to see all the English Gentlemen that traded thither; and did not only learn their Language, but that of the Spaniards also, with whom he traded afterwards for Slaves.

the late Civil Wars in England, and the deplorable Death of our great Monarch; and wou’d discourse of it with all the Sense, and Abhorrence of the Injustice imaginable. He had an extream good and graceful Mien, and all the Civility of a well-bred great Man. He had nothing of Barbarity in his Nature, but in all Points address’d himself, as if his Education had been in some European Court.

French and English, and that I cou’d talk with him. But though I had heard so much of him, I was as greatly surpriz’d when I saw him, as if I had heard nothing of him; so beyond all Report I found him. He came into the Room, and address’d himself to me, and some other Women, with the best Grace in the World. He was pretty tall, but of a Shape the most exact that can be fansy’d: The most famous Statuary cou’d not form the Figure of a Man more admirably turn’d from Head to Foot. His Face was not of that brown, rusty Black which most of that Nation are, but a perfect Ebony, or polish’d Jett. 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. His Nose was rising and Roman, instead of African and flat. His Mouth, the finest shap’d that cou’d be seen; far from those great turn’d Lips, which are so natural to the rest of the Negroes. The whole Proportion and Air of his Face was so noble, and exactly form’d, that, bating his Colour, there cou’d be nothing in Nature more beautiful, agreeable and handsome. There was no one Grace wanting, that bears the Standard of true Beauty: His Hair came down to his Shoulders, by the Aids of Art; which was, by pulling it out with a Quill, and keeping it comb’d; of which he took particular Care. Nor did the Perfections of his Mind come short of those of his Person; for his Discourse was admirable upon almost any Subject; and who-ever had heard him speak, wou’d have been convinc’d of their Errors, that all fine Wit is confin’d to the White Men, especially to those of Christendom; 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 refin’d Schools of Humanity and Learning, or the most Illustrious Courts.

[26] The Prince return’d to Court with quite another Humour than before; and though he did not speak much of the fair Imoinda, he had the pleasure to hear all his Followers speak of nothing but the Charms of that Maid; insomuch that, even in the Presence of the old King, they were extolling her, and heightning, if possible, the Beauties they had found in her: So that nothing else was talk’d of, no other Sound was heard in every Corner where there were Whisperers, but Imoinda! Imoinda!

[27] [28]  [29] 

[ 31] [32] 

Imoinda, all in [34] Imoinda, seeing his Eyes fierce, and his Hands tremble; [35] [36] Imoinda, but found her gone; and not only so, but heard she had receiv’d the Royal Veil. This rais’d him to a Storm; and in his Madness, they had much ado to save him from laying violent Hands on himself. Force first prevail’d, and then Reason: They urg’d all to him, that might oppose his Rage; but nothing weigh’d so greatly with him as the King’s Old Age uncapable of injuring him with Imoinda. He wou’d give way to that Hope, because it pleas’d him most, and flatter’d best his Heart. Yet this [37] [38 ] 

[39] 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.

[40]  http://virginia-anthology.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Oroonoko.3-edited.mp3

Son of a Treasure, he knew, cou’d not but be extreamly dear to him, since she was the most beautiful that ever had been seen; and had besides, all the Sweetness and Innocence of Youth and Modesty, with a Charm of Wit surpassing all. He found that, however she was forc’d to expose her lovely Person to his wither’d Arms, she [41] [42] fansy that the Prince had no more Interest in Imoinda, and had resign’d her willingly to the Pleasure of the King; that he diverted himself with his Mathematicians, his Fortifications, his Officers, and his Hunting.

