coat of arms of King Philip II of Spain, also used by Philip III, Philip IV and Charles II   

A PROCLAMATION FOR REFORMATION, Published and Commanded (to be observed as Law) by the High and Mighty Philip the fourth, King of Spain, for the Government of his Kingdoms.  
Containing 23. several Chapters, wherein his Majesty with the advice of his Counsels hath Ordered, and Reform many Notorious Abuses in the Commonwealth.  
Faithfully translated out of the Original Spanish Copy Printed by his Majesty's Command.  
LONDON, Printed for Nathaniel Butter, Nicholas Bourne, and Thomas Archer.   

A TABLE OF THE several Chapters.  

Chap. 1. For reducing Offices in Towns to a third Number.  
Chap. 2. That Suitors may not reside in the Court, in any one year above thirty days.  
Chap. 3. That Commissioners nor Executors of commissions may be sent.  
Chap. 4. That fiats of examination of Clerks of these Kingdoms, be not allowed for the space of twenty years.  
Chap. 5. A prescription or reformation in the excess of Servants, Householdstuff, and forniture of houses, and in the apparel of men and women.  
Chap. 6. That nothing made of Wood or any Mettle be garnished or gilded with Silver or Gold, and that there may not be taken for the making or fashion, but the fifteenth part of that which it shall weigh being of gold, and the sixth being of silver.  
Chap. 7. That no kind of thing may be embroidered.  
Chap. 8. That there be made no Hang for the Summer of strange stuff, and eight years are allowed for the wearing out of those that are made.  
Chap. 9 That neither Gold nor Silver be worn in stuff of silk, or trimming.  
Chap. 10. That Trimming be not worn upon garments.  
Chap. 11. That Cloaks of Silk be not worn.  
Chap. 12. That Cloth, or stuff of Wool, or Silk, made within or without the Dominions may not be sold without it have a mark.  
Chap. 13. That nothing made out of the Kingdom may be brought in.  
Chap. 14. That they shall wear no bands, but of the twelft part of an ell, and the cuffs but of the eight breadth, both without garnishing.  
Chap. 15. What Titles each Rank shall have is renewed.  
Chap. 16. Of the moderation of the Dowry Iuels and apparel.  
Chap. 17. That to the Ladies of the Court there shall be given but a Million of maravedis in Dowry, and a Petticoat.  
Chap. 18. That his Majesty will not glue any Office, nor place of justice, nor of his house in Marriage.  
Chap. 19 Privileges which are granted to the state of Matrimony.  
Chap. 20. The means whereby the Nobility is to be appeased.  
Chap. 21. Means for increase of People.  
Chap. 22. That there may not be Grammar Schools, but in Cities and Towns where there shallbe a justice or Deputy.  
Chap. 23. For the abolishing of public stews.    

Licence and Taxation.  
LAzaro de Rios Angulo, Secretary to the Kings Most Excellent Majesty, executing by his commandment, the office of Secretary of the Council Chamber, do testify upon my fidelity, that the Chapters of Reformation which his Majesty is pleased to command to be observed for the government of the Kingdom, were taxed by the Lords thereof, every one at the price of twelve pence, which containeth twelve sheets, and they command that they may be sold for this price, and not above: and likewise they command that no Printer of these Kingdoms may print the said Chapters: and Acts, but he that shall have licence and appointment from Hernando de Valleio, Secretary of his Majesty's Chamber: and that there may be no doubt, of the commandment of the said Lords of the Council, nor supplication of the said Hernando de Valeio, I gave these Presents in the Town of Madrid the 14. of February, 1623.  
Lazaro de Rios.   

