You may imagine how welcome this news was to Oroonoko, whose
unseasonable transport and caress of Imoinda was blamed by all men
that loved him: and now he perceived his fault, yet cried that for
such another moment he would be content to die.
All the otan was in disorder about this accident; and Onahal was
particularly concerned because on the prince's stay depended her
happiness; for she could no longer expect that of Aboan: so that ere
they departed, they contrived it so that the prince and he should both
come that night to the grove of the otan, which was all of oranges and
citrons, and that there they would wait her orders.
They parted thus with grief enough till night, leaving the king in
possession of the lovely maid. But nothing could appease the
jealousy of the old lover; he would not be imposed on, but would
have it that Imoinda made a false step on purpose to fall into
Oroonoko's bosom, and that all things looked like a design on both
sides; and 'twas in vain she protested her innocence: he was old and
obstinate, and left her more than half assured that his fear was true.
The king, going to his apartment, sent to know where the prince was,
and if be intended to obey his command. The messenger returned, and
told him, he found the prince pensive, and altogether unprepared for
the campaign; that he lay negligently on the ground, and answered very
little. This confirmed the jealousy of the king, and he commanded that
they should very narrowly and privately watch his motions; and that he
should not stir from his apartment but one spy or other should be
employed to watch him: so that the hour approaching wherein he was
to go to the citron-grove and taking only Aboan along with him, he
leaves his apartment, and was watched to the very gate of the otan;
where he was seen to enter, and where they left him, to carry back the
tidings to the king.
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