FOR AS MOCHE as by dyuers and sundry occasyons , as well hearrynge , lynges , saltfysh , samond , stockfyshe , as other kyndes of fyshe , ben this yere skant , and also enhanced in prices aboue the old rate and comen estimation of theyr 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 necessarye and suffycient 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 dctryment . And for as moch as his hyghnesse consyderethe , howe this kynde and maner of fastynge , that is to saye , to absteyne from mylke , butter , egges , chese , and all other whyte 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 princis , whan so euer they shal perceiue the same to tende to the hurt and damage of their people . THE KYNGES hyghnesse therfore most graciousely considering and tenderyng the welthe and commoditie of his people , hath thought good , for the consyderations aboue rehersed , to release and dispence with the sayde lawe and custome of absteynyng from whyte meates this holy tyme of Lent , And of his especial grace and mere motion gyueth and granteth vnto al and syngular his subiectes , within this his realme of England , Wales , Cales , Guynes , Hammes , and in all other his graces dominions , free lyberty , faculty , and lycence , to eate all maner of whyte 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 , woll 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 into a Aeshly or carnal libertie : but rather endeuour them selfes to their possible powers with this libertie of eatynge of whyte meates , to obserue also that faste , which 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 subdowe and represse theyr carnal effections , and the corrupt workes of their flesshe , accordyng to their vowe and professyon made at the font stone . For in these poyntes specially consysteth the very true and perfyt abstinence and fastynge of a Christen man .