why did you part with him at the common rate | have him, and much good may you do with of slaves? Capt. D. Why, lieutenant-governor, I'll tell you, I did design to carry him to England, to have showed him there; but I found him troublesome upon my hands, and I'm glad I'm rid of him-Oh, oh, hark, they come. Enter Black Slaves, men, women, and children, who pass across the Stage by two and two; ABOAN, and others of OROONOKO's attendants, two and two: OROONOKO last of all, in chairs. Lucy. Are all these wretches slaves? Stan. All sold, they and their posterity, all slaves. Lucy. O miserable fortune! Bland. Most of them know no better; they were born so, and only change their masters. But a prince, born only to command, betrayed and sold, my heart drops blood for him. Capt. D. Now, governor, here he comes pray, observe him." s; Oro. So, Sir, you have kept your word with Let him cheat you, as you are false to me. [All the slaves go off, but OROONOKO. Capt. D. You see what a horrible Pagan he is, governor; but I took care that none of his followers should be in the same lot with him, for fear they should undertake some desperate action, to the danger of the colony. Oro. Live still in fear; it is the villain's And drives thee out from the society Bland. Take off his chains. You know your condition; but you are fallen into honourable hands: you are the lord-governor's slave, who will use you nobly: in his absence it shall be your prince. [Exit; the PLANTERS pulling and staring at OROONOKO. Bland. What would you have there? You stare as if you never saw a man before. Stand further off. [Turns them away. Oro. Let them stare on. black Honest Disdains to change its colour. I am ready: Where must I go? Dispose me as you please. I am not well acquainted with my fortune, But must learn to know it better: so, I know, you say, Degrees make all things easy. Bland. All things shall be easy. Oro. Tear off this pomp, and let me know myself: The slavish habit best becomes me now. power The frailer flesh, and bow my body down: edness You apprehend. We are not monsters all. Oro. I am myself; but call me what you please. Stan. A very good name, Cæsar. Oro. Was Cæsar then a slave? Lieut. I think he was; to pirates too. He was a great conqueror, but unfortunate in his friends Oro. His friends were Christians? Oro. No! that's strange. Lieut. And murder'd by 'em. Oro. I would be Cæsar then. Yet I will live. Bland. Live to be happier. serve you. [Exit, with OROONOKO. Lucy. Well, if the captain had brought this prince's country along with him, and would make me queen of it, I would not have him, after doing so base a thing. Char. He's a man to thrive in the world, sister: he'll make you the better jointure. Lucy. Hang him, nothing can prosper with him. Stan. Inquire into the great estates, and you'll find most of them depend upon the same title of honesty; the men who raise them first, are much of the captain's principles. Char. Ay, ay, as you say, let him be damned for the good of his family. Come, sister, we are invited to dinner. Lieut. Stanmore, you dine with me. ACT II. [Exeunt. SCENE I.-WIDOW LACKITT'S House. Enter WIDOW LACKITT, and CHARLOTTE WELDON, in man's clothes. Char. This is so great a favour, I don't know how to receive it. Widow L. O dear Sir! you know how to receive, and how to return, a favour as well as any body, I don't doubt it; 'tis not the first you have had from our sex, I suppose. Char. But this is so unexpected. Widow L. Lord, how can you say so, Mr. Weldon? I wont believe you. Don't I know how handsome gentlemen expect every thing a woman can do for you? and by my troth you're in the right on't. I think one can't do too much for a handsome gentleman; and so you shall find it. Char. I shall never have such an offer again, that's certain. What shall I do? I am mightily divided[Pretend ng a concern. Widow L. Divided, O dear! I hope not so, Sir. If I marry, truly, 1 expect to have you to myself. Char. There's no danger of that, Mrs. Lackitt: I am divided in my thoughts: my father upon his death-bed obliged me to see my sister disposed of, before I married myself. "Tis that sticks upon me. Widow L. Is that all? Char. All in all to me. The commands of So, sister, I have a husband for you Lucy. With all my heart. I don't know what confinement marriage may be to the men, but I'm sure the women have no liberty without it. I'm for any thing that will deliver me from the care of a reputation, which I begin to find impossible to preserve. Char. I'll ease you of that care. You must be married immediately. Lucy. The sooner the better; for I'm quite tired of setting up for a husband. The widow's foolish son is the man, I suppose? Char. I considered your constitution, sister; and, finding you would have occasion for a fool, I have provided accordingly. Lucy. I don't know what occasion I may a dying father, you know, ought to be obey-have for a fool when I'm married; but I ind ed. Widow L. And so they may. Char. Impossible, to do me any good. Widow L. They sha'n't be your hindrance. You would have a husband for your sister, you say he must be very well to pass too in the world, I suppose. Char. I would not throw her away. Widow L. Then marry her out of hand to the sea-captain you were speaking of. Char. I was thinking of him, but 'tis to no purpose; she hates him. Widow L. Does she hate him? nay, 'tis no matter, an impudent rascal as he is; I would not advise her to marry him. Char. Can you think of nobody else? you would like of it, I have a husband for Char. You don't