"
At these words they departed, and left the prince to take a short
and sad leave of his Imoinda; who, trusting in the strength of her
charms, believed she should appease the fury of a jealous king, by
saying she was surprised, and that it was by force of arms he got into
her apartment. All her concern now was for his life, and therefore she
hastened him to the camp, and with much ado prevailed on him to go.
Nor was it she alone that prevailed; Aboan and Onahal both pleaded,
and both assured him of a lie that should be well enough contrived
to secure Imoinda. So that at last, with a heart sad as death, dying
eyes, and sighing soul, Oroonoko departed, and took his way to the
camp.
It was not long after, the king in person came to the otan; where
beholding Imoinda, with rage in his eyes, he upbraided her
wickedness and perfidy; and threatening her royal lover, she fell on
her face at his feet, bedewing the floor with her tears, and imploring
his pardon for a fault which she had not with her will committed; as
Onahal, who was also prostrate with her, could testify: that,
unknown to her, he had broke into her apartment, and ravished her. She
spoke this much against her conscience; but to save her own life,
'twas absolutely necessary she should feign this falsity. She knew
it could not injure the prince, he being fled to an army that would
stand by him against any injuries that should assault him. However,
this last thought, of Imoinda's being ravished, changed the measures
of his revenge; and whereas before he designed to be himself her
executioner, he now resolved she should not die.
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