 coat of arms of King Philip II of Spain, also used by Philip III, Philip IV and Charles II  
PHILIP, By the Grace of GOD, King of Castille, Leon, Arragon, of both the Sicily's, Jerusalem, Portugal, Navarra, Granada, Toledo, Valencia, Galicia, the Malorcas, Seville, Sardinia, Cordova, Corcyca, Murcia, jaen, the Algarves, Algecira, Gibraltar, the Canary Jlands, the East and West Indies, and of the Lands, and firm Land of the Ocean Sea: Archduke of Austria, Duke of Burgundy, Brabant, and Milan, Earl of Auspurgh, Flanders, Tiroll, and Barcelona, Lord of Biscaye, and Molina, etc. To the Infants Our dear and well-beloved Brethren, and to the Prelates, Dukes, Marquises, Earls, Priors of Orders, Lieutenants, and Deputie-Lieutenants, Governors of Castles, Forts, and Chases, and to those of Our Council, Presidents, and Masters of Our Requests, justices, marshals of Our house, Court, and Chancery; and to all judges, justices, Assistants, Governors, High-Sherifes, and Vnder-Sherifes, Bailiffs, Provosts, and to Counsels, Universities, Mayors, Aldermen, Recorders, Town-clarkes, Knights, Squires, Constables, Officers, and other good men, and Subjects whatsoever, of what estate, pre-eminence, or dignity, soever they are, or may be, within all the Cities, Villages, Towns, and Provinces, of these Our Kingdoms, and Dominions, as well, to those that are, as to them that shall be, and to all and every one of you, to whom this Our Edict, or any thing therein contained, shall or may appertain, in any manner whatsoever, Greeting.  
KNow ye, that Our Royal will and pleasure is, that in these Our Dominions, (having acknowledged it a most important and sufficient means, for the welfare and conservation of them,) there be instituted, appointed, and established, certain Banks and Treasuries, where may be brought in, and received, the Subsidies, and aid moneys, which seem to accord, and are agreeing, with the Laws, Ordinances, Statutes, and Privileges, and that there be ordained, certain Squadrons of Sea-Forces, for the defence of the Sea, and too the intent that by their execution, the ends may be secured, which are pretended for the universal benefit of Our Crown, restoring of Commerce, and profit, and ease of persons, of every condition and quality; it hath seemed necessary to restore, and reduce to a convenient estate, some things of the government, wherein by the change of time, and other accidents, many inconveniences have been found: and it may be feared, that (if they are not prevented,) may increase, for that the one helping the other, the effects which they procure, may be greater, and more certain. And having by Our special Commandment diligently discussed, and upon the whole with great care and consideration consulted, and deliberated, it was concluded, that We should command, and by this Our Edict We do command, which We will have observed as a Law, and Act of Parliament, (as if it had been made and enacted in Court of Parliament,) that from hence forward, these things following be observed and kept.  

Chap. I. Reducing of Offices to a third part.  
FIrst, We ordain, and command, that the Offices of Majors, and Aldermen Sheriffs, Constables, Bailiffs, Clerks, Proctors of the Cities, Villages, and Towns, where (through the excessive number of them) they are found inconvenient, and prejudicial to the government, causing many grievances, which have been and are daily suffered, diverting the ends whereunto they were ordained; be reduced to a third part, in the form, by the means, and with the qualities, which are contained in the Commission, which for their execution, We have caused to be sealed by Our Royal hand the day of the date hereof.   

Chap. II. That Suitors may not reside in the Court in any one year, above thirty days.  
LIkewise, Because by the long and continual residence, and great concourse of Suitors in this Court, there ariseth prejudice to their houses, and families, by the forsaking and necessity wherein they leave them; and to their own professions, seeing they cannot exercise them, nor employ the time, with that decency, and profit, as beseemeth; and to the Offices, Commissions, and other occupations, when they obtain them, because they have less ability and disposition, then is requisite; for the better exercise, and more secure administration of justice, and for other considerations of equal importance, other grivances have been acknowledged. We ordain and command, that what person soever, that pretendeth Ecclesiastical office, or Secular Commission, Temporal charge, or place, may come and prosecute his Suit in this Our Court, and present the reasons and titles thereof, for the space of thirty days in every year, and no more, and shall be bound to record the time of their entrance, and departure, before the Secretary of the Council, where the Suit shall depend. And likewise the Suitors, which have now Suits depending in this Our Court, aught to be Registered within fifteen days, and to departed within thirty following, according to the form prescribed: and not bringing a Certificate from the Register of his entrance, may not have audience, not be heard by any officer, nor have counsel, or advise.   

