When they believe that Imoinda is dead the king’s subjects admit that Oroonoko loved her all along. The king, having no other heir and relying on Oroonoko to lead his army, begins to worry about the effect news of Imoinda’s death will have on his grandson. He begins to regret his actions and acknowledges that he should have put Imoinda “nobly” (36) to death, not sold her “like a common slave” (36). He sends a messenger to inform Oroonoko of Imoinda’s death. 

Oroonoko is about to go into battle but receives the king’s messenger with joy, believing that he is going to be pardoned by the king. Seeing the messenger’s sad face, however, he guesses the truth and lies down, overcome with grief. The messenger asks the king’s pardon and whether or not Oroonoko intends to exact revenge on his grandfather. Oroonoko has no thoughts of revenge, but is so overwhelmed by grief that he cannot move from the ground—not even to lead his troops into battle. 

Aboan takes charge, but the army is in disarray and faces certain defeat. As their enemy approaches the camp, the men scatter and Oroonoko is roused from his grief, preferring to die in battle than to be taken as a slave by Jamoan, the enemy.