Capt. Very well, sir, I'll come and see her. Gov. Where are the slaves, captain? They are long a-coming. Blan. And who is this prince that's fallen to my lot, for the lord-governor? Let me know something of him, that I may treat him accordingly: Who is he? Capt. He's the devil of a fellow, I can tell you; a prince every inch of him. You have paid dear enough for him, for all the good he'll do you: I was forced to clap him in irons, and did not think the ship safe neither. You are in hostility with the Indians, they say; they threaten you daily you had best have an eye upon him. Blan. But who is he? : Gov. And how do you know him to be a prince? Capt. He is son and heir to the great king of Angola; a mischievous monarch in those parts, who, by his good will, would never let any of his neighbours be in quiet. This son was his general, a plaguy fighting fellow: I have formerly had dealings with him for slaves, which he took prisoners, and have got pretty roundly by him. But, the wars being at an end, and nothing more to be got by the trade of that country, I made bold to bring the prince along with me. Gov. How could you do that? Blan. What! steal a prince out of his own country? Impossible! Capt. 'Twas hard indeed; but I did it. You must know this Oroonoko Blan. Is that his name? Capt. Is naturally inquisitive about the men and manners of the white nations. Because I could give him some account of the other parts of the world, I grew very much into his favour: in return of so great an honour, you know I could do no less, upon my coming away, than | invite him on board me. Never having been in a ship, he appointed his time, and I prepared my entertainment: he came the next evening as privately as he could, with about some twenty along with him. The punch went round; and as many of his attendants as would be dangerous, I sent dead drunk on shore; the rest we secured: and so you have the prince Oroonoko. i Plan. Gad a-mercy, captain, there you were with him, i'faith. 2 Plan. Such men as you are fit to be employed in public affairs: the plantation will thrive by you. I did design to carry him to England, to have shewed him there; but I found him troublesome upon my hands, and I'm glad I'm rid of himOh, ho, here they come. Black Slaves, Men, Women, and Children, past across the Stage by two and two; ABOAN, and others of OROONOKO'S attendants, two and two: OROONOKO, last of all, in chains. Luc. Are all these wretches slaves? Stan. All sold, they and their posterity, all slaves. Luc. O miserable fortune! Blan. Most of 'em 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. Now, governor, here he comes; pray observe him. Oro. So, sir, you have kept your word with me. Capt. I am a better Christian, I thank you, than to keep it with a heathen. Oro. You are a Christian, be a Christian still: If you have any god that teaches you To break your word, I need not curse you more: Let him cheat you, as you are false to me.You faithful followers of my better fortune, We have been fellow-soldiers in the field; [Embracing his friends. Now we are fellow-slaves. This last farewell. Be sure of one thing that will comfort us ; Whatever world we next are thrown upon Cannot be worse than this. [All Slaves go off but OROONOKO. Capt. You see what a bloody 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 curse, And will revenge my chains: fear even me, Who have no power to hurt thee. Nature abhors, And drives thee out from the society Gov. Sir, I am sorry for your fortune, and would help it, if I could. Blan. 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 [BLANDFORD applying to him. 3 Plan. Industry should be encouraged. Capt. There's nothing to be done without it, my care to serve you. boys: I have made my fortune this way. Blan. Unheard-of villainy! Stan. Barbarous treachery! Blan. They applaud him for't! Gov. But, captain, methinks you have taken a great deal of pains for this prince Oroonoko; why did you part with him at the common rate of slaves? Capt. Why, lieutenant-governor, I'll tell you; Oro. I hear you, but I can believe no more. Gov. Captain, I'm afraid the world won't speak so honourably of this action of yours as you would have 'em. Capt. I have the money. Let the world speak and be damned, I care not. Oro. I would forget myself. Be satisfied, [To BLAN. The Jour SOUTHERN.] I am above the rank of common slaves; OROONOKO. Should give you new disquiets, I presume Let that content you. The Christian there, that To call you Cæsar. knows me, For his own sake will not discover me. Capt. I have other matters to mind. You do you with your have him; and much good may prince. [Exit. The planters pulling and staring at OROONOKO. Blan. What would you have there? You stare as if you never saw a man before. Stand [Turns them away. farther off. Oro. Let 'em stare on; I am unfortunate, but not ashamed The white man that betray'd me: honest black Degrees make all things easy. Blan. All things shall be easy. Oro. Tear off this pomp, and let me know The slavish habit best becomes me now. power The frailer flesh, and bow my body down: You apprehend. We are not monsters all. Oro. I am myself; but call me what you Stan. A very good name, Cæsar. Gov. And very fit for his character. Gov. I think he was; to pirates too: he was Oro. His friends were Christians? Oro. No! that's strange. Gov. And murdered by 'em. Oro. I would be Cæsar then. Yet I will live. Oro. Do what you will with me. you. 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. Well. 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 will find most of 'em depend upon the same title of honesty: the men who raise 'em first are much of the captain's principles. Well. Ay, ay, as you say, let him be damn'd for the good of his family. Come, sister, we are invited to dinner. Gov. Stanmore, you dine with me. [Ereunt. ACT II. SCENE I.-Widow LACKITT's House. Wid. O dear sir! you know how to receive, Well. But this is so unexpected. Wid. Lord, how can you say so, Mr. Welldon! I won't believe you. Don't I know you handsome gentlemen expect every thing that 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. Well. I shall never have such an offer again, that's certain: What shall I do? I am mightily [Pretending a concern. dividedWid. Divided! O dear, I hope not so, sir. If I marry, truly I expect to have you to myself. Well. 