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?

Elan. 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. Ay, Oroonoko.

Gov. Oroonoko.

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 private 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.

1st Plant. Gad-a-mercy, Captain, there you were with him, i'faith. and Plant. Such men as you are fit to be employed in public affairs; the plantation will thrive by you.

3d Plant. Industry ought to be encouraged. Capt. There's nothing done without it, boys. I

have made my fortune this way.

Blan. Unheard of villany !

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: 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.

Black slaves, men, women, and children, pass across the stage by two and two; ABOAN, and others of OROONOKO's attendants, two and two; OROONOKO last of alt in chains.

Luc. Are all these wretches slaves ?

Stan. All sold, they and their posterity, all slaves. Luc. Oh, miserable fortune!

Blan. 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. 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 farewel..
Be sure of one thing that will comfort us,
Whatever world we are next 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
And commerce of mankind, for breach of faith.
Men live and prosper but in mutual trust,
A confidence of one another's truth:
That thou hast violated. I have done;
I know my fortune, and submit to it.

Gov. Sir, I am sorry for your fortune, and would help it if I could.

OROONOKO.

29

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 my care to serve you. [Blandford applying to him.

:

Oro. I hear you; but I can believe no more. Gov. Captain, I am afraid the world won't speak so honourably of this action of yours as you would have

them.

Capt. I have the money; let the world speak and be damn'd. I care not.

Oro. I would forget myself. Be satisfied [To Blan. I am above the rank of common slaves,

Let that content you. The Christian there that knows

me,

For his own sake will not discover more.

Capt. I have other matters to mind. You have him, and much good may do you with your 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 farther off.

Oro. Let them stare on.

I am unfortunate, but not ashamed

[Turns them away.

Of being so. No, let the guilty blush :

The white man that betray'd me: honest black

Disdains to change its colour. I am ready.

you please.

Where must I go? Dispose me as you

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.

Blan. All things shall be easy.

Oro. Tear off this pomp, and let me know myself: The slavish habit best becomes me now.

Hard fate, and whips, and chains may overpow'r
The frailer flesh, and bow my body down;
But there's another, nobler part of me,
Out of your reach, which you can never tame.

Blan. You shall find nothing of this wretchedness

You apprehend. We are not monsters all.
You seem unwilling to disclose yourself:
Therefore, for fear the mentioning your name
Should give you new disquiets, I presume
To call you Cæsar

Oro. I am myself; but call me what you please.
Stan. A very good name, Cæsar.

Gov. And very fit for his character.

Oro. Was Cæsar then a slave?

Gov. I think he was; to pirates too! He was a great conqueror, but unfortunate in his friendsOro. His friends were Christians?

Blan. No.

Oro. No! that's strange.

Gov. And murdered by them.

Oro. I would be Cæsar then. Yet I will live.

Bland. Live to be happier.

Oro. Do what you will with me.