is set down the punishment appointed for the offenders, the discommodities that happen to the realm by the said contempt, and the great benefit that might grow to the people by the observation hereof; with the opinion that ought to be conceived in the eating of fish at the days and times prescribed: being briefly set down as hereafter followeth.
The Branches of the Statute.
In the fifth year of Her Majesty's most gracious
reign, it was ordained that it should not be lawful
for any person within this realm to eat any flesh
upon any days then usually observed as Fish Days;
upon pain to forfeit £3 [= £30 of present money] for every time
he offended, or suffer three months of imprisonment without
bail or main prize.
And every person within whose house any such offence shall be done, being privy and knowing thereof and not effectually punishing or disclosing the same to some public officer having authority to punish the same; to forfeit for every such offence forty shillings.
The said penalty being great, and many of the poor estate favoured by reason thereof; but the offence thought necessary not to be left unpunished: the Queen's Majesty, of her great clemency, in the Parliament holden in the 34th year of her most gracious reign, hath caused the forfeiture for the eater to be but twenty shillings; and for him in whose house it is eaten, but 13s. 4d.—which being executed, will prove very damageable to the offenders.
In the 27th year of Her Highness's reign, it was further ordained and remaineth still in force; that no innholder, vintner, alehouse-keeper, common victualler, common cook, or common table-keeper shall utter or put to sale upon any Friday, Saturday or other days appointed to be Fish Days, or any day in time of Lent, any kind of flesh victuals; upon pain of forfeiture of £5; and shall suffer ten days' imprisonment without bail, mainprize, or remove, for every time so offending.