Imoinda, he carry’d him with him, in his Train, to the Otan, often to banquet with his Mistress. 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 determin d Resolution, he was ready to sink in the place where he stood; and had certainly done so, but for the Support of Aboan, a young Man, who was next to him; which, with his Change of Countenance, [44] [45] [46] [47]  [48] Oroonoko a certain Satisfaction; and with the Hope Onahal had made him conceive, he assum’d a Look as gay as ’twas possible a Man in his Circumstances cou’d do; and presently after, he was call’d in with the rest who waited without. The King commanded Musick to be brought, and several of his young Wives and Mistresses came all together by his Command, to dance before him; where Imoinda perform’d her Part with an Air and Grace so passing all the rest, as her Beauty was above ’em; and receiv’d the Present, ordain’d as a Prize. The Prince was every Moment more charm’d with the [49]  [50] [52] Onahal might be to his Amour with Imoinda. The Prince was overjoy’d with this good News, and besought him, if it were possible, to caress her so, as to engage her entirely; which he cou’d not fail to do, if he comply’d with her Desires: For then (said the Prince) her Life lying at your Mercy, she must grant you the Request you make in my [53] Imoinda; for he believ’d he cou’d not live, if he were forc’d away without being so happy. ‘Twas with Impatience therefore, that he expected the next Visit the King wou’d make; and, according to his Wish, it was not long.

Parley of the Eyes of these two Lovers had not pass’d so secretly, but an old jealous Lover cou’d spy it; or rather, he wanted not Flatterers, who told him, they observ’d it: So that the Prince was hasten’d to the Camp, and this was the last Visit he found he shou’d make to the Otan; he therefore urg’d 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.

[55] [56] Madam, these are not the Proofs of your Love that I expect; ’tis Opportunity, ’tis a Lone hour only, that can make me happy. But forcing the Pearls into his [57] [58] [59] 

[60] Imoinda made a false Step on purpose to fall into Oroonoko’s Bosom, and that all things look’d like a Design on both sides, and ’twas in vain she protested her Innocence: He was old and obstinate, and left her more [61] Aboan along with him, he leaves his Apartment, and was watch’d to the [62] Onahal led the Prince to the Apartment of Imoinda; who, not knowing any thing of her Happiness, was laid in Bed. But Onahal only left him in her Chamber, to make the best of his Opportunity, and took her dear Aboan to her own; where he shew’d the heighth of Complaisance for his Prince, when, to give him an Opportunity, he suffer’d himself to be caress’d in Bed by Onahal.

[63] http://virginia-anthology.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Oroonoko.4-edited.mp3

[64] [65] Otan, and unusual Voices of Men; at which the Prince, starting from the Arms of the frighted Imoinda, ran to a little Battel-Ax he us’d to wear by his Side; and having not so much leisure, as to put on his Habit, he oppos’d himself against some who were already opening the Door; [66] 

Imoinda with Rage in his Eyes, he upbraided her Wickedness and Perfidy, and threatning her Royal Lover, she fell on her Face at his Feet, bedewing the Floor with her Tears, and imploring his Pardon for a Fault which she had not with her Will committed; as Onahal, who was also prostrate with her, cou’d testifie: That, unknown to her, he had broke into her Apartment, and ravish’d her. She spoke this much against her Conscience; but to save her own Life, ’twas absolutely necessary she shou’d feign this Falsity. She knew it cou’d not injure the Prince, he being fled to-an-Army that wou’d stand by him, against any Injuries that shou’d assault him. However, [69] Otan, knew any thing of their Absence, or their Destiny.

or Captain of the Clouds, (as they call the unknown Power) shou’d suffer a better Consequence from so ill a Cause. He now begins to hold Oroonoko excus’d; and [71]  [72] 

[74] [75] maugre his Age, wou’d see him righted; and he was contented to leave his Share of [76] [77] [78] Come, if we must die, let us meet Death the noblest Way; and ’twill be more like Oroonoko to encounter him at an Army’s Head, opposing the Torrent of a conquering Foe, than lazily, on a Couch, to wait his lingering Pleasure, and die every Moment by a thousand wrecking Thought; or be tamely taken by an [81] [82] http://virginia-anthology.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Oroonoko.5-edited.mp3

[83] [84] had admirable Morals, and a brave Soul.

Death had given him: Insomuch as having receiv’d a thousand kind Embassies from the King, and Invitations to return to Court, he obey’d, though with no little Reluctancy; and when he did so, there was a visible Change in him, and for a long time he was much more melancholy than before. But Time lessens all Extreams, and reduces ’em to Mediums and Unconcern; but no Motives or Beauties, though all endeavour’d it, cou’d engage him in any sort of Amour, though he had all the Invitations to it, both from his own Youth, and others Ambitions and Designs.

