Volume V Part 8 (2/2)

Possess'd with a thousand Thoughts of past Joys with this fair young Person, and a thousand Griefs for her eternal Loss, he endur'd a tedious Voyage, and at last arriv'd at the Mouth of the River of _Surinam_, a Colony belonging to the King of _England_, and where they were to deliver some Part of their Slaves. There the Merchants and Gentlemen of the Country going on Board, to demand those Lots of Slaves they had already agreed on; and, amongst those, the Overseers of those Plantations where I then chanc'd to be: The Captain, who had given the Word, order'd his Men to bring up those n.o.ble Slaves in Fetters, whom I have spoken of; and having put 'em, some in one, and some in other Lots, with Women and Children, (which they call _Pickaninies_) they sold 'em off, as Slaves to several Merchants and Gentlemen; not putting any two in one Lot, because they would separate 'em far from each other; nor daring to trust 'em together, lest Rage and Courage should put 'em upon contriving some great Action, to the Ruin of the Colony.

_Oroonoko_ was first seiz'd on, and sold to our Overseer, who had the first Lot, with seventeen more of all Sorts and Sizes, but not one of Quality with him. When he saw this, he found what they meant; for, as I said, he understood _English_ pretty well; and being wholly unarm'd and defenceless, so as it was in vain to make any Resistance, he only beheld the Captain with a Look all fierce and disdainful, upbraiding him with Eyes that forc'd Blushes on his guilty Cheeks, he only cry'd in pa.s.sing over the Side of the s.h.i.+p; _Farewel, Sir, 'tis worth my Sufferings to gain so true a Knowledge, both of you, and of your G.o.ds, by whom you swear._ And desiring those that held him to forbear their Pains, and telling 'em he would make no Resistance, he cry'd, _Come, my Fellow-Slaves, let us descend, and see if we can meet with more Honour and Honesty in the next World we shall touch upon._ So he nimbly leapt into the Boat, and shewing no more Concern, suffer'd himself to be row'd up the River, with his seventeen Companions.

The Gentleman that bought him, was a young _Cornish_ Gentleman, whose Name was _Trefry_; a Man of great Wit, and fine Learning, and was carried into those Parts by the Lord ---- Governor, to manage all his Affairs. He reflecting on the last Words of _Oroonoko_ to the Captain, and beholding the Richness of his Vest, no sooner came into the Boat, but he fix'd his Eyes on him; and finding something so extraordinary in his Face, his Shape and Mein, a Greatness of Look, and Haughtiness in his Air, and finding he spoke _English_, had a great Mind to be enquiring into his Quality and Fortune; which, though _Oroonoko_ endeavour'd to hide, by only confessing he was above the Rank of common Slaves, _Trefry_ soon found he was yet something greater than he confess'd; and from that Moment began to conceive so vast an Esteem for him, that he ever after lov'd him as his dearest Brother, and shew'd him all the Civilities due to so great a Man.

_Trefry_ was a very good Mathematician, and a Linguist; could speak _French_ and _Spanish_; and in the three Days they remain'd in the Boat, (for so long were they going from the s.h.i.+p to the Plantation) he entertain'd _Oroonoko_ so agreeably with his Art and Discourse, that he was no less pleas'd with _Trefry_, than he was with the Prince; and he thought himself, at least, fortunate in this, that since he was a Slave, as long as he would suffer himself to remain so, he had a Man of so excellent Wit and Parts for a Master. So that before they had finish'd their Voyage up the River, he made no Scruple of declaring to _Trefry_ all his Fortunes, and most Part of what I have here related, and put himself wholly into the Hands of his new Friend, who he found resented all the Injuries were done him, and was charm'd with all the Greatnesses of his Actions; which were recited with that Modesty, and delicate Sense, as wholly vanquish'd him, and subdu'd him to his Interest. And he promis'd him, on his Word and Honour, he would find the Means to re-conduct him to his own Country again; a.s.suring him, he had a perfect Abhorrence of so dishonourable an Action; and that he would sooner have dy'd, than have been the Author of such a Perfidy. He found the Prince was very much concerned to know what became of his Friends, and how they took their Slavery; and _Trefry_ promised to take Care about the enquiring after their Condition, and that he should have an Account of 'em.

