University of Virginia Library

SCENE, the Governor's House.
The Governor and Hotman.
Gov.
To seize the Ship, say you?

Hot.
Ev'n so, my Lord.

Gov.
And at what Hour?

Hot.
The Hour I cannot tell.

Gov.
Was you not trusted then?

Hot.
I was, my Lord; but he they call the Prince—

Gov.
What, Oroonoko?

Hot.
The same, my Lord; a bloody-minded Fellow;
He and another, took it in their Heads
To think I was not quite the Rogue I seem'd,
And if I had not left them wou'd have stabb'd me.

Gov.
Indeed—well we must be before-hand with 'em—
Your honest Service to the Government
Shall be rewarded with your Liberty;
Let's see—

[Pauses.
Hot.
(aside)
Cou'd I have work'd 'em up to farther Mischief,
My Wages had been more.

[Retiring.
Gov.
Here, Hotman—hark ye,
Let Captain Driver come to me this Moment—
[Exit Hotman.
Why this is just the Thing I wou'd have wish'd;
The Laws now take this Oroonoko off,
And leave Imoinda mine—the Ship secur'd,
His Party will desert him, and with Ease
I then may seize my Prey.—Who waits without?—
Enter Servant.
Go see the Guard be doubled; bid the Centry
Stand to their Arms; let Captain Stanmore know
He must attend me here on instant Business.
[Exit Servant.
Enter Captain Driver.
Captain, what Hands have you on board To-night?

Capt.
Not many; but enough to do the Business—
I learnt it from the Slave I met below.

Gov.
I sent him, Sir—

Capt.
I know it, Governor; and I have sent him
With Orders that the Ship shou'd weigh, and stand
From Shore; 'tis doing, Sir, e'er now.

Gov.
Your Crew then, Captain, are not all on board?

Capt.
No, no; I'll send them Orders to be ready;
They'll do for your Prince Oroonoko yet.

Enter Servant.
Serv.
Here's Captain Stanmore, Sir—

Gov.
I'll come—
[Exit Servant.
Well, Captain, I'll expect you; I shall order
All the Militia under Arms directly,
Here on the Platform.

Capt.
You need not fear me.

[Exit severally.