[86] This Person had often before been in these Countries, and was very well known to Oroonoko, with whom he had traffick’d for Slaves, and had us’d to do the same with his Predecessors.

[87] Men of Parts and Wit. To this Captain he sold abundance of his Slaves; and for the Favour and Esteem he had for him, made him many Presents, and oblig’d him to stay at Court as long as possibly he cou’d. Which the Captain seem’d to take as a very great Honour done him, entertaining the Prince every Day with Globes and Maps, and Mathematical Discourses and Instruments; eating, drinking, hunting and living with him with so much Familiarity, that it was not to be doubted, but he had gain’d very greatly upon the Heart of this gallant young Man. And the Captain, [88]  [89] Fore and Aft, as their Fancies guided ’em: So that the Captain, who had [90]

[92] and refused all things that were brought him.

[93] [94] Parole, a Man that had no sence or notion of the God that he Worshipp’d. Oroonoko then replied, He was very sorry to hear that the Captain pretended to the Knowledge and Worship of any Gods, who had taught him no better Principles, than not to Credit as he would be Credited: but they told him the Difference of their Faith occasion’d that Distrust: For the Captain had protested to him upon the Word of a Christian, [95] [96]   Liberty wou’d encourage any of the rest to eat, except the French-man, whom the Captain cou’d not pretend to keep Prisoner, but only told him he was secured because he might act something in favour of the Prince, but that he shou’d be freed as soon [97] Oroonoko; where, after many Complements, and Assurances of what he had already promis’d, he receiving from the Prince his Parole, and his Hand, for his good Behaviour, dismiss’d his Irons, and brought him to his own Cabin; where, after having treated and repos’d him a while, for he had neither eat nor slept in four Days before, he besought him to visit those obstinate People in Chains, who refus’d all manner [98] [99] Imoinda, and think this a Punishment due to his Misfortune, in having left that noble Maid behind him, that fatal Night, in the Otan, when he fled to the Camp.

Pickaninies,) they sold ’em off, as Slaves, to several Merchants and Gentlemen; not [101] [102] http://virginia-anthology.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Oroonoko.6-edited.mp3

Lord—Governor, to manage all his Affairs. He reflecting on the last Words of Oroonoko to the [103]  [104]  [105] Backearary, yet he knew not why; but he saw a kind [106] Oroonoko was gone before him, and all People were in Admiration of his Beauty. Besides, he had a rich Habit on, in which he was taken, so different from the rest, and which the Captain cou’d not strip him of, because he was forc’d to surprize his Person in the Minute he sold him. When he found his [107] Habit made him liable, as he thought, to be gaz’d at the more, he begg’d Trefry to give him something more befitting a Slave; which he did, and took off his Robes. Nevertheless, he shone through all; and his  Osenbrigs (a sort of brown Holland Suit he had on) cou’d not conceal the Graces of his Looks and Mien; and he had no less Admirers, than when he had his dazeling Habit on: The Royal Youth appear’d in spight of the Slave, and People cou’d not help treating him after a different manner, without designing it: As soon as they approach’d him, they venerated and esteem’d him; his Eyes insensibly commanded Respect, and his Behaviour insinuated it into every Soul. So that there was nothing talk’d of but this young and gallant Slave, even by those who yet knew not that he was a Prince.

Caesar; which Name will live in that Country as long as that (scarce more) glorious one of the great Roman; for ’tis most evident, he wanted no part of the Personal Courage of that Caesar, and acted things as memorable, had they been done in some part of the World replenish’d with People, and Historians, that might have given him his due. But his Misfortune was, to fall in an obscure World, that afforded only a Female Pen to celebrate his Fame; though I doubt not but it had liv’d from others Endeavours, if the Dutch, who, immediately after his Time, [109] Parham-House, where he was destin’d a Slave. But if the King himself (God bless him) had come a-shore, there cou’d not have been greater Expectations by all the whole Plantation, and those neighbouring ones, than was on ours at that time; and he was receiv’d more like a Governor, than [110] Negroes all having left Work, but they all came forth to behold him, and found he was that Prince who had, at several times, sold most of ’em to these [111] Trefry had told ’em, was here confirm’d; of which he himself before had no other Witness than Caesar himself: But he was infinitely glad to find his Grandure confirm’d by the Adoration of all the Slaves.