Tho', as _Oroonoko_ afterwards said, he had little Reason to credit the Words of a _Backearary_; yet he knew not why, but he saw a kind of Sincerity, and aweful Truth in the Face of _Trefry_; he saw Honesty in his Eyes, and he found him wise and witty enough to understand Honour: for it was one of his Maxims, _A Man of Wit could not be a Knave or Villain_.

In their Pa.s.sage up the River, they put in at several Houses for Refreshment; and ever when they landed, Numbers of People would flock to behold this Man: not but their Eyes were daily entertain'd with the Sight of Slaves; but the Fame of _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 could not strip him of, because he was forc'd to surprize his Person in the Minute he sold him. When he found his Habit made him liable, as he thought, to be gazed at the more, he begged _Trefry_ to give him something more befitting a Slave, which he did, and took off his Robes: Nevertheless, he shone thro' all, and his _Osenbrigs_ (a sort of brown _Holland_ Suit he had on) could not conceal the Graces of his Looks and Mein; and he had no less Admirers than when he had his dazling Habit on: The Royal Youth appear'd in spite of the Slave, and People could not help treating him after a different Manner, without designing it. As soon as they approached him, they venerated and esteemed him; his Eyes insensibly commanded Respect, and his Behaviour insinuated it into every Soul. So that there was nothing talked of but this young and gallant Slave, even by those who yet knew not that he was a Prince.

I ought to tell you, that the Christians never buy any Slaves but they give 'em some Name of their own, their native ones being likely very barbarous, and hard to p.r.o.nounce; so that Mr. _Trefry_ gave _Oroonoko_ that of _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 replenished 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; tho' I doubt not but it had lived from others Endeavours, if the _Dutch_, who immediately after his Time took that Country, had not killed, banished and dispersed all those that were capable of giving the World this great Man's Life, much better than I have done. And Mr. _Trefry_, who design'd it, died before he began it, and bemoan'd himself for not having undertook it in Time.

For the future therefore I must call _Oroonoko Caesar_; since by that Name only he was known in our Western World, and by that Name he was received on Sh.o.r.e at _Parham-House_, where he was destin'd a Slave. But if the King himself (G.o.d bless him) had come ash.o.r.e, there could not have been greater Expectation by all the whole Plantation, and those neighbouring ones, than was on ours at that Time; and he was received more like a Governor than a Slave: Notwithstanding, as the Custom was, they a.s.signed him his Portion of Land, his House and his Business up in the Plantation. But as it was more for Form, than any Design to put him to his Task, he endured no more of the Slave but the Name, and remain'd some Days in the House, receiving all Visits that were made him, without stirring towards that Part of the Plantation where the _Negroes_ were.

At last, he would needs go view his Land, his House, and the Business a.s.sign'd him. But he no sooner came to the Houses of the Slaves, which are like a little Town by itself, the _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 Parts; and from a Veneration they pay to great Men, especially if they know 'em, and from the Surprize and Awe they had at the Sight of him, they all cast themselves at his Feet, crying out, in their Language, _Live, O King!

Long live, O King!_ and kissing his Feet, paid him even Divine Homage.

Several _English_ Gentlemen were with him, and what Mr. _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 Grandeur confirmed by the Adoration of all the Slaves.

_Caesar_, troubled with their Over-Joy, and Over-Ceremony, besought 'em to rise, and to receive him as their Fellow-Slave; a.s.suring them he was no better. At which they set up with one Accord a most terrible and hideous Mourning and Condoling, which he and the _English_ had much ado to appease: but at last they prevailed with 'em, and they prepared all their barbarous Musick, and every one kill'd and dress'd something of his own Stock (for every Family has their Land apart, on which, at their Leisure-times, they breed all eatable Things) and clubbing it together, made a most magnificent Supper, inviting their _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.

