¶ A Proclamation , declaring the vndoubted Right of our Soueraigne Lord King IAMES , to the Crowne of the Realmes of England , France and Ireland .

FOrasmuch as it hath pleased Almighty God to call to his mercy out of this transitory life our Soueraigne Lady , the high and mighty Prince Elizabeth late Queene of England , France , and Ireland , by whose death and dissolution , the Imperiall Crowne of these Realmes aforesaid are now absolutely , wholly , and solely come to the high and mighty Prince IAMES the sixt King of Scotland , who is lineally and lawfully descended from the body of Margaret , daughter to the high and Renowmed Prince , Henry the seuenth King of England , France , and Ireland , his great Grandfather , the said Lady Margaret being lawfully begotten of the body of Elizabeth , daughter to King Edward the fourth ( by which happy coniunction both the houses of Yorke and Lancaster were vnited , to the ioy vnspeakeable of this kingdome , formerly rent and torne by the long dissention of bloody and Ciuil warres ) the same Lady Margaret being also the eldest sister of Henry the eight of famous memory King of England as aforeasaid :

Wee therefore the Lords Spirituall and Temporall of this Realme , being here assembled , vnited , and assisted with those of her late Maiesties Priuie Counsell , and with great numbers of other principall Gentlemen of qualitie in the kingdome , with she Lord Maior , Aldermen , & Citizens of London , and a multitude of other good Subiects and Commons of this Realme , thirsting now after nothing so much as to make it knowen to all persons . who it is that by Law , by Lineall succession , and vndoubted Right is now become the onely Soueraigne Lord and King of these Imperiall Crownes ( to the intent that by vertue of his power , wisedome and godly courage , all things may be prouided for , and executed , which may preuent or resist either forreine attempts , or popular disorder , tending to the breach of the present Peace , or to the preiudice of his Maiesties future quiet ) doe now hereby with one full voyce and consent of tongue and heart , publish and proclaime , That the high and mighty Prince , Iames the sixt King of Scotland , is now by the death of our late soueraigne , Queene of England of famous memory , become also our onely , Lawfull , Lineall and rightfull liege Lord , Iames the first , King of England , France and Ireland , defender of the Faith , to whom as to our onely iust Prince , adorned ( besides his vndoubted Right ) with all the rarest gifts of minde and body , to the infinite comfort of all his people and Subiects that shall liue vnder him , we do acknowledge all faith and constant obedience , with all hearty and humble affections , both during our naturall liues for our selues , and in the behalfe of our posteritie . Hereby protesting and denouncing to all persons whatsoeuer , that in this iust and lawfull Act of ours , we are resolued by the fauour of Gods holy assistance , and in the zeale of our owne conscience ( warranted by certaine knowledge of his manifest and vndoubted Right , as hath bene said before ) to maintaine and vphold his Maiesties person and estate , as our onely vndoubted Soueraigne Lord and King , with the sacrifice of our Liues , lands , goods , friends , and adherents , against all power , force , or practise , that shall goe about by word or deed , to interrupt , contradict , or impugne his iust claimes , his entry into this kingdome , or any part thereof , at his good pleasure , or disobey such Royall directions as shall come from him . To all which we are resolued onely to yeeld our selues , vntil the last drop of our bloods be spent for his seruice . Hereby willing and commanding , in the name of our Soueraigne Lord Iames the first , King of all the foresaid kingdomes . all the late Lieutenants , deputie Lieutenants , Sheriffes , Iustices , & all Maiors , Bailiffes , Constables , Headboroughes , and all other Officers and Ministers whatsoeuer , that they be ayding & assisting from time to time in all things that are or shall be necessary for the preuenting , resisting and suppressing of any disorderly assemblies , or other vnlawfull act or attempt , either in word or deed , against the publique peace of the Realme , or any way preiudiciall to the right , honour , state or person , of our onely vndoubted and deare Lord and Soueraigne that now is , Iames the first , King of all the said kingdomes , as they wil auoyd the perill of his Maiesties heauy indignation , and their owne vtter ruine and confusion . Beseeching God to blesse his Maiestie and his Royall posterity with long and happy yeeres to reigne ouer vs.

