Gov. Fie, fie! I would not force her. Tho' she be A slave, her mind is free, and should consent.

Oro. Such honour will engage her to consent:

And then, if you're in love, she's worth the having. Shall we not see the wonder?

Gov. Have a care;

You have a heart, and she has conqu❜ring eyes.

Oro. I have a heart; but if it could be false Το my first vows, ever to love again,

These honest hands should tear it from my breast, And throw the traitor from me. Oh, Imoinda, Living, or dead, I can be only thine!

Blan. Imoinda was his wife: she's either dead, Or, living, dead to him:

By an inhuman father.

I'll tell you all.

forc'd from his arms

Another time

[To the Gov. and Stan.

Stan. Hark! the slaves have done their work; And now begins their evening merriment.

Blan. The men are all in love with fair Clemene As much as you are; and the women hate her, From an instinct of natural jealousy.

They sing, and dance, and try their little tricks
To entertain her, and divert her sadness.

May be she is among them. Shall we see. [Exeunt.

SCENE III.

The slaves, men, women, and children, upon the ground; some rise and dance.

"A SONG, by a BOY.

"A lass there lives upon the green,
"Could I her picture draw ;
"A brighter nymph was never seen,
"That looks and reigns a little queen,
"And keeps the swains in awe.

"Her eyes are Cupid's darts and wings,
"Her eye-brows are his bow:
"Her silken hair the silver strings,
"Which sure and swift destruction brings
"To all the world below.

"If Pastorella's dawning light

"Can warm and wound us so,
"Her noon will shine so piercing bright,
"Each glancing beam will kill outright,
"And every swain subdue.

"A SONG, by a MAN.

"Bright Cynthia's power, divinely great,
"What heart is not obeying?

"A thousand Cupids on her wait,

"And in her eyes are playing.

"She seems the queen of love to reign;

"For she alone dispenses

"Such sweets as best can entertain
"The gust of all the senses.

"Her face a charming prospect brings;
"Her breath gives balmy blisses ;
"I hear an angel when she sings,
"And taste of heav'n in kisses.

"Four senses thus she feasts with joy,
"From nature's richest treasure:

"Let me the other sense employ,

"And I shall die with pleasure."

During the entertainment, the Governor, Blandford, Stanmore, Oroonoko, enter as speƐlators; that ended, Captain Driver, Jack Stanmore, and several planters enter with their swords drawn. Drum beats, and a bell rings. Capt. Where are you, Governor? Make what haste you can

To save yourself and the whole colony.

I bid them ring the bell.

Gov. What's the matter?

7. Stan. 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.

Gov. What can we do against them?

Ban. We shall be able to make a stand, till more planters come in to us.

"

J. Stan. There are a great many more without, if you would shew yourself, and put us in order.

Gov. There's no danger of the white slaves, they'll not stir. Blandford and Stanmore, come you along Some of you stay here to look after the

with me.

black slaves.

[All go out but the captain and six planters, who all at once seize Oroonoko.

1st Plant. Ay, ay, let us alone.

Capt. In the first place we secure you, Sir,

As an enemy to government.

Oro. Are you there, Sir? You are my constant friend.

1st. Plant. You will be able to do a great deal of mischief.

Capt. 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.

[As they are chaining him, Blandford enters, runs to 'em. Blan. What are you doing there?

Capt. Securing the main chance: this is a bosom

enemy.

Blan. Away, you brutes: I'll answer with my for his behaviour; so tell the governor.

Capt. and Plant. Well, Sir, so we will.

E

life

[Exeunt captain and planters.

Oro. Give me a sword, and I'll deserve your trust. [A party of Indians enter, hurrying Imoinda among the slaves; another party of Indians sustains 'em retreating, followed at a distance by the Governor with the planters: Blandford, Oroonoko, join 'em.

Blan. Hell and the devil! they drive away our slaves before our faces. Governor, can you stand tamely by, and suffer this? Clemene, Sir, your mistress, is among 'em.

Gov. We throw ourselves away, in the attempt to

rescue 'em.

Oro. A lover cannot fall more glorious,

Than in the cause of love. He, that deserves
His mistress' favour, wo' not stay behind :

I'll lead you on, be bold, and follow me.

[Oroonoko, at the head of the planters, falls upon the Indians with a great shout, and beats them off.

Enter IMOINDA.

Imo. I'm tost about by my tempestous fate,
And no where must have rest: Indians, or English!
Whoever has me, I am still a slave.

No matter whose I am, since I'm no more
My royal master's; since I'm his no more.
Oh, I was happy! nay, I will be happy,
In the dear thought that I am still his wife,
Though far divided from him.

[Draws off to a corner of the stage.