Chap. III. That Commissioners, nor executors of Commission may be sent.  
ANd because that by the sending of Commissioners, and executors of Commissions, grievous inconveniences have been observed, not only in the government and administration of justice, but in the quietness, comfort, and estate of our Subjects, (seeing that where they ought to have proceeded with equity, and justice, that the effects which from thence are wont to arise, to the service of God, and Us, and the good of this Commonwealth might follow,) they have in that manner transcended their duties, that using the same hand of justice to their own commodities, and private respects, they convert it to their particular profit, to the irrepacable prejudice of government, with such vexations, troubles, and costs of the parties, who come to be grieved and oppressed, by those which should secure and relieve them, and to be without necessary remedy, seeing that through the remoteness of places of justice, which should administer the relief, they cannot come to demand it, and other dare not, and so they remain with the grievance which they have suffered, and the Commissioners and executors of Commissions, without punishment, whereby there hath been, and is perceived a decay of justice in the body of the kingdom, and in the Subjects irreparable losses, which daily increase; and therefore it is most expedient to provide for the remedy, which the importancy of the matter requireth, and having considered, the causes of this mischief, and that by springing from covetousness, and through the difficulty to understand the particular cases, whereby to afflict the punishment upon the offenders, how much soever we are truly informed of the certainty in general, it will be difficult to apply the remedy, and therefore convenient and necessary, to come unto the root: We ordain and command, that no Council, place of judgement, Chancery, Audience, Corporation, University, nor particular person, of any state, condition, or quality whatsoever, for any title, cause, or reason, do or may send into any part of these Our Dominions, any Commissioner, or executor of Commission, nor any other person whatsoever, with jurisdiction, commission, or instruction, neither in other form, at the cost of the parties, or otherwise, under penalty, that the persons offending, shall be severely punished; and those that shall admit the said Commissioners, shall be perpetually deprived of their offices, which they bear, and make a double restitution of the Fees received: and that all the businesses and causes, wherein it may be necessary, to grant a Commission to a particular person, as well of proofs, testimonies, recoveries, executions, notifications, citations, as of other necessities, whatsoever, wherein hitherto they have been sent, may be henceforward remitted to the ordinary justices of the City, Village, or Town, where they ought to be done. And if by any reason or cause, any exception may be admitted, that they be remitted to the next royal judge belonging to Our Court; and We do only permit, that in Our Council, there be judges, diligently to inquire, and look into the cases, and to allow them, if warrantable by the law, but not any other, of what quality soever, and We command them, to procure to excuse these cases, as much as they may.  
AND likewise we command, that whatsoever is contained in this Act, be inviolably kept and observed in Our Council of Our Revenues, and Our Exchequer, unless it shall be in some excusable case, wherein a receipt cannot be entered by the ordinary justices of Our Royal Revenues, as are the Imposts, or any other member of Our Revenue, the administration whereof, consisteth in different places, without any settled being or condition; for in those cases a Commission shall be granted, having first of all, consulted with the said Council of Our Revenues, and Exchequer; and the person which shall be sent, shall be such as the Precedent shall appoint, and not in any other case, because the administrations of Imposts, and other Rents, are to be committed to the said justices. And likewise, We do command, that when in Our said Council of Our Revenues, there shall be made any determination, contract, or letting to Farm, there may not be allowed any particular judge, or Commissioner, for the execution or accomplishment thereof, or to capitulate with the parties, but that the one and the other be done, by the ordinary justices, and their officers.  