Robert Lee , Maior . Io . Cantuar . Tho Egerton . C. S. Tho . Buckhurst . Th. E. Oxford . Nottingham . Northumberland . Gilbert Shrewsbury . W. Derby . E. Worcester . G. Cumberland . R. Sussex . Pembrok . H. Lincolne . Clanricard . Ri . London . Rob. Hereford . Io . Norwich . Tho . Laware . Morley . H. Cobham . Gray Wilt . Scroope . Lomley . Ed. Cromwell . Rob. Rich . George Hunsdon . G. Chandoys . W. Compton . Norreys . L. Howard of Waldon . W. Knollys . Ed. Wotton . Io . Stanhop . Rob. Cecill . Ioh . Fortescue . Io . Popham . March . 24. ANNO 1602.

¶ A Proclamation , signifying his Maiesties pleasure , That all men being in Office of Gouernment at the death of the late Queene Elizabeth , should so continue till his Maiesties further direction .

FOrasmuch as it cannot be doubted , but as the Kings most Excellent Maiestie hath taken great contentment in the most duetifull and deuoted affection of his Subiects of this Realme , testified by the vniuersall and ioyfull consent in publishing his Right , and acknowledgement of his Highnesse for their Souereigne ; so on the other side , his Maiesties Subiects will finde much ioy and comfort by receiuing knowledge of his gracious and louing acceptance of their said most humble and most affectionate seruice and duetie : It is therefore very meet , That ( his Maiestie hauing of late , by his seuerall Letters of the eight and twentieth , and of the last of March , vnto such of vs the Nobilitie of this Realme , and others that were of the late Queenes Priuy Counsel , as are here at his Highnesse Pallace of Whitehall assembled for the seruice of his Maiestie and the State , signified his gracious acceptance , and Princely thankefulnesse vnto all his Subiects , of whatsoeuer degree or condition , for such and so extraordinary demonstration of their good will , and commanding the same to be further notified to all parts ) we should publish and declare the same , by this Proclamation , in his name . And withall , that we should declare and make knowen his Maiesties pleasure deliuered likewise in the said Letters , touching the necessary continuation ( during his absence , or vntill it shall please his Highnesse to giue other commandement and direction ) of such orders and proceedings for the preseruation of Peace , administration of Iustice , and gouernment of the State , as were formerly established , & stood in force immediatly before the late Queenes deceasse , which chiefly , and in effect is this : That whereas vpon the deceasse of the late Queenes Maiestie , the authority of the most part of the Officers and places of Iurisdiction and gouernment within this Realme , & in the Realme of Ireland , did cease and faile , the Souereigne person failing from whom the same were deriued , and thereupon through doubtfulnesse , and want of authority for execution , in such persons as were inuested in the sayd Offices and places , the setled and ordinary course of the affaires of the State ( if remedy were not prouided ) might receiue disturbance and preiudice by discontinuance and interruption : His Maiestie in his Princely wisedome , and care of the State ( reseruing vnto his owne iudgement hereafter the reformation and redresse of any abuses in misgouernment vpon better knowledge taken therof , in his due time ) is pleased , and hath so expresly signified , That all persons , that at the time of the late Queenes Maiesties deceasse , were duely and lawfully possessed of any place or Office of authority , iurisdiction , or gouernment , either Ciuill or Martiall within this Realme , or in the Realme of Ireland , And namely , all Lieutenants , Sheriffes , deputy Lieutenants , Commissioners of Musters , Iustices of the Peace , and all others in place of Gouernment , either meaner or superiour , ( as aforesaid ) shal be , and shall so hold themselues continued in the sayd place and Offices , as formerly they held and enioyed the same , vntill his Maiesties pleasure bee further knowen . And that in the meane while ( for the preseruation of Peace , and necessary proceeding in matters of Iustice , and for safety of the State ) all the said persons , of whatsoeuer degree or condition may not faile , euery one seuerally according to his place , office , or charge , to proceed in the performance and execution of all dueties thereto belonging , as formerly appertained to them and euery of them , while the late Queenes Maiesty was liuing .

