WHereas the bearing of Weapons couertly , and specially of short Dagges , and Pistols , ( truely termed of their vse , pocket Dagges , that are apparantly made to be caried close , and secret ) hath euer beene , and yet is by the Lawes and policie of this Realme straitly forbidden , as carying with it ineuitable danger in the hands of desperate persons . We are neuerthelesse giuen to vnderstand , that the vse of them is suddenly growen very common : So as for the gaine comming thereof , both many are daily made and wrought within the Kingdome , and as many brought in from forraine parts . And some persons being questioned for bearing of such about them , haue made their excuse , That being decayed in their estates , and indebted ; and therefore fearing continually to be Arrested , they weare the same for their defence against such Arrests . A case so farre from iust excuse , as it is of it selfe a grienous offence for any man to arme himselfe against Justice , and therefore deserues ( without more ) sharpe and seuere punishment . But besides this euill consequence ( which alone is not to be neglected . ) We have iust cause to prouide also against those deuilish spirits , that maligning the quiet and happines of this Estate , may vse the same to more execrable endes . And therefore by this Our Proclamation , We doe straitly charge and commaund all Our subiects and other persons whatsoever , that they neither make , nor bring into this Realme , any Dagges , Pistols , or other like short Gunnes , by what name soeuer they be , or may bee called or knowen , which are not , or shall not bee of the full lenght of twelue inches in the Barrell at the least : And that no person or persons shall beare or carry , about him or them , any such . And further , We doe will and commaund all and euery Our subiects , and others whomsoeuer , that haue or possesse any such in their owne hands , or in the hands of any other to their vse , That they do before the Feast of the purification of the blessed Virgin MARY next ensuing the date hereof , either breake the same in pieces , so as they may not bee vsed in any wise to shoot withall : Or else that they deliuer and yeeld vp the same to some Justice of the Peace , Mayor , Baliffes , or their principall Officer , of , or neere the Countie , Citie , Towne , or place of his , or their abode , respectiuely , there to remaine in safe custodie , vpon paine of Our heauie displeasure , and of such imprisonment , penalties , and other punishments , as are due to the contemners of Our Royall Commandements .