ANd because as well in Our Council, as in the rest of Our Tribunalles, Courts of judgements, and in the Chanceries, and other Audiences, there are some Councillors, and Officers, which have particular Commissions, whereby they name judges, Commissioners, executors of Commissions, and others, within and Without the Court, for the dispatches of businesses which are presented; and likewise subdelegate their Commissions, to other particular judges, that out of them, they may make others, and thereby the subdelegated may name Officers, and servants. We ordain, and command, that from henceforth, all persons of what estate, or condition soever they be, as well of Our Council, as of other Tribunalles, or any other particular person, which shall have Commission, Administration, or superintendency, although it be annexed to his office, may not name, or send judges Commissioners, executors of Commissions, or any other person, to dispatch any business, nor subdelegate any particular person out of this court, but to commit them to the ordinary justices of the Kingdom, and to use their officers, in the cases and business, which shall be offered concerning the said Commission, using likewise Our next Royal judge, when the ordinary justice shall allow of any lawful exception, which being conformable to right, may make it suspicious, who may not take other officers for the execution of the Commission, but those of the ordinary justice of that part, where the business ought to be done, without greater wages than their ordinary Fees.  
ANd also We do command, that the Commission of the Kingdom, and the receiver thereof, and the receiver general of the Fines, and Amercement of the Star chamber, and the rest of the Tribunalles, Chanceries, Audiences, Cities, Towns, and Villages of the Kingdom; Treasurers, Collectors, or the particular places by the divisions, which have or shall be made, may not henceforward send, judges, or executors of Commissions, for the recovery of any thing, but that the said recoveries be remitted to the ordinary justice.  
ANd because there have been found the same injuries, both in the universal and particular of this Kingdom, by the judges, and executors of Commissions, which are sent by virtue of contracts made between parties, for the execution of them. We ordain, and command, that from henceforth the said judges and Executors, may not be sent. But it is Our will and pleasure, that all those who by particular contract made before the publication of this Statute, have cautelated the recovery of their debts, by destinating, submitting, and agreeing to send a Commissioner at the charge of the debtor, may do it by virtue of the said contracts, and writings, because they may not be defrauded of the security, and condition, in confidence whereof, they delivered their goods, and without the which peradventure they had not delivered them; and because in some contracts and writings, the parties have not been contented to capitulate, that they may send a Commissioner, but also another person with him, and both at the charge of the debtor, (the which in substance, is not necessary for the Recovery, and only causeth expenses, and oftentimes an impossibility in the Debtor to discharge the principal,) whereby is occasioned his undoing. We ordain, that the Creditor, in whose favour the said contracts, with the said qualities are made, may only send a Commissioner or Recoverer, so that one only be sent, and that he have only one Fee.  
ANd because for the justification of the titles of some Offices, and of the Fees, and preeminences, which by virtue thereof appertain to the owners and proprieters, there are certain judges, called judges of preservation of Titles: We command that from henceforth, the said judges be not so called, or styled, and We do disannul and pronounce, such appellations to be void, and of none effect, and estimation; And We do command, that those that have them, forbear to use them, under the penalty of two hundred Ducats, to be disposed in three parts, whereof the first to Our Exchequer; the next to the judge; and the third to the Informer, and that the parties repair to the ordinary justice, for the maintenance of the Title of the said Office, and the preeminences, and rights, that by reason thereof belong unto them.  
ANd because jointly by providing the remedy of the mischiefs mentioned, we must cautelate and nicely look unto the matters; and that by committing them to the ordinary justices, they may not fail to have the security, and effects which are fitting, as well in the substance, as in the time and manner how great soever the presumption be in favour of the justices, aswell in respect of the equality of their persons, as of their office and place, and therefore seeing they are credited being of public government, and so important in the Commonwealth, any other diligence or employment may be committed to their trust, with assurance that they will more carefully discharge them, than other Commissioners, notwithstanding, that herein no occasion of danger may remain; We ordain, and command, that if the said ordinary justices, shall not wholly perform the businesses and causes which shall be committed unto them, with the punctuality and care as shall be appointed, and set down, by the writings and contracts which they shall have to execute, than a Commissary to be sent at the charge of the party, which may do and execute it, in the time, and with the Fees, as the quality of the matter shall require, and as shall be appointed by the Council, Tribunal, or person, to whom they shall remit the said cause.  
But it is not Our will or desire to make alterations in the proofs of Gentry, nor in the persons or Officers which are sent to the qualifying of Nobility or Dignity, by the Council of the Orders; because herein We will that the ancient Laws and Ordinances be observed, and the style and use wherewithal it is practised.   