While they sat at Meat, Mr. _Trefry_ told _Caesar_, that most of these young Slaves were undone in Love with a fine She-Slave, whom they had had about six Months on their Land; 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 undone for one fair Slave? _Trefry_, who was naturally amorous, and delighted to talk of Love as well as any Body, proceeded to tell him, they had the most charming Black that ever was beheld on their Plantation, about fifteen or sixteen Years old, as he guess'd; that for his Part he had done nothing but sigh for her ever since she came; and that all the White Beauties he had seen, never charm'd him so absolutely as this fine Creature had done; and that no Man, of any Nation, ever beheld her, that did not fall in love with her; and that she had all the Slaves perpetually at her Feet; and the whole Country resounded with the Fame of _Clemene_, for so (said he) we have christen'd her: but she denies us all with such a n.o.ble Disdain, that 'tis a Miracle to see, that she who can give such eternal Desires, should herself be all Ice and all Unconcern. She is adorn'd with the most graceful Modesty that ever beautify'd Youth; the softest Sigher--that, if she were capable of Love, one would swear she languished for some absent happy Man; and so retired, as if she fear'd a Rape even from the G.o.d of Day, or that the Breezes would steal Kisses from her delicate Mouth. Her Task of Work, some sighing Lover every Day makes it his Pet.i.tion to perform for her; which she accepts blus.h.i.+ng, and with Reluctancy, for Fear he will ask her a Look for a Recompence, which he dares not presume to hope; so great an Awe she strikes into the Hearts of her Admirers. 'I do not wonder (_reply'd the Prince_) that _Clemene_ should refuse Slaves, being, as you say, so beautiful; but wonder how she escapes those that can entertain her as you can do: or why, being your Slave, you do not oblige her to yield?' 'I confess (_said +Trefry+_) when I have, against her Will, entertained her with Love so long, as to be transported with my Pa.s.sion even above Decency, I have been ready to make Use of those Advantages of Strength and Force Nature has given me: But Oh! she disarms me with that Modesty and Weeping, so tender and so moving, that I retire, and thank my Stars she overcame me.' The Company laugh'd at his Civility to a Slave, and _Caesar_ only applauded the n.o.bleness of his Pa.s.sion and Nature, since that Slave might be n.o.ble, or, what was better, have true Notions of Honour and Virtue in her. Thus pa.s.sed they this Night, after having received from the Slaves all imaginable Respect and Obedience.

The next Day, _Trefry_ ask'd _Caesar_ to walk when the Heat was allay'd, and designedly carried him by the Cottage of the fair Slave; and told him she whom he spoke of last Night lived there retir'd: _But_ (says he) _I would not wish you to approach; for I am sure you will be in Love as soon as you behold her._ _Caesar_ a.s.sured him, he was Proof against all the Charms of that s.e.x; and that if he imagined his Heart could be so perfidious to love again after _Imoinda_, he believed he should tear it from his Bosom. They had no sooner spoke, but a little Shock-Dog, that _Clemene_ had presented her, which she took great Delight in, ran out; and she, not knowing any Body was there, ran to get it in again, and bolted out on those who were just speaking of her: when seeing them, she would have run in again, but _Trefry_ caught her by the Hand, and cry'd, Clemene, _however you fly a Lover, you ought to pay some Respect to this Stranger_, (pointing to _Caesar_.) But she, as if she had resolved never to raise her Eyes to the Face of a Man again, bent 'em the more to the Earth, when he spoke, and gave the Prince the Leisure to look the more at her. There needed no long gazing, or Consideration, to examine who this fair Creature was; he soon saw _Imoinda_ all over her: in a Minute he saw her Face, her Shape, her Air, her Modesty, and all that call'd forth his Soul with Joy at his Eyes, and left his Body dest.i.tute of almost Life: it stood without Motion, and for a Minute knew not that it had a Being; and, I believe, he had never come to himself, so oppress'd he was with Over-joy, if he had not met with this Allay, that he perceived _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 her self; and 'tis needless to tell with what Transports, what Extasies of Joy, they both a While beheld each other, without speaking; then s.n.a.t.c.hed each other to their Arms; then gaze again, as if they still doubted whether they possess'd the Blessing they grasped: but when they recover'd their Speech, 'tis not to be imagined what tender Things they express'd to each other; wondring what strange Fate had brought them again together. They soon inform'd each other of their Fortunes, and equally bewail'd their Fate; but at the same Time they mutually protested, that even Fetters and Slavery were soft and easy, and would be supported with Joy and Pleasure, while they could be so happy to possess each other, and to be able to make good their Vows.

