He found that, however she was forced to expose her lovely person
to his withered arms, she could only sigh and weep there, and think of
Oroonoko; and oftentimes could not forbear speaking of him, though her
life were, by custom, forfeited by owning her passion. But she spoke
not of a lover only, but of a prince dear to him to whom she spoke;
and of the praises of a man who, till now, filled the old man's soul
with joy at every recital of his bravery, or even his name. And
'twas this dotage on our young hero that gave Imoinda a thousand
privileges to speak of him, without offending; and this
condescension in the old king, that made her take the satisfaction
of speaking of him so very often.
Besides, he many times inquired how the prince bore himself: and
those of whom he asked, being entirely slaves to the merits and
virtues of the prince, still answered what they thought conduced
best to his service; which was, to make the old king fancy that the
prince had no more interest in Imoinda, and had resigned her willingly
to the pleasure of the king; that he diverted himself with his
mathematicians, his fortifications, his officers, and his hunting.
This pleased the old lover, who failed not to report these things
again to Imoinda, that she might, by the example of her young lover,
withdraw her heart, and rest better contented in his arms. But,
however she was forced to receive this unwelcome news, in all
appearance with unconcern and content, her heart was bursting
within, and she was only happy when she could get alone, to vent her
griefs and moans with sighs and tears.
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