"
But it was objected to him that his case was not the same; for
Imoinda being his lawful wife by solemn contract, 'twas he was the
injured man, and might, if he so pleased take Imoinda back, the breach
of the law being on his grandfather's side; and that if he could
circumvent him, and redeem her from the otan, which is the palace of
the king's women, a sort of seraglio, it was both just and lawful
for him so to do.
This reasoning had some force upon him, and he should have been
entirely comforted, but for the thought that she was possessed by
his grandfather. However, he loved so well that he was resolved to
believe what most favored his hope, and to endeavor to learn from
Imoinda's own mouth, what only she could satisfy him in, whether she
was robbed of that blessing which was only due to his faith and
love. But as it was very hard to get a sight of the women (for no
men ever entered into the otan but when the king went to entertain
himself with some one of his wives or mistresses; and 'twas death,
at any other time, for any other to go in), so he knew not how to
contrive to get a sight of her.
While Oroonoko felt all the agonies of love, and suffered under a
torment the most painful in the world, the old king was not exempted
from his share of affliction. He was troubled for having been
forced, by an irresistible passion, to rob his son of a treasure, he
knew, could not but be extremely dear to him; since she was the most
beautiful that ever had been seen, and had besides all the sweetness
and innocence of youth and modesty, with a charm of wit surpassing
all.
Pages:
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30