_Caesar_ swore he disdained the Empire of the World, while he could behold his _Imoinda_; and she despised Grandeur and Pomp, those Vanities of her s.e.x, when she could gaze on _Oroonoko_. He ador'd the very Cottage where she resided, and said, That little Inch of the World would give him more Happiness than all the Universe could do; and she vow'd it was a Palace, while adorned with the Presence of _Oroonoko_.

_Trefry_ was infinitely pleased with this Novel, and found this _Clemene_ was the fair Mistress of whom _Caesar_ had before spoke; and was not a little satisfy'd, that Heaven was so kind to the Prince as to sweeten his Misfortunes by so lucky an Accident; and leaving the Lovers to themselves, was impatient to come down to _Parham-House_ (which was on the same Plantation) to give me an Account of what had happened.

I was as impatient to make these Lovers a Visit, having already made a Friends.h.i.+p with _Caesar_, and from his own Mouth learned what I have related; which was confirmed by his _Frenchman_, who was set on sh.o.r.e to seek his Fortune, and of whom they could not make a Slave, because a Christian; and he came daily to _Parham-Hill_ to see and pay his Respects to his Pupil Prince. So that concerning and interesting myself in all that related to _Caesar_, whom I had a.s.sured of Liberty as soon as the Governour arrived, I hasted presently to the Place where these Lovers were, and was infinitely glad to find this beautiful young Slave (who had already gain'd all our Esteems, for her Modesty and extraordinary Prettiness) to be the same I had heard _Caesar_ speak so much of. One may imagine then we paid her a treble Respect; and tho'

from her being carved in fine Flowers and Birds all over her Body, we took her to be of Quality before, yet when we knew _Clemene_ was _Imoinda_, we could not enough admire her.

I had forgot to tell you, that those who are n.o.bly born of that Country, are so delicately cut and raised all over the Fore-part of the Trunk of their Bodies, that it looks as if it were j.a.pan'd, the Works being raised like high Point round the Edges of the Flowers. Some are only carved with a little Flower, or Bird, at the Sides of the Temples, as was _Caesar_; and those who are so carved over the Body, resemble our antient _Picts_ that are figur'd in the Chronicles, but these Carvings are more delicate.