[112] Grandee Captain, their Prince, to honour it with his Presence; which he did, and several English 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 unwearied Industry, endeavouring to please and delight him.

[129] While they sat at Meat Mr. Trefry told Caesar, that most of these young Slaves were undon in Love, with a fine she Slave, whom they had had about Six Months on their Land; 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 of all Discourses was most agreeable to him, asked, how they came to be so Unhappy, as to be all Undon for one fair Slave? Trefry, 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 guest; that, for his part, he had done nothing but Sigh for her [130]  [131] [132] Trefry ask’d Caesar to walk, when the heat was allay’d, and designedly carried him by the Cottage of the fair Slave; and [133] [134] Imoinda fall dead in the Hands of Trefry: this awaken’d him, and he ran to her aid, and caught her in his Arms, where, by degrees, she came to herself; and ’tis needless to tell with what transports, what extasies of Joy, they both a while beheld each other, without Speaking; then Snatcht each other to their Arms; then Gaze again, as if they still doubted whether they possess’d the Blessing: They Graspt, but when they recovered their Speech, ’tis not to be imagin’d, what tender things they exprest to each other; wondering what strange Fate had brought ’em again together. They soon inform’d each other of their Fortunes, and equally bewail’d their Fate; but, at the same [136] Novel, and found this Clemene [137]  [138] tRac’d 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 Poynt round the Edges of the Flowers: Some are only Carv’d with a little Flower, or Bird, at the Sides of the Temples, as was Caesar; and those who are so Carv’d over the Body, resemble our Ancient Picts, that are figur’d in the Chronicles, but these Carvings are more delicate.

[140] [141]  [142] [143] [144] [145]  [146] Amazons, and which Caesar took great Delight to overcome; yet these were not Actions great enough for his large Soul, which was still panting after more renown’d Action.

[147] in whom he had an intire Confidence.

[148] [149]  [150] Nosegays adorn’d with Flowers of different kind; some are all White, some Purple, some Scarlet, some Blew, some Yellow; bearing, at the same time, Ripe Fruit and Blooming Young, or producing every Day new. The very Wood of all these Trees have an intrinsick Value above common Timber; for they are, when cut, of different Colours, glorious to behold; and bear a Price considerable, to inlay withal. Besides this, they yield rich Balm, and Gums; so that we make our Candles of such an Aromatick Substance, as [151] [152] John’s Hill. It stood on a vast Rock of white Marble, at the Foot of which the River ran a vast depth down, and not to be descended on that side; the little Waves still dashing and washing the foot of this Rock, made the softest Murmurs and Purlings in the World; and the Oposite Bank was adorn’d with such vast quantities of different Flowers eternally Blowing, and every Day and Hour new, fenc’d behind ’em with lofty Trees of a Thousand rare [153] Marl hear, whose Flowery and Fruity bear Branches meet at the top, and hinder’d the Sun, whose Rays are very fierce there, from entering a Beam into the Grove; and the cool Air that came from the River made it not only fit to entertain People in, at all the hottest Hours of the Day, but refresh’d the sweet Blossoms, and made it always Sweet and harming; and sure the whole Globe of the World cannot show so delightful a Place as this Grove was: Not all the Gardens of boasted [154]  Tigers in their Dens, watching when the old Ones went forth to forage for Prey; and oftentimes we have been in great Danger, and have fled apace for our Lives, when surpriz’d by the Dams. But once, above all other times, we went on this Design, and Caesar was with us, who had no sooner [155] Oliverian;  we found there was no escaping this inrag’d and ravenous Beast. However, we Women fled as fast as we cou’d from it; but our Heels had not sav’d our Lives, if Caesar had not laid down his Cub, when he found the Tiger quit her Prey to make the more speed towards him; and taking Mr. Martin’s Sword desir’d him to stand aside, or follow the Ladies. He obey’d him, and Caesar met this monstrous [156] [157] Tiger, which had long infested that part, and born away abundance of Sheep and Oxen, and other things, that were for the support of those to whom they belong’d; abundance of People assail’d this Beast, some affirming they had shot her [158]  [159] [160] [161] [162]  a Numb Eel, (an Eel of which I have eaten) that while it is alive, it has a quality so Cold, that those who are Angling, though with a Line of never so great a length, with a Rod [163] [164] [165] Ell about, and most delicate Meat; and was of the more Value, since it cost so [166] Dear, as almost the Life of so gallant a Man.