Chap. FOUR That Fiats of Examination of Clerks of these Kingdoms be not allowed for the space of twenty years.  
IN like manner by reason of the inconveniences which have redounded to the commonwealth, by the facility of admitting and allowing the Titles of Clerks of these Kingdoms, and the excessive number, whereunto have amounted the Offices, with little conveniency of government, and with prejudice to the administration of justice, and ease of Our Subjects, We did ordain, and command, at the request of the Kingdom in the last Parliament, that for the space of six years, a Fiat of Clerk might not be allowed to any person, of any condition whatsoever, or for any title or cause, as more at large is contained in the Act, which We commanded to be published, whereunto We refer Us, because the excessive number of Clerks, and the preiudices which thence arise, is daily more and more discovered, and that by the suspension for the said time of six years, the sufficient remedy cannot be provided. We do command, that the said term of six years, wherein as aforesaid, a Fiat of a Clerk of these Kingdoms ought not to be granted, nor any person examined for the title of it, be and be understood to be the term of twenty years in the whole, that within the said time, none may be allowed, and the contents of the said Law observed.  
ANd for to prevent the frauds and deceits, which are committed in Declarations by the Clerks of the writing offices of the Number and Realities. We command the acts in this case provided by Our Council be observed. In like manner because it greatly importeth to the good government and administration of justice, and prevention of the excesses, which are found so prejudicial to Our Subjects, We ordain, and command, that the Clerks of Criminal Pleas, Common Pleas, of Assizes, and Number of the Provinces and Realities, in taking of Fees, and setting them down, for the actions and writts, which they shall make, observe and keep, that which is ordained by the Statutes, and Laws in this case provided, and that neither by themselves, nor by any other person interposed, they receive any more, or any other thing, under the punishments therein contained, and the loss of their office, and if they be not the proprietors thereof, then of four year's banishment, and that for testimony and witness herein, three single testimonies may be sufficient, as in case of bribery, and they may be the same persons, and if they will be Informers, they may be admitted, and have the third part of the Fine.  
ANd to the intent that with greater punctuality and justice they may take the Fees, which are due unto them, and no more, We ordain, and command, that in this Our Court, and in the Cities of Valladolid, Granada, Seville, and Cornna, none may be received or taken, unless they be first taxed, and assisted, by the general Assister, and that the manner of proof, and the penalties be the same. And that the justices of Our House and Court, Chanceries, and Audiences, and ordinary justices of the said Cities, do not decree, nor determine any Suit, wherein this hath not been accomplished. And because the mischief may be greater towards those that are prisoners, for that they little esteem who defend them, and are careless of their liberties, We strictly command, that in their causes it be executed with greater care and preciseness, and because in what kind soever of their Suits they may be freed, it is understood they are molested with excessive Fees, which they exact of them, We ordain, and command, that the Assistor with one justice, (doing it by weeks) may assess every morning the Fees due by the Prisoners, which they have commanded to be freed, & which shall be due, and delivering them to the Assistor, the parties which ought to have them, may receive them at his hands; and receiving them in any other manner; We declare them to incur the like penalty.  
THat in this Our Kingdom the said Clerks, and those which reside in the Offices of Provinces and Number, do, nor may take of either of the parties, any Fees in the Suits that are to be executed, neither for the Books, which shall be drawn, nor the proofs which shall be made, during the ten days of the proceed, nor for following the Suit, until the cause be adjudged; and then the Assistor having assisted them, the sum whereunto they shall amount be put into a Bill or Writte of payment, which shall be allowed, that the principal, and the tenth part be recovered together, under the penalty, of being deprived of their offices, and disabled to execute any others.  
ANd because many mischiefs do arise, in that the Clerks deliver the Writts of execution to the Bailiffs, that they shall make choice of, not only by being interressed in the success, whereby it is to be feared, that in the Records, and other Diligences, they may help the execution, but likewise, because thereby many Bailiffs apply not themselves to the matter of criminal causes, and delicts, but stand waiting in the houses of the said Clerks, that the said writs of execution may fall unto them, We ordain, and command, that in this Our Court, and in the said Cities of Valladolid, Granada, Seville, and Cornna, every day may be brought in the writs of execution, which shall happen, by the authority of the person that We shall depute thereunto, and those be by him divided amongst the the Bailiffs by course, that hereby every one with equity may participate of the fruit of their Offices, & the inconveniences mentioned, as much as possibly, prevented.  
ANd that no Bailiff may enter in this course, unless he shall first bring a testimony from the Clerks of the Peace, and the jailor of the imprisonments, and criminal causes, which he shall have done for thirty days past.  
IN like manner, that no Clerk in this Our Court, do, or may take money, or any other thing, for making reports of the Suits, which shall be heard before them, and the judges, in the first commencing of the Suit, or in appealing to Our Council, Chanceries, and Audiences, and other Tribunals whatsoever, but only those, which by the Statute shall be due unto them, for the entry of the Suits, under the penalty of the loss of the office, if it be their own, and if not, the banishment for four years, and that the party which shall give it, do lose the right of his Suit, and that for the whole, the testimony of three single witnesses be allowed sufficient in the form aforesaid.  
ANd because We have understood, that the public Scriveners, and Clerks of this Our Court, and other places of Our Kingdom, do apply themselves to seek moneys, that the Counsels, Universities, and particular persons may take them to interest, receiving of them between three or four in the hundred, by the title & name of Broakage, We ordain, and command, that from hence forward they may not receive money, nor any other thing, neither this title or other, by themselves or other persons, nor more than the Fees, which by the Statute shall be due unto them, for the writings that they shall make. And because there followeth an inconvenience by the excessive number of Clerks, which are in the Offices, We ordain, and command, that in the Offices of the criminal Pleas of Our Chamber, and in those of the Province or comity of Madrid, there may not be above the number of six principal Clerks, which may reside in every Office for the executing of business, and those the owners and proprietors of the Office to name at their peril, that if they be Fined, and shall not have goods to discharge the Fine, it may be recovered of them: and that those of the said Chamber be approved by the Chamber of our judges, and those of the Province of Madrid, by the judges, before whom the Clerks which are proprietors of the Office, make the dispatches of their business, and those of the Assizes, or any one of them, and the proprietour which shall have more than the said six Clerks, We condemn in the loss of his Office.  
And because many Constables by diverse ways and representing causes and impediments less certain, have taken out some reservations in some things concerning their offices, as are watches and wards and going out of this Court to make imprisonments, and other things; which being so; that they might be of more profit in the general, by having more knowledge and experience in those businesses, and that this privilege and inequality is prejudicial to the rest, We command that those that have the said privilege of reseruall do deliver them to the Precedent of our Council within four days, and may not use them, but that they ought and do in the whole and every part conform themselves, as they are bound by their offices, without any exception, under the penalty of the loss of their said offices, and banishment for four years.  
That besides the ordinary Visitor of the offices, which is named every year by Our Council, there may be named another, from three years to three years, by the Precedent thereof, that they may visit all the said Clarks and Officers, and certify the abuses which shall be executed in the execution of their offices, commissions, & other employments which they shall have, especially contradicting the contents of this Act, allowing him thereunto a necessary commission, which he shall use before a sufficient Scrivener, removing it (if he will) out of the Court.  
Again, We ordain and command, that the Clarks of our councel-chamber, of the Chanceries, and Audiences, may not take nor recover the fees which shall be due unto them for the Schedule, according to the laws, unless they be first assessest by the Assessor general, and setting down upon their fidelity, or of their principal officers, that which they recoves and take in every suit, and the like is to be understood of the Relators in all the suits and Residencies, and that in making the hill, they exact not upon the parties, nor receive any thing, under the penalty of the loss of their offices, and for testimony and proof, singly witnesses shall be sufficient.   

