Enter OROONOKO and IMOINDA. Oro. I do not blame my father for his love: (Though that had been enough to ruin me) "'Twas nature's fault that made you, like the sun, "The reasonable worship of mankind : "He could not help his adoration. "Age had not lock'd his senses up so close, I wish I could forget the name of son, Imo. I will bless him, For I have found you here: heav'n only knows Enter BLANDFORD and ABOAN, Blan. My royal lord! I have a present for you. Oro. Aboan! Abo. Your lowest slave. Oro. My try'd and valu'd friend! This worthy man always prevents my wants : [Aboan goes to Imoinda, and falls at her feet. While I acknowledge mine. How shall I thank you? Blan. Believe me honest to your interest, And I am more than paid. I have secur'd That all your followers shall be gently us'd, Shall wait upon your person, while you stay Among us. Oro. I owe ev'ry thing to you. Blan. You must not think you are in slavery. Blan. Kind Heav'n has miraculously sent Those comforts, that may teach you to expect Its farther care, in your deliverance. Oro. I sometimes think myself, Heav'n is concern'd For my deliverance. Blan. It will be soon; You may expect it. Pray, in the mean time, Appear as cheerful as you can among us. They watch your looks. But there are honest men, Blan. I will leave you : And be assur'd, I wish your liberty. Abo. He speaks you very fair. Oro. He means me fair. Abo. If he should not, my lord? I'll not suspect his truth: but, if I did, Abo. You secure Not to be disappointed: but, besides, Oro. Be sure of liberty! what dost thou mean; I think I may be sure on't: we must wait : 'Tis worth a little patience. Abo. Oh, my lord! Oro. What dost thou drive at ? Abo. Sir, another time [Exit. [Turning to Imoinda. You would have found it sooner: but I see Love has your heart, and takes up all your thoughts. Oro. And canst thou blame me? Abo. Sir, I must not blame you. But, as our fortune stands, there is a passion Among the slaves, to rouse and shake our chains, And struggle to be free. Oro. How can we help ourselves? Abo. I knew you when you would have found a way. How help ourselves! the very Indians teach us : We need but to attempt our liberty, And we carry it. We have hands sufficient, Double the number of our masters' force, Ready to be employ'd. "What hinders us "To set 'em at work?" We want but you, To head our enterprise, and bid us strike. Abo. Cut our oppressors' throats. Oro. And you would have me join in your design of murder! Abo. It deserves a better name: But, be it what it will, 'tis justified Oro. Nor shall you think of it, Abo. Not think of it! Oro. No, I command you not. Abo. Remember, Sir, You are a slave yourself, and to command ? As painful, and as quick, as yours can be. Abo. The innocent! Oro. These men are so, whom you would rise against: If we are slaves, they did not make us slaves; Abo. My royal lord! You do not know the heavy grievances, The toils, the labours, weary drudgeries, Which they impose; burdens more fit for beasts, F |