Volume V Part 7 (2/2)

But it was objected to him, That his Case was not the same: for _Imoinda_ being his lawful Wife by solemn Contract, 'twas he was the injur'd Man, and might, if he so pleas'd, take _Imoinda_ back, the Breach of the Law being on his Grandfather's Side; and that if he could circ.u.mvent him, and redeem her from the _Otan_, which is the Palace of the King's Women, a sort of _Seraglio_, it was both just and lawful for him so to do.

This Reasoning had some Force upon him, and he should have been entirely comforted, but for the Thought that she was possess'd by his Grandfather. However, he lov'd her so well, that he was resolv'd to believe what most favour'd his Hope, and to endeavour to learn from _Imoinda's_ own Mouth, what only she could satisfy him in, whether she was robb'd of that Blessing which was only due to his Faith and Love.

But as it was very hard to get a Sight of the Women, (for no Men ever enter'd into the _Otan_ but when the King went to entertain himself with some one of his Wives or Mistresses; and 'twas Death, at any other Time, for any other to go in) so he knew not how to contrive to get a Sight of her.

While _Oroonoko_ felt all the Agonies of Love, and suffer'd under a Torment the most painful in the World, the old King was not exempted from his Share of Affliction. He was troubled, for having been forc'd, by an irresistible Pa.s.sion, to rob his Son of a Treasure, he knew, could not but be extremely dear to him; since she was the most beautiful that ever had been seen, and had besides, all the Sweetness and Innocence of Youth and Modesty, with a Charm of Wit surpa.s.sing all. He found, that however she was forc'd to expose her lovely Person to his wither'd Arms, she could only sigh and weep there, and think of _Oroonoko_; and oftentimes could not forbear speaking of him, tho' her Life were, by Custom, forfeited by owning her Pa.s.sion. But she spoke not of a Lover only, but of a Prince dear to him to whom she spoke; and of the Praises of a Man, who, 'till now, fill'd the old Man's Soul with Joy at every Recital of his Bravery, or even his Name. And 'twas this Dotage on our young Hero, that gave _Imoinda_ a thousand Privileges to speak of him without offending; and this Condescension in the old King, that made her take the Satisfaction of speaking of him so very often.

Besides, he many times enquir'd how the Prince bore himself: And those of whom he ask'd, being entirely Slaves to the Merits and Virtues of the Prince, still answer'd what they thought conduc'd best to his Service; which was, to make the old King fancy 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.

This pleas'd the old Lover, who fail'd not to report these Things again to _Imoinda_, that she might, by the Example of her young Lover, withdraw her Heart, and rest better contented in his Arms. But, however she was forc'd to receive this unwelcome News, in all Appearance, with Unconcern and Content; her Heart was bursting within, and she was only happy when she could get alone, to vent her Griefs and Moans with Sighs and Tears.

What Reports of the Prince's Conduct were made to the King, he thought good to justify, as far as possibly he could, by his Actions; 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. 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; 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.

And I have observ'd, 'tis a very great Error in those who laugh when one says, _A +Negro+ can change Colour_: for I have seen 'em as frequently blush, and look pale, and that as visibly as ever I saw in the most beautiful _White_. And 'tis certain, that both these Changes were evident, this Day, in both these Lovers. 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. 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. Nor were his Eyes silent, but answer'd her's again, as much as Eyes could do, instructed by the most tender and most pa.s.sionate Heart that ever lov'd: 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. And '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. 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. He was forc'd 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_!

When _Onahal_ had finished her necessary Affair within, shutting the Door, she came forth, to wait till the King called; and hearing some one sighing in the other Room, she pa.s.s'd on, and found the Prince in that deplorable Condition, which she thought needed her Aid. 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 would not lose a Moment in Jealousy; and that she was confident that _Imoinda_ bore, at this Minute, Part in his Affliction.

_Aboan_ was of the same Opinion, and both together persuaded him to re-a.s.sume his Courage; 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: 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.

This Discourse lasted till the King called, which gave _Oroonoko_ a certain Satisfaction; and with the Hope _Onahal_ had made him conceive, he a.s.sumed a Look as gay as 'twas possible a Man in his Circ.u.mstances could 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 surpa.s.sing all the rest, as her Beauty was above 'em, and received the Present ordained as a Prize. The Prince was every Moment more charmed with the new Beauties and Graces he beheld in this Fair-One; and while he gazed, and she danc'd, _Onahal_ was retired to a Window with _Aboan_.

This _Onahal_, as I said, was one of the Cast-Mistresses of the old King; and 'twas 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 charm'd 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 the 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 pa.s.s, as it were regardless by, and paid only to the Bloomings. And certainly, nothing is more afflicting to a decay'd Beauty, than to behold in itself 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 pa.s.ses by, that once was a delicate Woman. Those abandon'd ladies therefore endeavour to revenge all the Despights and Decays of Time, on these flouris.h.i.+ng Happy-ones. And 'twas this Severity that gave _Oroonoko_ a thousand Fears he should never prevail with _Onahal_ to see _Imoinda_. But, as I said, she was now retir'd to a Window with _Aboan_.

This young Man was not only one of the best Quality, but a Man extremely well made, and beautiful; 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. And tho' she had some Decays in her Face, she had none in her Sense and Wit; she was there agreeable still, even to _Aboan's_ Youth: so that he took Pleasure in entertaining her with Discourses of Love. 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. He had also observed, that she had given him Glances more tender and inviting than she had done to others of his Quality. And now, when he saw that her Favour could so absolutely oblige the Prince, he fail'd not to sigh in her Ear, and look with Eyes all soft upon her, and gave her Hope that she had made some Impressions on his Heart. He found her pleas'd at this, and making a thousand Advances to him: but the Ceremony ending, and the King departing, broke up the Company for that Day, and his Conversation.