Chap. 5. Which prescribes a reformation in the excess ofseruamts, householdstuff, & furniture of houses, and in the apparel of men and women.  
ALso because from the abuse and excess in attendance, householdstuff, and furniture of houses, and in the apparel of men and women, there have proceeded many inconveniences, as well in the government and good disposition, wherein it ought to be, as in the customs and estates, seeing that being voluntary expenses once brought in, they are become so precise, that it is one of the greatest burdens, wherewith the Subjects are oppressed, and likewise prejudicial to commerce and trade, albeit that certain Laws were instituted, which seemed convenient for the present estate, when they were ordained: but it is manifest by time and occasions, that they have not proceeded so sufficient, as was expected, and that wickedness by contravention, hath found out many devices with increase of the mischiefs, desiring to provide a sufficient remedy, and having commanded, to see what in this kind hath been enacted, and to add what shall be thought convenient. We do ordain, and command, that no person of any estate, condition, or quality soever, may keep or entertain, of Gentlemen, Pages, and Laqueyes, above the number of eight or ten persons, and who shall execute the principal offices of the house, as Steward, Gentleman of the Horse, and others; neither may keep them employed in their service, to the end to accompany them or their wives, by the title of Followers or Household servants, or other; seeing it only serveth for ostentation, and certain inconveniences, which are therein considered; and there is likewise imbursed, the cost and expenses which they cause in the houses, and it is more expedient, that they employ themselves insome other course of life, which may be more profitable to the Commonwealth.  
And because the effects of a matter so important may be secured, for the which the example of the King, and his Officers will be convenient, seeing by themselves alone and by their offices, they have sufficient authority, without that the great or small number of attendance can increase or diminish it: let them know, that We shall be very well pleased, that they continue as hitherto, a moderation in their retinue, procuring, that, if it may be possible, it be greater from henceforward, so that the Councillors and Officers, may not have nor entertain in all kind of attendance above eight persons, that by Our example and reformation of the number of offices and servants, which We have commanded to be done in our Royal House, and by that which they shall do, reducing themselves to the said form, there may be a reformation in all the rest, and may proportion themselves to their estate and necessity, wherein they are, seeing the lustre and authority of their houses and persons shall be better preserved and kept, living out of necessity, and plentifully accommodated, than by consuming in an expense so superfluous. And because the servants of the said quality, which now they have in greater number than the said eight or ten, may have departure and employment, and not unaccommodated and idle; We command that whatsoever is ordained concerning this Act, may be observed after the expiration of a whole year after the promulgation.   

