juggled together in my absence? You drew the lots before I came, I am sure.

Capt. That's your own fault, mistress, you might have come sooner.

Wid. Then here's a prince, as they say, among the slaves, and you set him down to go as a common

man.

Capt. Have you a mind to try what a man he is? You'll find him no more than a common man at your business.

Wid. Sir, you're a scurvy fellow to talk at this rate to me. If my husband were alive, gadsbodykins you would not use me so.

Capt. Right, mistress, I would not use you at all, Wid. Not use me! your betters every inch of you, I would have you to know, would be glad to use me, sirrah. Marry come up here, who are you, I trow ? You begin to think yourself a captain, forsooth, because we call you so. You forget yourself as fast as you can; but I remember you; I know you for a pitiful paltry fellow as you are, an upstart to prosperity; one that is but just come acquainted with cleanliness, and that never saw five shillings of your own without deserving to be hanged for them.

Gov. She has given you a broadside, Captain; you'll stand up to her.

Capt. Hang her, "stink-pot," I'll come no nearer. Wid. By this good light it would make a woman do a thing she never designed; marry again, though she were sure to repent it, and be revenged of such a—†

7. Stan. What's the matter, Mrs. Lackitt, can I

serve you.

Wid. No, no, you can't serve me: you are for serving yourself, I'm sure. Pray go about your bu siness, I have none for you: you know, I have told you so. Lord, how can you be so troublesome; nay, so unconscionable, to think that every rich widow must throw herself away upon a young fellow that has nothing?

Stan. Jack, you are answered, I suppose.

7. Stan. I'll have another pluck at her.

Wid. Mr. Welldon, I am a little out of order; but Gad's my pray bring your sister to dine with me. life, I'm out of all patience with that pitiful fellow : my flesh rises at him; I can't stay in the place where he is

[Exit. Blan. Captain, you have used the widow very familiarly.

Capt. This is my way; I have no design, and therefore am not over-civil. If she had ever a handsome daughter to wheedle her out of; or if I could make any thing of her booby son

Well. I may improve that hint and make something of him. [Aside.

Gov. She's very rich.

Capt. I'm rich myself. She has nothing that I want: I have no leaks to stop. Old women are fortune menders. I have made a good voyage, and would reap the fruits of my labours. We plow the

deep, my masters; but our harvest is on shore. I

am for a young woman.

Stan. Look about, Captain; there's one ripe, and ready for the sickle.

Capt. A woman indeed! I will be acquainted with her: who is she?

Well. My sister, Sir.

Capt. Would I were a-kin to her: if she were my sister, she should never go out of the family. What say you, mistress? You expect I should marry you, I

suppose.

Luc. I shan't be disappointed, if you don't.

[Turning away.

Well. She won't break her heart, Sir.

Capt. But I mean————

Well. And I mean

[Following her.

[Going between him and Lucy,

That you must not think of her without marrying.

Capt. I mean so too.

Well. Why then your meaning's out.

Capt. You're very short.

Well. I'll grow, and be taller for you.

Capt. I shall grow angry and swear.
Well. You'll catch no fish then.

Capt. I don't well know whether he designs to affront me, or no.

Stan. No, no, he's a little familiar; 'tis his way.

Capt. Say you so? nay, I can be as familiar as he, if that be it. Well, Sir, look upon me full. What say you? how do you like me for a brother-in-law ?

Well. Why yes, faith, you'll do my business, [Turning him about.] if we can agree about my sister's.

Capt. I don't know whether your sister will like me, or not I can't say much to her; but I have money enough; and if you are her brother, as you seem to be a-kin to her, I know that will recommend me to you. Well. This is your market for slaves; my sister is a free woman, and must not be disposed of in public. You shall be welcome to my house, if you please: and, upon better acquaintance, if my sister likes you,' and I like your offers

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

C

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. 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.

ift Plant. Gad-a-mercy, Captain, there you were with him, i'faith.

2nd Plant. Such men as you are fit to be employed in public affairs; the plantation will thrive by you.