And albeit the earnest and longing desire in all his Maiesties Subiects , to enioy the sight of his Royall person and presence ( which hath mooued very many of good degree and quality , and some of them hauing place of charge in the Countrey where they dwell , to hasten and take their iourneys at this time vnto his highnesse ) be , for it selfe , commendable in them , and acceptable to his Maiesty , being an argument of their abundant ioy and gladnesse : Neuerthelesse , because the ouer-much , and too frequent resort and concourse of people in those parts where his Maiesty as yet remayneth , or which are farre distant from the heart of this Realme , is at this present inconuenient , and may prooue more dangerous , both in respect that the Countrey whither such extraordinary resort is made , shall be ouercharged with multitude , and therof scarcity & dearth is like ynough to proceed , and also because these more inward parts of the Realme shal in the meane while be impayred in hospitality , and being destitute of such assistance as is needfull , it may be doubted to what danger or disturbance , forreigne or domesticall , they may be exposed : His Maiesty therefore in his wisedome both gratiously accepting the good will of his Subiects , and withall regarding what is conuenient for his seruice , and for the securitie of the State at this time is pleased , and doth require , That such concourse and resort into those parts be forborne , and aboue all others , of those persons that haue any place of charge or office , either on the Seacoast or the In-land , or are of good degree and quality in their Countrey : And that such orderly course be hereafter holden ( in the discretion of all such persons as aforesayd ) for repaire and resort to his Highnesse presence at his comming into this Realme , as may conueniently stand and agree with the care and seruice necessarily belonging , and to be performed in all parts of the Realme , to his Highnesse and the State , His Maiesty being no lesse graciously disposed , and willing ( in all conuenient sort ) to giue contentment and pleasure to his owne eyes and minde , by the sight of his most loyall and louing Subiects , then they are infinitely desirous to enioy the happinesse of his Maiesties person and presence , who ( we doubt not ) long before this time is already safe in this his Realme of England , though his Maiesty forbeareth to come presently to his City of London , vntill those things can bee set in readinesse , which are fit and honourable for the reception of so great and mighty a King .

Giuen at his Maiesties Pallace of Whitehall , the fifth of April , in the first yeere of his Maiesties Reigne . Anno Dom . 1603.

¶ A Proclamation declaring at what values certaine Moneys of Scotland shall be currant within England .

FOrasmuch as both the Realmes of England and Scotland are amongst others by the prouidence of God Almighty , and lawfull right of descent vnited and incorporated together vnder the Imperiall Crowne of the high and mightie Prince Iames by the grace of God King of England , Scotland , France and Ireland , Defender of the Faith , &c. And his most excellent Maiestie in his Princely wisedome knowing how necessary it is , for Commerce and Trade betweene his louing Subiects of both his said Kingdoms , That the true value at which certaine pieces of his Maiesties Coine of Scotland shall be currant within his Kingdome of England , should certainely bee made knowen and published to all his louing Subiects of both nations : And finding vpon triall & certificate by his Maiesties officers of the Mynt within his Towre of London ( vpon commandement giuen vnto them in that behalfe ) That the Coine of Scotland called the sixe-pound piece , of golde , is of the finenesse of twentie and two Carrects , and that sixe of those pieces doe make an ownce : And also that the Coine of Scotland called the Marke piece of siluer , is of the value of thirteene pence halfe-peny sterling : Hath therefore published and declared , and by these presents doth publish and declare , That the said Coine of golde called the sixe-pound piece , shal be from henceforth currant within his Maiesties Kingdome of England , at the value of ten shillings sterling , And that the said Coine of siluer called the Marke piece , shall bee from henceforth currant within the said kingdome of England at the value of thirteene pence halfe-peny . And his Maiestie doth hereby specially charge and command , that the rates and values before expressed , be from hencefoorth accepted and allowed of by all his louing Subiects whatsoeuer within the said Realme of England .

Giuen at his Maiesties pallace of Whitehall , the 8. of Aprill in the first yeere of his Maiesties reigne . Anno Dom . 1603.

¶ A Proclamation for the dispatch of Pacquets betweene London and Berwicke , for the seruice of the King . To all Maiors , Shiriffes , Iustices of the Peace , Post-masters , Bailiffes , Constables , Hedboroughs , and all other the Kings Maiesties Officers and Subiects whatsoeuer , to whome it shall or may appertaine , and to euery of them .