Chap. 6. That nothing made of wood or any mettle, begarnished or gilded with Silver or Gold; and that there may not be taken for the making or fashion, but the fifteenth part of that which it shall weigh, being of gold, and the sixth, being of silver.  
ANd because by garnishing things of wood or other things, & by gilding than, there followeth loss, both in the expense & making, being a thing unprofitable and superfluous; We ordain, and command, to observe with all rigour, the contents in the fift Act with those following, from the twenty fourth title of the compilation, adding, that not any other mettle may be gilded, although it be plain and smooth plate, under the penalty of the loss of the piece which shall be so gilded. But We do permit that it shall be lawful to gild all that shall be for Divine use, and the Arms, and furniture for horses, so that they be not for the use of the Coach. And likewise We command, that no fashion of Gold or Silver which shall be wrought, shall exceed, being of Gold, the fifteenth part of the value of what it shall weigh, and being of Silver, the sixth part; under penalty of the loss.   

Chap. 7. That no kind of thing may be embroidered.  
IN like manner as concerning Hang, let that be inviolably observed, which was published by the proclamation in the year of our Lord, 1611, adding thereunto, that it shall not be lawful to make any kind of Embroidery of gold, silver, silk, or thread, neither in hangings, beds, chairs, stools, canopies, pillows, carpets, caskanets, nor any other thing, upon cloth of gold or silver, cloth, leather, canvas, nor any other kind of stuff whatsoever.  
Also that no Embroiderer may embroider any kind of the aforesaid things, nor any other, unless it shall be for divine use, and horse furniture, except foot-cloths, for We will not that they be embroidered, as neither liveries for the sport of the Cane, running at Tilt, both on horseback and foot, running at the Quintaine, Ring, or other festival sports, that the disposition of this law may facilitate the use of riding, and the exercise of these solemnities, and for the rejoicing and delight of the people, and may take away the obstacle and difficulty, which is often found by the not having of the pomp and excessive expense, wherewith they are now celebrated. We command that the contents of this branch or chapter be observed from the first day of March of this present year.   

Chap. 8. That there may not be made Hang for the Summer of strange stuffs, and eight years are allowed for the wearing out of those that are made.  
LIkewise also We forbidden, that no manner of person, of what estate, condition, or quality soever, may have or use any hangings for the summer, of any sort or kind, though they be plain, being wrought out of these kingdoms; but We permit that they may have Damasks, shorn Velvets, counterfeit cloth of gold or silver, and taffetas, so that that be wrought within our Dominions. And for the wearing out and disposing of the Hang which they have embroidered, and of stuffs made out of this Kingdom, and of other things embroidered, the use whereof is prohibited in this Statute, We do give and allow thereunto the space of eight years, which being expired, We condemn all those that shall use them, and disobey the contents hereof, in the forfeiture and confiscation of them, and in fifty thousand Maravediss to be divided in three parts, viz. our Chamber, the judge, and the Informer.   

Chap. 9 That gold nor silver be worn in stuff of silk or trimming.  
IN like manner concerning fashions and apparel, We prohibit, and altogether forbidden to men and women without any distinction, the use of gold and silver, in stuff and trimming, within and without the house, in all and all kinds of garments or apparel, though they be doublets, gowns, night-gowns, cassocks, short coats and others, though they be for travel, excepting (as before) for religious use, furniture for the war and horse, in the form as they are permitted in the Statute enacted in the year of our Lord, one thousand six hundred and eleven.   

Chap. 10. That trim be not worn upon garments.  
ANd also We do altogether prohibit all kind of dressing & trimming, be it single or double, though it be of one lace alone, in all kind of garments, either of men or women, that they may not be worn neither in doublet, short-coat, gown, nightgown, cassock, hose, or other whatsoever; neither upon daggers or garters, for We permit them only to be worn plain, of whatsoever the garment shall be.  
In like manner We command, that it shall not be lawful to work, neither for any Merchant or other person to buy (for to sell again) any kind of garnishing, or lace, trimming of gold, silver or silk, from the day of the proclaiming of this statute henceforward, under the penalty both to the maker and buyer, of the loss of such trimming and lace, and of three hundred thousand Maravediss to be applied in three parts, viz. Our Chamber, the judge, and Informer: and because through the toleration hitherto, We consider that the Merchants have bought certain garnishings and trim of gold, silver and silk; and likewise the women have bought many garments, made with them: We do allow the space of three years to the said Merchants for to sell and dispose of them; and to the women the space of four years, to wear out their garments, and to use the said trim upon those which they have already made. And as concerning men, that they may wear out those that they shall have made with trimming: We allow them the space of two years, but that it shall not be lawful for them within the said term, to make or cause to be made, any new garment with trimming, because herein We will that from this present this Statute be observed. And for the more certain execution thereof, and to prevent all deceit, We will that the trim and garnishings, which the Merchants now have in their hands, shall be produced, manifested and registered, that having the view of them, those only which they now have may be sold: seeing for this intention, and that they may be sold, it is permitted to the women to use them for the said time, but not to buy others for to sell.   

Chap. 11. That cloaks of Silk may not be worn.  
LIkewise We do prohibit, that the men may not wear short cloaks, long cloaks, short coats nor mantles of silk, but only of cloth or Rash: But We permit that they may wear certain stuffs, as Telilias, Sergies, Mingled stuff, and other the like stuffs, so that they be not mingled with silk, and that they be wrought within Our Dominions; and We permit that in winter they may line them outwardly with Silk, so that they be wrought within Our Dominions.   

