FOR AS MOCHE as by dyuers and sundry occasyons , as well hearryng , tynges , saltfysh , samond , stockfyshe , as other kindes of fyshe , ben this yere skaut , and also enhanced in price● about the old rate and comen estimation of their valour : so that if the kynges louynge subiectes shulde be enforced onely to bye and prouyde hearrynge and other salte store of fysshe , for the necessary and sufficient sustentation and mayntenaunce of their housholdes and families , all this holy tyme of Lent , accordyng as they haue ben wont in times past to do , & shuld not be by some other conuenient meanes releued therin , the same myght and shuld vndoutedly redounde to their importable charge and detryment . And for as moche as his highnesse considereth , howe this kynde and maner of fastynge , that is to saye , to absteyne from mylke , butter , egges , chese , and all other white meates , is but a mere posytiue lawe of the Churche , and vsed by a custome within this realme , and of none other sorte or necessitie , but the same may be , vpon good considerations and groundes , altered and dispensed with from tyme to tyme by the publike auctority of kinges and princes , whan so euer they shal perceiue the same to tende to the hurt and damage of their people . THE KYNGES hyghnesse therfore most graciousely consideryng and tenderyng the welth and commoditie of his people , hath thought good , for the consyderations aboue rehersed , to release and dispence with the sayde lawe and custome of absteynynge from white meates this holy time of Lent , And of his especial grace and mere motion gyueth and graunteth vnto al and singular his subiectes within this his realme of England , Wales , Cales , Guy●es , Hammes , and in all other his graces dominions , free lyberty , faculty , and licence , to eate all maner of white meates , as mylke , egges , butter , chese , and suche lyke , durynge the tyme of this Lent , without any scruple or grudge of conscience : any lawe , constitution , vse , or custome to the contrary notwithstandynge . Wherin neuer the lesse his hyghnes exhorteth , and in the name of god requireth , all such his faythfull subiectes , as may , wol , or shall enioy this his sayd graunte or faculty , that they be in no wyse scruple or doubtefull therof , nor abuse or tourne the same in to a fleshly or carnall liberty : but rather endeuour them selfes to their possible powers with this libertie of eatynge of white meates , to obserue also that fast , whiche god most specially requireth of them : That is to say , to renounce the world and the deuyl , with al their pompes and workes , and also to subdewe and represse their carnal affections , and the corrupt workes of their flesshe , accordinge to their vowe and profession made at the font stone . For in these poyntes specially consisteth the very true and perfyt abstinence and fastinge of a Christen man .