Nor did he use those obligations
ill, that love had done him, but turned all his happy moments to the
best advantage; and as he knew no vice, his flame aimed at nothing but
honor, if such a distinction may be made in love; and especially in
that country, where men take to themselves as many as they can
maintain; and where the only crime and sin with woman is to turn her
off, to abandon her to want, shame, and misery: such ill morals are
only practised in Christian countries, where they prefer the bare name
of religion; and, without virtue or morality, think that sufficient.
But Oroonoko was none of those professors; but as he had right notions
of honor, so he made her such propositions as were not only and barely
such; but, contrary to the custom of his country, he made her vows she
should be the only woman he would possess while he lived; that no
age or wrinkles should incline him to change; for her soul would be
always fine, and always young; and he should have an eternal idea in
his mind of the charms she now bore; and should look into his heart
for that idea, when he could find it no longer in her face.
After a thousand assurances of his lasting flame, and her eternal
empire over him, she condescended to receive him for her husband; or
rather, received him as the greatest honor the gods could do her.
There is a certain ceremony in these cases to be observed, which I
forgot to ask how 'twas performed; but 'twas concluded on both sides
that, in obedience to him, the grandfather was to be first made
acquainted with the design: for they pay a most absolute resignation
to the monarch, especially when he is a parent also.
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