think of it yourself. Widow L. 1 protest but I do: I am in earnest, if you are: he shall marry her within this half hour, if you'll give your consent to it. Char. I give my consent! I'll answer for my sister, she shall have him: you may be sure I shall be glad to get over the difficulty. Widow L. No more to be said then, that difficulty is over: but I vow and swear you frightened me, Mr. Weldon. If I had not had a son now for your sister, what must I have done, do you think? Were not you an illnatured thing, to boggle at a promise? I could break twenty for you. Char. I am the more obliged to you; but this son will save all. Widow L. He's in the house; I'll go and bring him myself. [Going.] You would do well to break the business to your sister. She's within, I'll send her to you[Going again, comes back. Char. Pray do. Widow L. But, d'you hear? perhaps she may stand upon her maidenly behaviour, and blush, and play the fool, and delay; but don't be answered so. What! she is not a girl at these years. Show your authority, and tell her roundly, she must be married immediately. | I'll manage my son, I warrant you | none but fools have occasion to marry. Char. Since he is to be a fool then, I thought it better for you to have one of his mother's making than your own; 'twill save you the trouble. Lucy. I thank you ; you take a great deal of pains for me; but, pray, tell me what you are doing for yourself all this while? Char. You are never true to your own secrets, and therefore I wont trust you with mine. Only remember this, I am your eldest sister, and consequently, laying my breeches aside, have as much occasion for a husband as you can have. I have a man in my eye, be satisfied. Enter WIDOW LACKITT, with her son DANIEL. Widow L. Come, Daniel, hold up thy head, child; look like a man: you must not take it as you have done. 'Gads my life! there's nothing to be done with twirling your hat, man. Dan. Why, mother, what's to be done then? Widow L. Why, look me in the face, and mind what I say to you. Dan. Marry, who's the fool then? What shall I get by minding what you say to me? Widow L. Mrs. Lucy, the boy is bashful, don't discourage him; pray come a little forward, and let him salute you. [Going between LUCY and DANIEL, Lucy. A fine husband I am to have, truly. [To CHARLOTTE. Widow L. Come, Daniel, you must be acquainted with this gentlewoman. Dan. Nay, I'm not proud, that is not my fault: I am presently acquainted when I know the company; but this gentlewoman is a stranger to me. Widow L. She is your mistress: I have spoke a good word for you; make her a bow, and go and kiss her. Dan. Kiss her! have a care what you say; I warrant she scorns your words. Such fine folks are not used to be slopped and kissed. Do you think I don't know that, mother? Widow L. Try her, try her, man. [DANIEL bows, she thrusts him forward.] Why, that's well done; go nearer her. Dan. Is the devil in the woman ? Why, so I [Erat hastily. | can go nearer her, if you would let a body Char. The widow's in haste, I see: I thought alone. [To his mother.] Cry your mercy, forI had laid a rub in the road, about my sister ; | sooth; my mother is always shaming one be fore company; she would have me as unmannerly as herself, and offer to kiss you. [To LUCY. Char. Why, wont you kiss her? Dan. Why, pray, may I? Char. Kiss her, kiss her, man. Dan. Marry, and I will. [Kisses her.] Gadzooks, she kisses rarely! An' please you, mistress, and seeing my mother will have it so, don't much care if I kiss you again, forsooth. [Kisses her again. Lucy. Well, how do you like me now? Dan. Like you! marry, I don't know; you have bewitched me, I think: I was never so in my born days before. Widow L. You must marry this fine woman, Daniel. Dan. Hey-day! marry her! I was never married in all my life. What must I do with her then, mother? Widow L. You must live with her, eat and drink with her, and sleep with her. Dan. Nay, marry, I shall never sleep, that's certain; she'll break me of my rest, quite and clean, I tell you beforehand. As for eating and drinking with her, why I have a good stomach, and can play my part in any company. But how do you think I can go to bed to a woman I don't know? Char. You shall know her better. Char. Kiss her again. [DANIEL kisses Lucy. Dan. Nay, kissing I find will make us presently acquainted. We'll steal into a corner to practise a little, and then I shall be able to do any thing. Char. The young man mends apace. What is become of them? Perhaps I should You will forgive a stranger. Bland. I'll inquire; [not. And use my best endeavours, where they are, To have 'em gently_us'd. Oro. Once more I thank you. Bland. I am rade, and interrupt you. But pray give me your pardon. My swol❜n heart Bursts out its passage, and I must complain, Dan. Mother, mother, if you'll stay in the room by me, and promise not to leave me, II don't care for once if I venture to go to bed with her. Widow L. There's a good child, go in and put on thy best clothes; pluck up a spirit, I'll stay in the room by thee. She wont hurt thee, I warrant thee. Dan. Nay, as to that matter, I'm not afraid of her. I'll give her as good as she brings. I have a Rowland for her Oliver, and so thou may tell her. [Exit. Widow L. Mrs. Lucy, we sha'n't stay for you: you are in readiness, I suppose? Char. She is always ready to do what I would have her, I must say that for my sister. Widow L. Twill be her own another day, Mr. Weldon; we'll marry 'em out of hand, and then Char. And then Mrs. Lackitt, look to your [Exeunt. self Enter OROONOKO and BLANDFORD. Oro. You know my story, and you say you are A friend to my misfortunes: that's a name Will teach you what you owe yourself and me. Bland. I'll study to deserve to be your friend. When once our noble governor arrives, With him you will not need my interest; He is too generous not to feel your wrongs. But, be assur'd, I will employ my power, And find the means to send you home again. Oro. I thank you, Sir.