Of course the man of good conscience and knowledge in divinity had a right to the reasons which overcame all these objections. They were three. First and always, the desire to convert this unbelieving creature, namely Pokahuntas." "Shall the base feare of displeasing the world overpower or withhold me from revealing unto man the spirituall works of the Lord? Shall I despise to actuate the pious duties of a Christian? God forbid!" (But just here the Governor with his knowledge in divinity might hesitate, inasmuch as marriage with the heathen in order to his conversion is no part of the plan of salvation.)
Second. "The great appearance of her love to me!"
Third. "Her incitements hereunto stirring me up!"
All these things working together, the end is accomplished. She is a fiancée when Argall takes her up the York to make another appeal to Powhatan, burns a few villages to show he is in earnest, and finally brings about an interview with her brothers (her father refuses to see her), in which her engagement is announced. Powhatan is delighted! Before Argall can reach Jamestown with the little bride, her old uncle Opachisco and her two brothers are there before him to witness the marriage ceremony, bearing with them her father's wedding present—a nicely dressed deerskin.
THE MARRIAGE OF POCAHONTAS AT JAMESTOWN.
- Halberdiers
- Gov. Sir Thos. Dale
- Alex. Whittaker
- Mrs. John Rolfe and Child
- Mrs. Ed. Easton and Child
- Choristers
- Mattachanna and Cleopatre
- Pocahontas
- John Rolfe
- Indian Attendants
- Capt. George Percy
- Brother to Pocahontas
- Henry Spilman
- William Spence
- Thos. Savage
- Master Sparkes
- Thomas Powell, Wife and Child
- Mrs. Horton and Grandchild
- Sir Thos. Gates
- Opachisco, Uncle to Pocahontas
- A Younger Brother to Pocahontas
Before this time, in April, 1613, Pocahontas had been baptized in the church Lord Delaware had repaired and beautified. Her savage father had given her three names,—Matoaca, Amonate, and Pocahontas. Her spiritual sponsors gave her "Rebekah" at her baptism—no doubt in allusion to the Rebecca of Genesis, and she was thereafter known in England as "the Lady Rebekah."
As Sir Thomas Dale had wisely foreseen, the alliance brought the blessing of peace. The Chickahominies sent an embassy to conclude a treaty by which they were to become subjects of the English king. John Rolfe and his dusky bride lived "civilly and lovingly together" at "Varina," which continued to be her residence until she left Virginia.[77]