Indian Towns. But one Day, bemoaning of our Misfortunes upon this account, Caesar told us, we need not Fear; for if we had a mind to go, he wou’d undertake to be our Guard: Some wou’d, but most wou’d not venture; about Eighteen of us resolv’d, and took Barge; and, after Eight Days, arriv’d near an Indian Town: But approaching it, the Hearts of some of our Company fail’d, and they wou’d not venture on Shore; so we Poll’d who wou’d, and who wou’d not: For my part, I said, If Caesar wou’d, I wou’d go; he resolv’d, so did my Brother, and [168]  [169] [170] [171] they much Esteem any shining things: In fine, we suffer’d ’em to survey us as they pleas’d, and we thought they wou’d never have done admiring us. When Caesar, and the rest, saw we were receiv’d with such wonder, they came up to us; and finding the Indian Trader whom they knew, (for ’tis [172] Tiguamy, and we shall now know whether those things can speak: So advancing to him, some of ’em gave him their Hands, and cry’d, Amora Tiguamy, which is as much as, How do you, or Welcome Friend; and all, with one din, began to gabble to him, and ask’d, If we had Sense, and Wit? if we cou’d talk of affairs of Life, and War, as they cou’d do? if we cou’d Hunt, Swim, and do a thousand things they use? He answer’d ’em, We cou’d. Then [173] Sarumbo Leaf, of Six Yards long, and spread it on the Ground for a Table-Cloth; and cutting another in pieces instead of Plates, setting us on little bow Indian Stools, which they cut out of one intire piece of Wood, and Paint, in a sort of Japan Work: They serve every one their Mess on these pieces of Leaves, and it was very good, but too high season’d with Pepper. When we had eat, my Brother, and I, took out our Flutes, and play’d to ’em, which gave ’em new Wonder; and I soon perceiv’d, by an admiration, that is natural to these [174] Burning-glass, a Trick they had never before seen, they were like to have Ador’d him for a God; and beg’d he wou’d give them the Characters or Figures of his Name, that they might oppose it against Winds and Storms; which he did, and they held it up in those Seasons, and fancy’d it had a Charm to conquer them; and kept it like a Holy Relique. They are very Superstitious, and call’d him the [175] Legerdemain Tricks, and Slight of Hand, whereby he imposes upon the Rabble; and is both a Doctor in Physick and Divinity. And by these Tricks makes the Sick believe he sometimes eases their Pains; by drawing from the afflicted part little Serpents, or odd Flies, or Worms, or any Strange thing; and though [176] [177] Comitias, or little Aprons before ’em; and Girdles of Cotton, with their Knives naked, [178]  [179]  [180] Heart-burnings during our stay; but we had a perfect, open, and free Trade with ’em: Many things Remarkable, and worthy Reciting, we met with in this short Voyage; because Caesar made it his Business to search out and provide for our Entertainment, especially to please his dearly Ador’d Imoinda, who was a sharer in all our Adventures; we being resolv’d to make her Chains as easy as we cou’d, and [181] Indian Slaves, that Row’d us, ask’d ’em some Questions, but they cou’d not understand us; but shew’d us a long Cotton String, with several Knots on it; and told us, they had been coming from the Mountains so many Moons as there were Knots; they were habited in Skins of a strange Beast, and brought along with ’em Bags of Gold Dust; which, as well as they cou’d give us to understand, came streaming in [182] Amazons, (a River so call’d, almost as broad as the River of Thames) and prohibited all People from going up that River, it conducting to those Mountains of Gold. But we going off for England before [183] the Governour being drown’d in a Hurricane, either the Design dy’d, or the Dutch have the Advantage of it: And ’tis to be bemoan’d what his Majesty lost by loosing that part of America.