-My honest, wretched friends! [Sighing. Their chains are heavy: they have hardly found So kind a master. May I ask you, Sir, Pity's a-kin to love; and every thought Of that soft kind is welcome to my soul. would be pitied here. Bland. I dare not ask More than you please to tell me; but, if you Think it convenient to let me know Your story, I dare promise you to bear A part in your distress, if not assist you. Oro. Thou honest-hearted man! I wanted such, Just such a friend as thou art, that would sit Oro. There was a stranger in my father's court, Valu'd and honour'd much he was a white, He still commanded all my father's wars: Bland. Pray, go on. Oro. He left an only daughter, whom he' brought An infant to Angola. When I came That had subdu'd me, then inspir'd my tongue, [custom Oro. I have done. [tale Enough for you and me, if that will please Lieut. You must not weep: I come to dry your tears, And raise you from your sorrow. I may take This pretty hand: I know your modesty Would draw it back: but you would take it If I should let it go. [ill [She struggles, and gets her hand from him; then he offers to kiss her. Nay, if you struggle with me, I must takeImo. You may-my life, that I can part with freely. [Exit. Enter BLANDFORD, STANMORE, and OROONOKO. Bland. So, governor, we don't disturb you, I hope? [love. Your mistress has left you. You were making She's thankful for the honour, I suppose. Lieut. Quite insensible to all I say, and do. When I speak to her, she sighs, or weeps, But never answers me as I would have her. Stan. There's something nearer than her slavery, that touches her. Bland. What do her fellow-slaves say of her? Can't they find the cause? Lieut. Some of them, who pretend to be wiser than the rest, and hate her, I suppose, for being used better than they are, will needs have it that she is with child. Bland. Poor wretch! if it be so, I pity her. She has lost a husband, that perhaps was dear To her, and then you cannot blame her. her. Oro. If it be so, indeed, you cannot blame [Sighing. Lieut. No, no, it is not so. If it be so, I must still love her; and, desiring still, I must enjoy her. Blund. Try what you can do with fair means, and welcome. Lieut. I'll give you ten slaves for her. Bland. You know, she is our lord-governor's; but, if I could dispose of her, I would not now, especially to you. Lieut. Why not to me? Bland. I mean, against her will. You are in love with her; [have And we all know what your desires would Love stops at nothing but possession. Were she within your power, you do not know How soon you would be tempted to forget The nature of the deed, and, may be, act A violence you after would repent. Oro. "Tis godlike in you to protect the weak. Lieut. Fy, fy, I would not force her. Though she be A slave, her mind is free, and should consent. And throw the traitor from me. O! Imoinda! Bland. Imoinda was his wife: she's either Slaves, men, women, and children, discovered upon the ground; some rise and dance. During the entertainment, enter the LIEUTENANTGOVERNOR, BLANDFORD, STANMORE, and OROONOKO, as spectators; that ended, enter CAPTAIN DRIVER, JACK STANMORE, and several PLANTERS, with their swords drawn. Drums beat; bells ring. Capt. D. Where are you, governor? Make what haste you can To save yourself and the whole colony. I bid 'em ring the bell. Lieut. What's the matter? Jack S. The Indians are come down upon us; they have plundered some of the plantations already, and are marching this way as fast as they can. Lieut. What can we do against them? Bland. We shall be able to make a stand till more planters come in to us. Jack S. There are a great many more without, if you would show yourself, and put us in order. Lieut. There's no danger of the white slaves, they'll not stir. Blandford and Stanmore, come you along with me. Some of you stay here to look after the black slaves. [All go out but the CAPTAIN and six Planters, who all at once seize OROONOKO. 1 Plan. Ay, ay, let us alone. Capt. D. In the first place we secure you, Sir, as an enemy to the government. Óro. Are you there, Sir? You are my constant friend. 1 Plan. You will be able to do a great deal of mischief. Capt. D. But we shall prevent you: bring the irons hither. He has the malice of a slave in him, and would be glad to be cutting his masters' throats. I know him. Chain his hands and feet, that he may not run over to 'em. If they have him, they'll carry him on their backs, that I can tell 'em. All that is left of life I'll gaze away. Oro. If you but mock me with her image As they are chaining him, re-enter BLANDFORD, If she be not Imoindawho runs to them. Imo. I'm toss'd about by my tempestuous Than Cæsar ever was! that single arm Ha! She faints! [here: [She looks upon him and falls into a swoon; he runs to her. Nay, then, it must be she: it is Imoinda! My heart confesses her, and leaps for joy, To welcome her to her own empire here. [Kisses her. Imoinda! Oh! thy Oroonoko calls. What any man can say. But, if I am Oro. Never here: Imo. ()! I believe, And know you by myself. If these sad eyes, I cannot miss it now. Governor, friend, |