_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_. 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 could 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 Behalf_. _Aboan_ understood him, and a.s.sur'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. And 'twas with Impatience they waited the next Opportunity of going to the _Otan_.

The Wars came on, the Time of taking the Field approached; and '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 _Imoinda_: for he believed he could not live, if he were forced away without being so happy. 'Twas with Impatience therefore that he expected the next Visit the King would make; and, according to his Wish, it was not long.

The Parley of the Eyes of these two Lovers had not pa.s.s'd so secretly, but an old jealous Lover could 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 should make to the _Otan_; 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_.

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. When she had him where she believed she could not be heard, she sigh'd to him, and softly cry'd, 'Ah, _Aboan!_ when will you be sensible of my Pa.s.sion? I confess it with my Mouth, because I would not give my Eyes the Lye; and you have but too much already perceived they have confess'd my Flame: nor would I have you believe, that because I am the abandon'd Mistress of a King, I esteem myself altogether divested of Charms: No, _Aboan_; I have still a Rest of Beauty enough engaging, and have learn'd to please too well, not to be desirable. I can have Lovers still, but will have none but _Aboan_. Madam, (_reply'd the half-feigning Youth_) you have already, by my Eyes, found you can still conquer; and I believe 'tis in pity of me you condescend to this kind Confession. But, Madam, Words are used to be so small a Part of our Country-Courts.h.i.+p, that 'tis rare one can get so happy an Opportunity as to tell one's Heart; and those few Minutes we have, are forced to be s.n.a.t.c.h'd for more certain Proofs of Love than speaking and sighing: and such I languish for.'

He spoke this with such a Tone, that she hoped it true, and could not forbear believing it; 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, and commanded him to wear 'em in his. He would have refused 'em, crying, _Madam these are not the Proofs of our Love that I expect; 'tis Opportunity, 'tis a Lone-Hour only, that can make me happy._ 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._ And pressing his Hand, she cry'd, _This Night you shall be happy. Come to the Gate of the Orange-Grove, behind the +Otan+, and I will be ready about midnight to receive you._ 'Twas thus agreed, and she left him, that no Notice might be taken of their speaking together.

The Ladies were still dancing, and the King, laid on a Carpet, with a great deal of Pleasure was beholding them, especially _Imoinda_, who that Day appeared more lovely than ever, being enlivened with the good Tidings _Onahal_ had brought her, of the constant Pa.s.sion the Prince had for her. The Prince was laid on another Carpet at the other End of the Room, with his Eyes fixed on the Object of his Soul; and as she turned or moved, so did they; and she alone gave his Eyes and Soul their Motions. 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. 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; and 'twas visible to the whole Presence, the Joy wherewith he received her. He clasped her close to his Bosom, 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. 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; for the old King, jealous to the last Degree, rose up in Rage, broke all the Diversion, and led _Imoinda_ to her Apartment, and sent out Word to the Prince, to go immediately to the Camp; and that if he were found another Night in Court, he should suffer the Death ordained for disobedient Offenders.

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: and now he perceived his Fault, yet cry'd, _That for such another Moment he would be content to die_.

All the _Otan_ was in Disorder about this Accident; and _Onahal_ was particularly concern'd, because on the Prince's Stay depended her Happiness; for she could no longer expect that of _Aboan_: 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 would wait her Orders.

They parted thus with Grief enough 'till Night, leaving the King in Possession of the lovely Maid. But nothing could appease the Jealousy of the old Lover; he would not be imposed on, 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; and 'twas in vain she protested her Innocence: He was old and obstinate, and left her, more than half a.s.sur'd that his Fear was true.

The King going to his Apartment, sent to know where the Prince was, and if he intended to obey his Command. The Messenger return'd, 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. This confirmed the Jealousy of the King, 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 should be employ'd to watch him: So that the Hour approaching, wherein he was to go to the Citron-Grove; and taking only _Aboan_ along with him, he leaves his Apartment, 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.

_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. 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 shewed the Height of Complaisance for his Prince, when, to give him an Opportunity, he suffered himself to be caressed in Bed by _Onahal_.

The Prince softly waken'd _Imoinda_, who was not a little surpriz'd with Joy to find him there; and yet she trembled with a thousand Fears.

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. And I believe she was not long resisting those Arms where she so longed to be; and having Opportunity, Night, and Silence, Youth, Love, and Desire, he soon prevail'd, and ravished in a Moment what his old Grandfather had been endeavouring for so many Months.

'Tis not to be imagined the Satisfaction of these two young Lovers; nor the Vows she made him, that she remained a spotless Maid till that Night, and that what she did with his Grandfather had robb'd him of no Part of her Virgin-Honour; the G.o.ds, in Mercy and Justice, having reserved that for her plighted Lord, to whom of Right it belonged. And 'tis impossible to express the Transports he suffer'd, while he listen'd to a Discourse so charming from her loved Lips; and clasped that Body in his Arms, for whom he had so long languished; and nothing now afflicted him, but his sudden Departure from her; for he told her the Necessity, and his Commands, but should depart satisfy'd in this, That since the old King had hitherto not been able to deprive him of those Enjoyments which only belonged to him, he believed for the future he would be less able to injure him; so that, abating the Scandal of the Veil, which was no otherwise so, than that she was Wife to another, he believed her safe, even in the Arms of the King, and innocent; yet would he have ventur'd at the Conquest of the World, and have given it all to have had her avoided that Honour of receiving the _Royal Veil_. 'Twas thus, between a thousand Caresses, that both bemoan'd the hard Fate of Youth and Beauty, so liable to that cruel Promotion: 'Twas a Glory that could well have been spared here, tho' desired and aim'd at by all the young Females of that Kingdom.

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