From that happy Day _Caesar_ took _Clemene_ for his Wife, to the general Joy of all People; and there was as much Magnificence as the Country could afford at the Celebration of this Wedding: And in a very short Time after she conceived with Child, which made _Caesar_ even adore her, knowing he was the last of his great Race. This new Accident made him more impatient of Liberty, and he was every Day treating with _Trefrey_ for his and _Clemene's_ Liberty, and offer'd either Gold, or a vast Quant.i.ty of Slaves, which should be paid before they let him go, provided he could have any Security that he should go when his Ransom was paid. They fed him from Day to Day with Promises, and delay'd him till the Lord-Governor should come; so that he began to suspect them of Falshood, and that they would delay him till the Time of his Wife's Delivery, and make a Slave of the Child too; for all the Breed is theirs to whom the Parents belong. This Thought made him very uneasy, and his Sullenness gave them some Jealousies of him; so that I was obliged, by some Persons who fear'd a Mutiny (which is very fatal sometimes in those Colonies that abound so with Slaves, that they exceed the Whites in vast Numbers) to discourse with _Caesar_, and to give him all the Satisfaction I possibly could: They knew he and _Clemene_ were scarce an Hour in a Day from my Lodgings; that they eat with me, and that I oblig'd them in all Things I was capable. I entertained them with the Lives of the _Romans_, and great Men, which charmed him to my Company; and her, with teaching her all the pretty Works that I was Mistress of, and telling her Stories of Nuns, and endeavouring to bring her to the Knowledge of the true G.o.d: But of all Discourses, _Caesar_ liked that the worst, and would never be reconciled to our Notions of the Trinity, of which he ever made a Jest; it was a Riddle he said would turn his Brain to conceive, and one could not make him understand what Faith was. However, these Conversations fail'd not altogether so well to divert him, that he liked the Company of us Women much above the Men, for he could not drink, and he is but an ill Companion in that Country that cannot. So that obliging him to love us very well, we had all the Liberty of Speech with him, especially my self, whom he call'd his _Great Mistress_; and indeed my Word would go a great Way with him. For these Reasons I had Opportunity to take Notice to him, that he was not well pleased of late, as he used to be; was more retired and thoughtful; and told him, I took it ill he should suspect we would break our Words with him, and not permit both him and _Clemene_ to return to his own Kingdom, which was not so long a Way, but when he was once on his Voyage he would quickly arrive there. He made me some Answers that shew'd a Doubt in him, which made me ask, what Advantage it would be to doubt? It would but give us a Fear of him, and possibly compel us to treat him so as I should be very loth to behold; that is, it might occasion his Confinement. Perhaps this was not so luckily spoke of me, for I perceiv'd he resented that Word, which I strove to soften again in vain: However, he a.s.sur'd me, that whatsoever Resolutions he should take, he would act nothing upon the _White_ People; and as for myself, and those upon that _Plantation_ where he was, he would sooner forfeit his eternal Liberty, and Life itself, than lift his Hand against his greatest Enemy on that Place. He besought me to suffer no Fears upon his Account, for he could do nothing that Honour should not dictate; but he accused himself for having suffer'd Slavery so long; yet he charg'd that Weakness on Love alone, who was capable of making him neglect even Glory itself; and, for which, now he reproaches himself every Moment of the Day. Much more to this Effect he spoke, with an Air impatient enough to make me know he would not be long in Bondage; and tho' he suffer'd only the Name of a Slave, and had nothing of the Toil and Labour of one, yet that was sufficient to render him uneasy; and he had been too long idle, who us'd to be always in Action, and in Arms. He had a Spirit all rough and fierce, and that could not be tam'd to lazy Rest: And tho' all Endeavours were us'd to exercise himself in such Actions and Sports as this World afforded, as Running, Wrestling, Pitching the Bar, Hunting and Fis.h.i.+ng, Chasing and Killing _Tygers_ of a monstrous Size, which this Continent affords in abundance; and wonderful _Snakes_, such as _Alexander_ is reported to have encounter'd at the River of _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 Actions.

Before I parted that Day with him, I got, with much ado, a Promise from him to rest yet a little longer with Patience, and wait the Coming of the Lord Governour, who was every Day expected on our Sh.o.r.e: He a.s.sur'd me he would, and this Promise he desired me to know was given perfectly in Complaisance to me, in whom he had an entire Confidence.

After this, I neither thought it convenient to trust him much out of our View, nor did the Country, who fear'd him; but with one Accord it was advis'd to treat him fairly, and oblige him to remain within such a Compa.s.s, and that he should be permitted, as seldom as could be, to go up to the Plantations of the _Negroes_; or, if he did, to be accompany'd by some that should be rather, in Appearance, Attendants than Spies.