FOrasmuch as there is present occasion of speedy dispatch of Pacquets by Poste , for the speciall and important seruice of our Soueraigne Lord the Kings Maiestie to and fro betweene London and Berwicke , and for that purpose it is fit and conuenient in this time so full of busines , that the Poste-masters of euery Stage be aided and assisted with fresh and able Horses as necessitie shall require , by the Magistrates of Townes and villages neere adioyning , for the quicke dispatch of the said Pacquets , vntill his Maiesties businesse bee better setled vpon his arriuall into these Southerne parts : And whereas also the Kings most excellent Maiestie doth shortly intend to begin his iourney from Berwicke toward his Citie of London : We hold it very necessary to giue present order that such prouision be made of Poste-horses and cariages for his Maiestie and his Traine in all places where he shall passe . We haue therefore made choise of Thomas Mylles Esquire , Pay-master of all the Postes , and Rowland White Gent . Post-master of his Maiesties Court , to see the seruices abouesaid well performed , Willing and requiring , and in his Maiesties name charging and commanding all Sheriffes , Deputie Lieutenants , Iustices of Peace , Mayors , Bayliffes , and all other his Maiesties Officers and louing Subiects , to take such special order & care in aiding and assisting al Constables and Post-masters , and other vnder Officers where the occasion of Seruice shall require it , that such number of Horses may be prouided from time to time , and from place to place during his Maiesties Iourney , aswell for the Pacquers as otherwise , as Master Thomas Mylles and Rowland White shall giue direction for . And that those numbers of horses you send in , be able and sufficient horses , and well furnished of saddles , bridles , girts and stirropes , with good guides to looke to them , who , for their said horses shall demaund and receiue of such as shall ride on them the prices accustomed . And further you are to see the said Gentlemen and their seruants , that now are imployed and trauell about this seruice , furnished , in doing thereof from place to place , of good and able Poste-masters , at reasonable prices . Whereof faile yee not as ye tender his Maiesties pleasure , and will answere to the contrary at your vttermost perill .

From the Kings Maiesties pallace of Whitehall the eight of Aprill . Anno Dom . 1603. Io . Cant . Notingham . Pembrok . Io . Norwycen . Tho . Lawarre . Hen . Windsor . Ed. Wotton . Tho . Egerton . C.S. Will . Derby . Ga . Kildare . Anth. Cirencester . Ro . Rich . T. Darcy . Io . Popham . T. Buckhurst . E. Worcester . Ri . London . Io . Roffens . Fr. Norrys . Ro . Cecil . E. Oxenford . Ro . Sussex . Ro . Hereford . R. Morley . Will . Sandys . William Knollys .

¶ A Proclamation for the Kings attendance , and receiuing , by the Sheriffes of the seuerall Counties .

FOrasmuch as the Kings most excellent Maiestie is graciously minded to make his speedy repaire from Barwick to his Highnes Citie of London , In which his iourny he is to passe from thence through diuers Shires of this Realme : These are to notifie vnto all Sheriffes of the seuerall Counties through which his Maiestie shall so passe , that his Highnes will and pleasure is , that eche of them respectiuely being attended with the Iustices of Peace , and other Gentlemen of the said seueral Counties , faile not to waite on his Maiestie , to receiue him at his first entrance into the same Countie whereof they are Sheriffes , and so to continue their attendance vntill such time as his Maiestie come to the vttermost bounds of the same Countie , Where the Shiriffe of the next Countie is in like manner to attend and receiue him : And this to be so done from County to Countie , vntill his Maiestie shall come to the said Citie of London .

And furthermore , for that it is requisite that sufficient and plentifull prouisions bee made in all such Counties and places where his Highnesse shall either lodge or rest by the way , not onely for his Maiestie and such noble Personages as shall attend him , but also for the whole Traine : These are in his Highnesse name to charge and command all Sheriffes , Iustices of Peace , and others his Maiesties Officers , Ministers and Subiects to whom it may appertaine , That they and euery of them take speciall care and regard , that all maner Victuals and other prouisions necessary and conuenient for his Maiesty and his whole Traine , bee in conuenient time brought to all places where his Highnes shall lodge or rest in his passage as aforesayd , there to be vttered and sold for reasonable priees : For all which , the owners thereof shall from time to time receiue good and present payment . And as it is not doubted , but that all his Maiesties good & faithfull Subiects will be most ready and willing to shew themselues forward and carefull in the due accomplishment of the premisses , according to their loyaltie and duety : so if any shal be found disobedient , negligent , or remisse therin , These are to let them know , that they are to sustaine such condigne punishment as their offence in that behalfe deserueth .