Though this digression is a little from my Story, however since it contains some Proofs of the Curiosity and Daring of this great Man, I was content to omit nothing of his Character.

[184] [185] Harangue [186] [187] [188] And are we, by the chance of War, become their Slaves? This wou’d not anger a Noble Heart, this wou’d not animate a Souldiers Soul; no, but we are Bought and Sold like Apes, or Monkeys, to be the Sport of Women, Fools and Cowards; and the Support of Rogues, Runagades, that have abandon’d their own Countries, for Rapin, Murders, Thefts and Villanies: Do you not hear every Day how they upbraid each other with infamy of Life, below the Wildest Salvages; and shall we render Obedience to such a degenerate Race, who have no one Humane Vertue left, to distinguish ’em from the vilest Creatures? Will you, I say, suffer the Lash from such Hands? They all Reply’d, with one accord, [189] Negro of some more Quality than the rest, his Name was Tuscan; who Bowing at the Feet of Caesar, cry’d, My Lord, we have listen’d with Joy and Attention to what you have said; and, were we only Men, wou’d follow so great a Leader through the World: But oh! consider, we are Husbands and Parents too, and have things more dear to us than Life; our Wives and Children unfit for Travel, in these unpassable Woods, Mountains and Bogs; we have not only difficult Lands to overcome, but Rivers to Wade, and Monsters to Incounter; [190]

 [191] Hannibal a great Captain, had Cut his Way through Mountains of solid Rocks; and shou’d a few Shrubs oppose them; which they cou’d Fire before ’em? No, ’twas a trifling Excuse to Men resolv’d to die, or overcome. As for Bogs, they are with a little Labour fill’d and harden’d; and the Rivers cou’d be no Obstacle, since they Swam by Nature; at least by [192] ? He said, they wou’d Travel towards the Sea; Plant a New Colony, and Defend it by their Valour; and when they cou’d find a Ship, either driven by stress of Weather, or guided by Providence that way, they wou’d Sieze it, and make it a Prize, till it had Transported them to their own Countries; at least, they shou’d be made Free in his Kingdom, and be Esteem’d as his Fellowsufferers, and Men that had [193] [194] http://virginia-anthology.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Oroonoko.9-edited.mp3

Caesar, and all hands were against the Parhamites, as they call’d those of Parham Plantation; because they did not, in the first place, love the Lord Governor; and secondly, they wou’d have it, that Caesar was Ill us’d, and Baffl’d with; and ’tis not impossible but some of the best in the Country was of his Council in this Flight, and depriving us of all the Slaves; so that they [196] Deputy Governor, of whom I have had no great occasion to speak, and who was the most Fawning fair-tongu’d Fellow in the World, and one that pretended the most Friendship to Caesar, was now the only violent Man against him; and though he had nothing, and so need fear nothing, yet talk’d and look’d bigger than any Man: He was a Fellow, whose Character is not fit to be mention’d with the worst of the Slaves. This Fellow wou’d lead his Army forth to meet Caesar; or rather to persue him; most of their Arms were of those sort of cruel Whips they call Cat with Nine Tayls; some had rusty [197] Basket-hilts, whose Blades had never seen the Light in this Age; and others had long Staffs, and Clubs. Mr. Trefry went a long, rather to be a Mediator than a Conqueror, in such a Batail; for he foresaw, and knew, if by fighting they put the Negroes into dispair, they were a sort of sullen Fellows, that wou’d drown, or kill themselves, before they wou’d yield; and he advis’d that fair means was best: But Byam was one that abounded in his own Wit, and wou’d take his own Measures.