This Care was for some time taken, and _Caesar_ look'd upon it as a Mark of extraordinary Respect, and was glad his Discontent had oblig'd 'em to be more observant to him; he received new a.s.surance from the Overseer, which was confirmed to him by the Opinion of all the Gentlemen of the Country, who made their Court to him. During this Time that we had his Company more frequently than hitherto we had had, it may not be unpleasant to relate to you the Diversions we entertain'd him with, or rather he us.

My Stay was to be short in that Country; because my Father dy'd at Sea, and never arriv'd to possess the Honour design'd him, (which was Lieutenant-General of six and thirty Islands, besides the Continent of _Surinam_) nor the Advantages he hop'd to reap by them: So that though we were oblig'd to continue on our Voyage, we did not intend to stay upon the Place. Though, in a Word, I must say thus much of it; That certainly had his late Majesty, of sacred Memory, but seen and known what a vast and charming World he had been Master of in that Continent, he would never have parted so easily with it to the _Dutch_. 'Tis a Continent, whose vast Extent was never yet known, and may contain more n.o.ble Earth than all the Universe beside; for, they say, it reaches from East to West one Way as far as _China_, and another to _Peru_: It affords all Things, both for Beauty and Use; 'tis there eternal Spring, always the very Months of _April_, _May_, and _June_; the Shades are perpetual, the Trees bearing at once all Degrees of Leaves, and Fruit, from blooming Buds to ripe Autumn: Groves of Oranges, Lemons, Citrons, Figs, Nutmegs, and n.o.ble Aromaticks, continually bearing their Fragrancies: The Trees appearing all like Nosegays, adorn'd with Flowers of different Kinds; some are all White, some Purple, some Scarlet, some Blue, some Yellow; bearing at the same Time ripe Fruit, and blooming young, or producing every Day new. The very Wood of all these Trees has an intrinsic 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 aromatic Substance, as does not only give a sufficient Light, but as they burn, they cast their Perfumes all about.

Cedar is the common Firing, and all the Houses are built with it. The very Meat we eat, when set on the Table, if it be native, I mean of the Country, perfumes the whole Room; especially a little Beast call'd an _Armadillo_, a Thing which I can liken to nothing so well as a _Rhinoceros_; 'tis all in white Armour, so jointed, that it moves as well in it, as if it had nothing on: This Beast is about the Bigness of a Pig of six Weeks old. But it were endless to give an Account of all the divers wonderful and strange Things that Country affords, and which we took a great Delight to go in Search of; tho' those Adventures are oftentimes fatal, and at least dangerous: But while we had _Caesar_ in our Company on these Designs, we fear'd no Harm, nor suffer'd any.

As soon as I came into the Country, the best House in it was presented me, call'd _St. 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 das.h.i.+ng and was.h.i.+ng the Foot of this Rock, made the softest Murmurs and Purlings in the World; and the opposite Bank was adorn'd with such vast Quant.i.ties of different Flowers eternally blowing, and every Day and Hour new, fenc'd behind 'em with lofty Trees of a thousand rare Forms and Colours, that the Prospect was the most ravis.h.i.+ng that Sands can create. On the Edge of this white Rock, towards the River, was a Walk, or Grove, of Orange and Lemon-Trees, about half the Length of the _Mall_ here, whose flowery and Fruit-bearing Branches met at the Top, and hinder'd the Sun, whose Rays are very fierce there, from entring 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 the sweet Blossoms, and made it always sweet and charming; and sure, the whole Globe of the World cannot shew so delightful a Place as this Grove was: Not all the Gardens of boasted _Italy_ can produce a Shade to out-vie this, which Nature had join'd with Art to render so exceeding fine; and 'tis a Marvel to see how such vast Trees, as big as _English_ Oaks, could take Footing on so solid a Rock, and in so little Earth as cover'd that Rock: But all Things by Nature there are rare, delightful, and wonderful. But to our Sports.

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