Giuen at his Maiesties Pallace of Whitehall , the tenth of April , in the first yeere of his Maiesties Reigne . Anno Dom . 1603.

¶ A Proclamation for the discouery and apprehension of William Ruthen , and Patricke Ruthen , brethren to the late Earle of Gowrie .

WHereas the Kings Maiesty is enformed , that William Ruthen , and Patricke Ruthen , ( two brethren to the late Earle of Gowrie , a dangerous traitour to his person ) haue crept into this Kingdome with malicious hearts against him , disguising themselues in secret places , where he is enformed , that they doe not onely vtter cankered speeches against him , but are practising and contriuing dangerous plots , and desperate attempts against his Royal person ; for effecting whereof , either by themselues , or by such as they can perswade & suborne thereunto , they leaue no meanes vnessayed : Bee it therefore knowen to all men by these presents , That for the speedy apprehension of these malicious and dangerous persons , William Ruthen and Patrick Ruthen aforesayd , The Kings most excellent Maiesty doeth straitly command and charge all and singular Sheriffes , Iustices of the Peace , Maiors , Bayliffes , Constables , and all & euery other his highnesse Officers within this his Realme of England , That they , and euery of them make diligent search and enquiry for the sayd malicious persons William Ruthen and Patricke Ruthen , and to vse all their best indeuours , aswell within all maner of Liberties , as without , for the discouery , apprehension , and arresting the bodies of them the sayd William Ruthen and Patricke Ruthen , and being apprehended or arrested , foorthwith , speedily , and without any delay , to bring them , or cause them to be brought vnder some safe custody , before some of his Highnesse most honourable Priuy Counsell , there to be proceeded with and ordered , according as Iustice shal require : And herein not to faile , as they and euery of them tender their duety to his Highnesse , and will answere the contrary at their vttermost perils .

And the Kings most excellent Maiesty doeth moreouer straitly charge and command all and euery Searcher , Customer and Officer of any Port within this Realme , and all other his Highnesse Subiects , of what Nature , qualitie , and condition soeuer hee or they be , to whose Houses the said William Ruthen , and Patricke Ruthen , or either of them shall resort , or to whose knowledge , notice or vnderstanding it may come , where or in what places they the said William Ruthen , and Patricke Ruthen shall bee , or into whose hands they shall come , to stay , apprehend , and arrest them , and to bring them before some of his Maiesties Priuie Counsell as aforesayd , Wherein if any shall goe about to conceale them , or shall not reueale their abode ( if it be in their power to doe so ) His Maiestie doeth hereby pronounce , that hee will for euer after , holde them as partakers and abettours of their malicious practises and intentions , for which they shall feele the weight of his heauiest indignation . And if at any time , any Subiects of his ( out of their duety ) shall discouer the persons aforesaid , or their residence , and yet shall not finde themselues able to pursue them , his Maiesty doeth command them , to call for the ayde and assistance of his Highnesse Officers , or any other his Subiects , whom his Maiesty doeth also straitly charge and command hereby , to be ayding and assisting herein , as they will answere to the contrary at their vttermost perils .

Giuen at Burghley the 27. day of April , 1603. In the first yeere of our Reigne . Anno Dom . 1603.

¶ A forme of Proclamation to be proclaimed by the Clarke of the Market , and he to see it executed touching prices of Victuals .

THe Kings Maiestie straitly chargeth and commaundeth , That euery man doe obey and keepe all such prices as is and shal be prized and rated by the Clarke of the Market of his most honourable houshold , and the Iury before him or his Deputie by the authoritie of his Office sworne and charged from time to time , and so fixed and set vpon the gates of the Kings Highnes Court and other places within the Verge : And that no person or persons of what estate or degree soeuer he be , doe in any wise pay more for Corne , victuals , horsemeat , lodgings , or any kinde of victuals , then after the Rate and forme aforesaide , vpon paine of imprisonment , and further perill that shall thereof follow , The same punishments to be inflicted aswell vpon them and euery of them , which doe or shall presume to pay any more , for any the things before mentioned , as vpon them and euery of them , which shal vtter and sell any maner of things contrary to the true meaning of this Proclamation .