[198] [199] [200] [201] unconsider’d impatience of Liberty, and no more; and that he labour’d in vain to accomplish that which they wou’d effectually perform, [202] [203] [204] [205] Fury, and what Mischief was done he and Tuscan perform’d [206] Slaves receive their Punishments of Whipping, but they laid Hands on Caesar and Tuscan, faint with heat and toyl; and, surprising them, Bound them to two several Stakes, and Whipt them in a most deplorable and inhumane Manner, rending the very Flesh from their Bones; especially Caesar, who was not perceiv’d to make any Mone, or to alter his Face, only to roul his Eyes on the Faithless Governor, and those he believ’d Guilty, with Fierceness and Indignation; and, to compleat his Rage, he [207] [208] Colonel Martin, a Man of great Gallantry, Wit, and [210]  [211] Caesar, whom we found in a very Miserable and Unexpressable Condition; and I have a Thousand times admired how he liv’d, in so much tormenting Pain. We said all things to him, that Trouble, Pitty, and Good Nature cou’d suggest; Protesting our Innocency of the Fact, and our Abhorance of such Cruelties. Making a Thousand Professions of Services to him, and Begging as many Pardons for the Offenders, [212] [213] [214] Chirurgeon to anoint him with healing Balm, which he suffer’d, and in some time he began to be able to Walk and Eat; we fail’d not to visit him every Day, and, to that end, had him brought to an apartment at Parham.

Burlesque the Government there) consisted of such notorious Villains as Newgate never transported; and possibly originally were such, who [215] [216] nemine contradicentethat Caesar shou’d be Hang’d.

White-hall; and that they ought no more to touch the Servants of the Lord—(who there represented the King’s Person) than they cou’d those about the King himself; and that Parham was a Sanctuary; and though his Lord were absent in Person, his Power was still in Being there; which he had intrusted with him, as far as the Dominions of his particular [217] Parham, till his recovery was compleated, Caesar did not know but he was still there; and indeed, for the most part, his time was spent there; [218] Mobile, who perhaps wou’d have been glad of the occasion to have kill’d him, he was resolv’d not to survive his Whiping; yet he had, some tender Hours, a repenting Softness, which he called his fits of Coward; wherein he struggl’d with Love for the Victory of his Heart, [219]  [220] [221] [222] Sensible, so Beautiful, so Young, and so Fond, must be very Moving, as the Relation of it was to me afterwards.

cover-lid of Nature; only her Face he left yet bare to look on: But when he found she was Dead, and past all Retrieve, never more [224]  [225] Imoinda was dead; and that the Deaths of those barbarous Enemies were deferr’d too long, he resolv’d now to finish the great Work; but offering to rise, he found his Strength so decay’d, [226] Tuscan, who was perfectly reconcil’d to Byam; they had not gon very far into the Wood, but they smelt an unusual Smell, as of a dead Body; for Stinks must be very noisom that can be distinguish’d among such a quantity of Natural Sweets, as every Inch of that Land produces. So that they concluded they shou’d find him dead, or somebody that [228]  [229]  [230]  [231] [232] [233] [234] Imoinda, to [235] gashly; his Discourse was sad; and the earthly Smell about him so strong, that I was perswaded to leave the Place for some time; (being my self-but Sickly, and very apt to fall into Fits of dangerous Illness upon any extraordinary Melancholy) the Servants, and Trefry, and the Chirurgeons, promis’d all to take what possible care they cou’d of the Life of Caesar; and I, taking Boat, went with other Company to Colonel Martin’s, about three Days Journy down the River; but I was no sooner gon, but the [236] Banister, a wild Irish Man, and one of the Council; a Fellow of absolute Barbarity, and fit to execute any Villany, but was Rich. He came up to Parham, and forcibly took Caesar, and had him carried to the same Post where he was Whip’d; and causing him to be ty’d to it, and a great Fire made before him, he told him, he shou’d Dye like a Dog, as he was. Caesar replied, this was the first piece of Bravery that ever Banister did; and he never spoke Sence till he pronounc’d that Word; and, if he wou’d keep it, he wou’d declare, in the other World, that he was [237] Members, [238] [239] Imoinda.

FINIS.