ANNOUNCER
So the offer of the Dutch West India Company was received and in due course of time the provisions were put into writing. The Pilgrim company discussed the offer from every angle. All of them would have preferred to settle under the British flag, if it could have been arranged, but because more than six months had passed and they had not found anyone who could finance them, they felt that the Dutch offer should be accepted.
Therefore, near the end of February, 1620, Pastor Robinson and Elder Carver meet with Wilhelm Kieft to settle finally the matter of the emigration. Let us listen as they talk together.
KIEFT
Two ships and one thousand pounds, which you can repay in ten years.
ROBINSON
And all your company demands is a monopoly in the fur trade?
KIEFT
That is all. Otherwise you shall do what pleases you; but all of the fur must belong to the Dutch West India Company.
ROBINSON
That seems just. What think you, Elder Carver?
CARVER
Who shall govern us, Master Kieft?
KIEFT
You shall say that yourself. Who governs you now?
ROBINSON
We have no governor except the Elders of the Church.
KIEFT
It shall be the same in the New World.
CARVER
Do the terms satisfy you, Pastor Robinson?
ROBINSON
Indeed, I am more than satisfied.
KIEFT
Then shall we sign the articles? [rattle of paper]
ROBINSON
I can think of nothing more we should consider, can you, Elder?
CARVER
Nothing.
KIEFT
Then, if you have a quill, we can sign now. [knock]
ROBINSON
Your pardon, someone knocks.
CARVER [going]
I'll see who it is.
ROBINSON
Thank you, Elder. Ah, here is the quill. Now, where is the inkhorn? Ah, yes, here.
KIEFT
Sign here. [rattle of paper]
ROBINSON
Let us wait for Elder Carver.
CARVER [off]
Oh, Pastor Robinson?
ROBINSON
Yes?
CARVER
Your pardon, sir, will you come here at once?
ROBINSON
What is it?
CARVER [off]
Thomas Weston of London desires to see you.
KIEFT
Can we not finish our business first?
ROBINSON
Tell him to come in and sit down while we get this business finished.
CARVER [off]
Will you come in, Master Weston?
WESTON [coming in]
Thank you. Have I the honor of addressing Master Robinson?
ROBINSON
I'm Robinson.
WESTON
I'm Thomas Weston, and I have come on behalf of a company of London merchants—
KIEFT [sharply]
Master Robinson, your pardon, but may we not finish this business in hand?
ROBINSON
Certainly! Elder Carver, Master Kieft is waiting for us to sign the Articles of Emigration.
WESTON
Your pardon, Master Robinson, did you say "Articles of Emigration"?
ROBINSON
Why, yes.
WESTON
I have an offer to make you for the emigration of your company.
CARVER
What?
ROBINSON
Indeed!
KIEFT
I must insist, sir—
ROBINSON
One moment, Master Kieft.
KIEFT
Are you going to sign or not?
ROBINSON
Master Kieft, this may cause us to change our plans; we must consider. What is your offer, Master Weston?
WESTON
A company of seven London merchants has agreed to furnish ships and capital to carry you and your people to America.
KIEFT
You have already agreed with me
ROBINSON
We have signed nothing yet. Where, Master Weston, does your company propose that we settle?
WESTON
In northern Virginia—between the Great South River and the Great North River.
KIEFT
That, sir, is the land of the Dutch West India Company.
WESTON
Your pardon, but King James has decreed—
KIEFT [getting angrier]
I care not what your sovereign may have decreed—he has no claim to that land. My company discovered and explored it!
WESTON
Has your company established any plantations there?
KIEFT
That makes no difference.
WESTON
Until you have established plantations, you cannot claim it.
KIEFT
I do not wish to argue with you, sir. I am here to close this business with you, Master Robinson. I am waiting—
ROBINSON
We must have time to consider—
KIEFT
I had your word.
CARVER
Master Kieft, the situation has changed. We are Englishmen, and if we can emigrate under our own flag, you cannot blame us for preferring it to another.
KIEFT
You have tricked us—you are not treating me fairly!
ROBINSON
Now, sir—
KIEFT [louder]
And I warn you if you go to our land under the British flag, you shall regret it, sir, you shall regret it. Good day! [sound of door slamming]