And moreouer the Kings Highnesse straitly chargeth and commaundeth all Maiors , Iustices of peace , Bailiffes , Constables , and all other his faithfull Officers , and euery of them , aswell within liberties as without ( within the Verge of his Highnesse Court ) from time to time , when and as often as need shal require , diligently within their authority , to endeuour themselues to see execution and due reformation of the premisses , according to Iustice and prices as aforesaid . And further it is ordered , that no person or persons , now vsing , or which of right ought to vse to serue any Citie , Towne , or other place within the Verge of his Highnesse Court , with any kinde of Corne , victuals , horsemeat , Lodgings or any other necessaries , aswell vpon the Market day , as at any other time , bee any thing the more remisse or slacke in making prouision for the same , then they or any of them heretofore haue bene , nor hide , lay aside , or vse any colour of craft to deceiue the buyers thereof , whereby the Kings Highnesse Traine within any Citie , Towne , or other place , and the inhabitants of the same should not be aswell serued , and plenteously furnished in euery behalfe , as it was before , or of right ought to haue bene , in defraude of this his Highnesse ordinance , nor take or receiue any more then according to the prices which from time to time shall stand and be declared in maner aforesaid , vnder his Graces seale of the office of the Clerke of the market , vpon paine of imprisonment , and further to make Fine vnto the Kings Highnes vse , for his or their contempts therein .

Anno Dom . 1603.

¶ A Proclamation inhibiting the vse and execution of any Charter or Grant made by the late Queene Elizabeth , of any kinde of Monopolies . &c.

THe Zeale and great affection , which we haue found in all sorts of people of this our Kingdom towards our Person , and that Right which wee had to the succession of this Crowne , hath so many wayes bene expressed , as we cannot chuse but make it manifest to them all by some publike declaration , how great a desire it hath wrought in our heart to shew our gracious acceptation of their deuotion towards vs , whensoeuer there shall be offered either occasion or subiect , that may concerne their vniuersall good . For though it be true , that our Right was so assured , that whatsoeuer testimonie could thereof be vttered , was but the duetie of Subiects , acknowledging that faith and loyaltie whereunto by the Lawes of God and Nature they were bound : yet doe we confesse , that there is in the true rules of Iustice from the Soueraigne to the Subiect , a reciprocall office and respect , which they are bound in honour and conscience to obserue . The consideration whereof , hath mooued vs to thinke of such wayes , as for the present did occurre vnto vs , wherein we might make manifest to our people , how willing we are now , and will be ready hereafter , to bee as forward in requiting their loue , as they haue bene in expressing it . In which consideration while we were busied , we were informed that the Queene our sister deceased , finding some few yeeres before her death , that some things had passed her hand at the importunity of her seruants , whom she was willing to reward with little burden to her estate ( otherwise by necessary occasions exhausted , ) which though they had and might haue foundation in Princely prerogatiue , yet either by too large extending thereof , or for the most part in respect that they were of such nature , as could hardly be put in vse without hinderance to multitudes of people , or els committed to inferiour persons , who in the execution thereof did so exceedingly abuse the same , as they became intollerable : Had purposed to reuoke all Grants of that nature , and did begin with some , which were held most vniust , putting the rest to the examination of her Lawes to stand or fall , as in the construction of Law they might consist , or not . We , who though we had neuer had such an example , were euer opposite in our owne nature to any thing that had colour of oppression , hold it our part not onely carefully to perfect all her good intentions , but to study further by all good meanes , and with all expedition to put in practise all other courses whereby a people so louing , so duetifull , and so deare vnto vs , may know and feele that we are as desirous to make them happy by our Iustice and grace towards them in all reasonable things , as they haue bene ready to increase our comfort and contentment in yeelding their loyalty and obedience towards our establishment in those Rights , which vnder God we doe enioy . Therefore we doe expresly charge and command all persons whatsoeuer , That from hencefoorth they vtterly desist and forbeare to vse or execute any maner of Charter or Grant made by our late Sister the Queene deceased , of any kinde of Monopolies , or of any power or Licence to dispence with , or discharge any maner of penall Lawes ( except such Grants onely , as haue bene made to any Corporation or Company of any Art or Mysterie , or for the maintenance or enlargement of any trade of merchandize ) vntill such time as the same Charter or Grant shal be examined and allowed of by vs , with the aduise of our Counsell , to be fit to be put in execution , without any preiudice to our louing Subiects . And where heretofore many haue bene greatly preiudiced and delayed in suing for their debts & other dueties by sundry kind of Protections , and by pretence of other Priuiledges and exemptions : We charge and command , and our expresse will and pleasure is , That no Protection , Priuiledge or exemption to delay any persons Suiterr Action , shall from hencefoorth bee receiued or allowed in any our Courts or els where , which are or shal be contrary or repugnant to the Lawes of this Realme .

