Besides, he considered he ought in
honor to have killed her for this offense, if it had been one. He
ought to have had so much value and consideration for a maid of her
quality as to have nobly put her to death, and not to have sold her
like a common slave; the greatest revenge, and the most disgraceful of
any, and to which they a thousand times prefer death, and implore
it; as Imoinda did, but could not obtain that honor. Seeing
therefore it was certain that Oroonoko would highly resent this
affront, he thought good to make some excuse for his rashness to
him; and to that end, he sent a messenger to the camp, with orders
to treat with him about the matter, to gain his pardon, and to
endeavor to mitigate his grief; but that by no means he should tell
him she was sold, but secretly put to death: for he knew he should
never obtain his pardon for the other.
When the messenger came, he found the prince upon the point of
engaging with the enemy; but as soon as he heard of the arrival of the
messenger, he commanded him to his tent, where he embraced him, and
received him with joy: which was soon abated by the downcast looks
of the messenger, who was instantly demanded the cause by Oroonoko;
who, impatient of delay, asked a thousand questions in a breath, and
all concerning Imoinda. But there needed little return; for he could
almost answer himself of all he demanded from his sighs and eyes. At
last the messenger, casting himself at the prince's feet, and
kissing them with all the submission of a man that had something to
implore which he dreaded to utter, he besought him to hear with
calmness what he had to deliver to him, and to call up all his noble
and heroic courage, to encounter with his words, and defend himself
against the ungrateful things he must relate.
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