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 dis- Well. All in all to me. The commands of a dying father, you know, ought to be obeyed. Wid. And so they may. Well. Impossible, to do me any good. Wid. They shan't be your hinderance. Yor would have a husband for your sister, you say he must be very well to pass too in the world, suppose? Well. I would not throw her away. Wid. Then marry her out of hand, to the sea captain you were speaking of. Well. I was thinking of him, but 'tis to no purpose; she hates him. Wid. Does she hate him? nay, 'tis no matter; her to marry him. an impudent rascal as he is, I would not advise Well. Can you think of nobody else? Wid. Let me see! Well. Ay, pray do; I should be loth to part with my good fortune in you, for so small a matter as a sister: but you find how it is with me. Wid. Well remembered, i'faith: Well, if I thought you would like of it, I have a husband for her. What do you think of my son? Well. You don't think of it yourself. Wid. I 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. Well. 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. Wid. No more to be said then, that difficulty is over. But I vow and swear you frightened me, Mr. Welldon. If I had not had a son now for your sister, what must I have done, do you think? Were not you an ill-natured thing, to boggle at a promise? I could break twenty for you. Well. I am the more obliged to you: but this son will save all. Wid. 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. Well. Pray do. Wid. But do 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. Shew your authority, and tell her roundly, she must be married immediately. I'll manage my son, I warrant you.- [Goes out in haste. Well. The widow's in haste, I see; I thought I had laid a rub in the road, about my sister; but she has stept over that. She's making way for herself as fast as she can; but little thinks where she is going: I could tell her she is going to play the fool: but people don't love to hear of their faults; besides, that is not my business at present. Enter LUCY. 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 am for any thing that will deliver me from the care of a reputation, which I begin to find impossible to preserve. Well. I'll ease you of that care: you must be married immediately. Lucy. The sooner the better; for I am quite tred of setting up for a husband. The widow's foolish son is the man, I suppose. Well. I considered your constitution, sister, and finding you would have occasion for a fool, I have provided accordingly. Lacy. I don't know what occasion I may have for afool when I am married; but I find none but fools have occasion to marry. Wed. 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? Well. You were never true to your own se crets; and therefore I won't trust you with mine. Only remember this, I am your elder 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 Wid. Come, Daniel, hold up thy head, child; look like a man: You must not take it as you have done; Gad's my life! there's nothing to be done with twirling your hat, man. Dan. Why, mother, what's to be done then? Wid. 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? Wid. 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 WELLDON. Wid. 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. Wid. 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 folk are not used to be slopt and kiss'd. Do you think I don't know that, mother? Wid. 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 can go nearer her, if you would let a body alone. [To his Mother.] Cry your mercy, forsooth. My mother is always shaming one before com pany: she would have me as unmannerly as her self, and offer to kiss you. [To LUCY. Well. Why won't you kiss her? Dan. Marry, and I will. [Kisses her.] Gadsooks! she kisses rarely! An' please you, mi tress, and seeing my mother will have it so, I 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. Wid. You must marry this fine woman, Daniel. Dan. Hey-day, marry her! I was never maried in all my life. What must I do with her then, mother? Wid. You must live with her, eat and drink with her, go to bed with her, and sleep with her. Dan. Nay, marry, if I must go to bed with her, 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 ny part in any company. But how do you think can go to bed to a woman I don't know? Well. You shall know her better. Dan. Say you so, sir? Well. 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. Well. The young man mends apace. Dan. Mother, mother, if you'll stay in the room by me, and promise not to leave me, I don't care for once, if I venture to go to bed with her. Wid. 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 won't 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 you may tell her. [Exit. Wid. Mrs Lucy, we shan't stay for you; you are in a readiness, I suppose. Well. She's always ready to do what I would have her, I must say that for my sister. Wid. 'Twill be her own, another day. Mr Welldon, we'll marry 'em out of hand, and Enter OROONOKO and BLANDFORD. Ore. You grant I have good reason to suspect All the professions you can make to me? Blan. Indeed you have. Oro. The dog that sold me did profess as much As you can do-But yet, I know not why- Oro. I do believe you. From what I know of you, you are no fool: Fools only are the knaves, and live by tricks; Wise men may thrive without 'em, and be ho nest. A friend to my misfortunes that's a name Their chains are heavy: they have hardly found Blan. I'll enquire, And use my best endeavours, where they are, Oro. Once more I thank you. Blan. That is not to be done. Blan. I am rude, and interrupt you. But pray give me your pardon. My swollen heart Still as the night, and let me talk whole days Oro. There was a stranger in my father's court, Valued and honour'd much: he was a white, He chang'd his gods for ours, and so grew great; Blan. Pray go on. Lieut-Governor following IMOINDA. Gov. I have disturb'd you; I confess my fault, My fair Clemene; but begin again, Oro. He left an only daughter, whom he Only to shelter you; sing, sing again, brought An infant to Angola. When I came Back to the court, a happy conqueror, I married her: and though my country's custom And let me wonder at the many ways Imo. O! I can weep Enough for you, and me, if that will please you. Look with the eyes of kind indulging love, [Following her. [She struggles, and gets her hand from him, freely. Enter BLANDFORD, STANMORE, and OROONOKO to him. Blan. So, governor, we don't disturb you, I hope your mistress has left you: you were making love: she's thankful for the honour, I Blan. Most barbarous of fathers! the sad tale suppose. Has struck me dumb with wonder. Oro. I have done. Gov. 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 sla very, that touches her. Blan. What do her fellow slaves say of her; can't they find the cause? Gon. 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. Blan. 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. Oro. If it be so, indeed you cannot blame her. [Sighing |