'Twas thus, between
a thousand caresses, that both bemoaned the hard fate of youth and
beauty, so liable to that cruel promotion: 'twas a glory that could
well have been spared here, though desired and aimed at by all the
young females of that kingdom.
But while they were thus fondly employed, forgetting how time ran
on, and that the dawn must conduct him far away from his only
happiness, they heard a great noise in the otan, and unusual voices of
men; at which the prince, starting from the arms of the frighted
Imoinda, ran to a little battle-ax he used to wear by his side; and
having not so much leisure as to put on his habit, he opposed
himself against some who were already opening the door: which they did
with so much violence that Oroonoko was not able to defend it; but was
forced to cry out with a commanding voice, "Whoever ye are that have
the boldness to attempt to approach this apartment thus rudely, know
that I, the Prince Oroonoko, will revenge it with the certain death of
him that first enters. Therefore, stand back, and know, this place
is sacred to love and me this night; to-morrow 'tis the king's."
This he spoke with a voice so resolved and assured that they soon
retired from the door; but cried, "'Tis by the king's command we are
come; and being satisfied by thy voice, O Prince, as much as if we had
entered, we can report to the king the truth of all his fears, and
leave thee to provide for thy own safety, as thou art advised by thy
friends.
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