A brief note of the benefits that grow to this Realm, by the observation of Fish Days: with a reason and cause wherefore the law in that behalf made, is ordained.
Very necessary to be placed in the houses of all men, especially common Victuallers.
Where heretofore, by the Queen's most excellent Majesty, of her clemency and care conceived, for divers private benefits that might grow to her loving subjects, specially for the better maintenance of the Navy of this land; hath with the consent of the whole state of her realm, caused to be made and published sundry statute laws and proclamations for the expense [consumption] of fish and observation of Fish Days, with great penalties to be laid on the offenders; that by the certain observation thereof, fishermen, the chiefest nurse for mariners, might the more be increased and maintained.
The common sort of people contemning this Observation, to avoid the ceremony in times past therein used, and not certainly knowing the benefits thereby growing to the realm, nor remembering the penalties by the same laws appointed: do not only fall into the danger of the said laws: but the same hath caused a great decay to fishing; whereby groweth many other great detriments to the commonwealth of this realm. For the better instruction therefore of such persons as for the benefit of their country will be persuaded; in this brief Table
