Oroonoko, the royal slave

Trefry, the overseer of Lord Governor Willoughby's plantation, is enormously surprised by the superior physical appearance of the new slave who, he happily finds, can speak English. Although Oroonoko attempts to be humble, in time Trefry realizes he has a great mind and a superior education. The men become such good friends that Trefry "ever after loved him as his dearest brother and showed him all the civilities due so great a man." Oroonoko has had good fortune: "he had a man of so excellent parts and wit for a master" (38). In time he informs Trefry of his background, and Trefry promises upon his word of honor that he will find a way to return Oroonoko to his own country and that he will find out what happened to Oroonoko's enslaved friends. Oroonoko believes Trefry is sincere. The fame of Oroonoko precedes their journey upriver to the plantation. Wherever they stop they are met with crowds of people eager to view the richly robed African prince.