The captain pondering and consulting what to do, it was concluded
that nothing but Oroonoko's liberty would encourage any of the rest to
eat, except the Frenchman, whom the captain could not pretend to
keep prisoner, but only told him he was secured because he might act
something in favor of the prince, but that he should be freed as
soon as they came to land. So that they concluded it wholly
necessary to free the prince from his irons, that he might show
himself to the rest; that they might have an eye upon him, and that
they could not fear a single man.
This being resolved, to make the obligation the greater, the captain
himself went to Oroonoko; where, after many compliments and assurances
of what he had already promised, he receiving from the prince his
parole, and his hand, for his good behavior, dismissed his irons,
and brought him to his own cabin; where, after having treated and
reposed him a while (for he had neither eat nor slept in four days
before), he besought him to visit those obstinate people in chains,
who refused all manner of sustenance; and entreated him to oblige
'em to eat, and assure 'em of that liberty on the first opportunity.
Oroonoko, who was too generous not to give credit to his words,
showed himself to his people, who were transported with excess of
joy at the sight of their darling prince; falling at his feet, and
kissing and embracing him; believing, as some divine oracle, all he
assured 'em.
Pages:
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56