If we will now know what number of beefs might be spared in a year, by one day's abstinence in a week: let us say that in the week are five days accustomably served with flesh—for that Friday and Saturday by the law are days of abstinence—whereof one being taken away, the rest are but four. In like case, divide the said 67,500 into five parts; and the fifth part spared by the fifth day's abstinence is 13,500.
By this it is not meant that any more fish days should be ordained than there already are; but that Friday and Saturday might in better sort be observed: for that flesh victuals on those days, in most places, are as commonly spent as on flesh days; and therefore may well be accounted for the expense of one flesh day. The due observation whereof would spare the number of beefs aforesaid or more; besides those things sold by the Poulterers; and other small cattle, as calves, sheep and lambs innumerable, killed by the Butcher.
Seen and allowed by the most Honourable Privy
Council in the year of our Lord GOD 1593 [i.e. 1594]. The 20th of March.
AT LONDON.
Printed for Henry Gosson and Francis Coules.