And furthermore , we wil and command , that no assignements of Debts or Actions be made vnto vs by any that is , or pretendeth to bee indebted vnto vs , who is otherwise able and sufficient by himselfe , or by his Sureties , readily to pay the same Debt , nor any assignment taken to our vse of any Debt , other then such , as shall then appeare to be a iust and true Debt . And for that we are certainely informed of many great disorders and abuses , to the great griefe of our louing Subiects as well by Salt-petermen and such as haue or pretend to haue Commission and Authority to make Salt-peter , as also by sundry Purueyors and Takers of Carts and other prouisions for our vse and seruice : Therefore we do expresly charge and command , that the sayd Salt-petermen , Purueyors and Takers , haue especiall care to execute their Offices and Authorities without any maner of oppression , grieuance or wrong to be done to any our louing Subiects . And if they that haue the Commissions , shal abuse the execution of them contrary to this our declaration , We are pleased that such , as shal be grieued therewith , shall resort to vs or our Councell with their complaints . And we doe also giue expresse charge and commandement to al Lawyers , Atturneys , Officers and Clearkes , of and in any our Courts of Iustice whatsoeuer , Ecclesiasticall or Temporall , that they nor any of them extort or take any vndue or excessiue Fees , but such onely as are allowed to be had or taken in the same Courts . And to the end that our pleasure and commandement may be duely and effectually performed , and obserued in the premisses : We doe hereby notifie and declare , that whosoeuer shall presume to breake or violate in any thing aforesaid our Royall commandements , they shall thereby incurre our indignation and displeasure , And that vpon complaint and proofe thereof made , wee will not faile to proceed to such seuere punishment against such offenders according to their demerits , as shal be fit for so high and contemptuous an offence . These graces aboue specified , as we doe presently extend to our people , and doe intend others hereafter when wee shall vnderstand more particularly wherein we may yeeld them comfort : So because things well meant may in the maner of the execution of them be abused ; and Complaints grounded vpon iust causes , may in the crauing of remedy be accompanied with offensiue proceedings , Wee haue thought good to admonish our Subiects , that we doe expect at their hands , that if in the things aboue specified , or in any other wherewith they shall finde themselues grieued ( which haue not yet come to our knowledge ) they shall haue cause to seeke any thing at our handes , they shall forbeare all assembling and flocking together in multitudes , but shall in lawful and decent maner without numbers , without clamor , or any other kind of disorder , resort to vs or our Councell by way of humble Petition ; from whom they shall receiue such answere , as shall make manifest the zeale we haue to the obseruation of Iustice , and maintenance of their welfare , if their Complaints be iust . And on the other side , if we shall perceiue that their petitions shal sauour of humor , and tend onely to slander and calumniation , and indeed haue no other foundation , but such as often happeneth in vulgar people , vnder pretence of seeking publique redresses to vtter priuate malice : We would haue them vnderstand hereby , that they shall not onely displease vs therein , but finde that we hold it no lesse the Office of a Prince to protect their Magistrates and Officers , and all publique persons in their iust causes , then to giue redresse to the vulgar sort , when they haue in deed cause to complaine , against all persons how great soeuer they be in rule or dignitie vnder vs : Reseruing to our selfe the Right iustly appertayning to our Prerogatiue , for that we would not haue it conceiued , that in doing these things out of our Grace , we doe intend to renounce those ancient dueties and Priuiledges , which haue descended vpon vs with the succession of our Kingdomes . And for that we are informed , that there hath bene heretofore great neglect in this kingdome of keeping the Sabbath day : For better obseruing of the same , and auoyding of all impious prophanation of it , we doe straitly charge and command , that no Beare-bayting , Bul-bayting , Enterludes , Common Playes , or other like disordered or vnlawfull Exercises or Pastimes be frequented , kept or vsed , at any time hereafter vpon any Sabbath day .

Giuen at our Court at Theobalds the 7. of May , in the first yeere of our Reigne . Anno Dom . 1603.