And the captain in
return of all these mighty favors, besought the prince to honor his
vessel with his presence, some day or other at dinner, before he
should set sail: which he condescended to accept, and appointed his
day. The captain, on his part, failed not to have all things in a
readiness, in the most magnificent order he could possibly: and the
day being come, the captain, in his boat, richly adorned with
carpets and velvet cushions, rowed to the shore to receive the prince;
with another long-boat, where was placed all his music and trumpets,
with which Oroonoko was extremely delighted; who met him on the shore,
attended by his French governor, Jamoan, Aboan, and about an hundred
of the noblest of the youths of the court. And after they had first
carried the prince on board, the boats fetched the rest off; where
they found a very splendid treat, with all sorts of fine wines; and
were as well entertained as 'twas possible in such a place to be.
The prince, having drunk hard of punch and several sorts of wine, as
did all the rest (for great care was taken they should want nothing of
that part of the entertainment), was very merry, and in great
admiration of the ship, for he had never been in one before; so that
he was curious of beholding every place where he decently might
descend. The rest, no less curious, who were not quite overcome with
drinking, rambled at their pleasure fore and aft, as their fancies
guided 'em: so that the captain, who had well laid his design
before, gave the word, and seized on all his guests; they clapping
great irons suddenly on the prince, when he was leaped down into the
hold to view that part of the vessel; and locking him fast down,
secured him.
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