Chap. 12. That cloth nor stuff of wool or silk made within or without the Dominions, may not be sold without it have a mark.  
IN like manner, because in the making of cloth and stuff, as well of wool as of silk, or mixtures of both, hath been and is daily found much deceit, because, having no restraint, they are fraudulently and deceitfully made, and thereby are of little service and durance, to the great prejudice of those that wear them: We ordain and command, that from hence forward it shall not be lawful to sell or buy in those kingdoms; neither for apparel, nor for any other thing, any kind of cloth, or silk, or wool, or of both, made or wrought within or without them, which shall not be made and wrought conformable to the laws and ordinances of the Dominions, which appertain and concern the makers and workers thereof; neither shall be lawful to make any other manner whatsoever, under penalty of the loss of the said cloth or stuff, and of a hundred thousand Maravediss to be applied in three parts, viz. Our Chamber, the judge, and the Informer. And We do declare, that the Merchants shall incur the penalty of this Law, if they shall have in their shops the said clothes and stuffs, without the qualities that are contained therein, and for to sell, and dispose of them, which they have at this present without these qualities, We allow them the space of three years, registering them in the form aforesaid. But because in some part of these Kingdoms, there are made and wrought some kinds of cloth and stuff, of wool, and silk, which if they be well wrought, will be profitable, and expedient not to hinder it; We command that those of our Council cause them to be acknowledged for persons skilful in their faculty, and finding them to be profitable, to set down and appoint an order, form, and direction, whereby hence forward they be made, and no otherwise.   

Chap. 13. That nothing made out of the Kingdom may be brought in.  
IN like manner, because by the bringing in of many commodities made out of these Kingdoms, as hangings, beds, chairs, stools, pillows, bed-tikes, carpets, and others, and likewise apparel for men and women, and others of cotton, linen, leather, alchemy, tin, lead, stone, hair, and other kinds, which (being furniture for the house, and of unprofitable usage) do consume the estate and wealth, and hinder the labour and making of those, which shall be profitably wrought, there ariseth great inconvenience to the Commonwealth; seeing that hereby is taken away from the Tradesmen, the occupation and disposition of gaining their living, and sustaining themselves, an infinite number remaining idle, and unemployed, and in the dangers whereunto the force of the necessity obligeth them: We ordain and command, that from the day of the promulgation hereof forward, it shall not he lawful to set or put to make out of the Kingdom, any thing made of wool, or silk, or of both, (so that it be not Tapestry of Flaunders) neither of cotton, linen, leather, alchemy, lead, stone, shell, ivory, horn, hair, but that the materials and the simples may only be brought in unwrought, being of the things permitted, to the end that they may be wrought in Our said kingdoms, under penalty of the loss of the thing which shall be so brought in, sold, or bought, being made out of the Kingdom, and of thirty thousand Maravediss to him that shall cause them to be made, sold, or bought, to be applied in three parts, viz. our Chamber, the judge, and Informer: and to the intent that he may sell and dispose the things of this quality, which he shall have at the time of the promulgation of this Edict, we do allow them the space of two years, which being expired they ought not to sell them.   

Chap. 14. That they shall wear no hands but of the twelfth part of an ell and the curled but eight breadth, both without garnisning.  
ITEM, We command, that all and every person of what estate, quality, or condition they be, aught and shall wear plain falling bands, and without any invention, bonelace, cutwork, shag fringe, or any other kind of setting forth, or starched with gum, powdered blue, or any other colour, or set with a steele-sticke, howbeit We permit that they have starch; and in case some man may wear a ruff, We command that it be only of the breadth of the twelfth part of an ell; and that the curled lettuce ruff be but of eight bredthes, and that without any kind of dressing, of setting, garnishing of starch, powders, or any other thing, and that it be all in one single length, not opened with a mould, or any other instrument, and the cuffs to the same shall be but of three bredths, and half a twelfth part aforesaid, and with the like qualities. Also the lettuce ruffs and cuffs of women may be used as heretofore, but so that they have no bonelace or other garnishing more than one shagg fringe, nor may they have any of these things in their falling bands, calls, falls, or any other habit or ornament, nor may they be done with powdered blue, upon pain of losing that which they wear contrary to this law, and of fifty thousand Maravediss to be divided into three parts: viz. to the Chamber, the judge, and the Informer: which We command to be observed and executed in this Court from the first of March of this year; and in all other parts and places of this Kingdom within two months after the publication of this Law: And We forbidden, that any man or woman open any ruff either of man or woman, upon pain of public shame and banishment from this Court, or the place where they shall go against this Law.   

Chap. 15. What Titles each rank shall have is renewed.  
ITEM, Whereas on the second of januarie in the year, One thousand, six hundred, and eleven, We commanded to publish and then was published concerning the use of entertainment of courtesies, a Law of this tenor following: Don Philip etc. Know ye, that We having been informed, that there hath been and is much disorder, exccesse, and inequality in the entertainments, titles, and courtesies, as well in writing as in speech, which are used among the Grandes, Gentlemen, and other persons of these Our kingdoms, whereupon many inconveniences have followed, We commanded those of Our Council that they should look into it, and treat of some form which might be kept, that so these might be excused and having diverse times thus done, and consulted with Us, We have now agreed to provide and order as followeth.  
And though it were not necessary in that which concerns myself, and other Royal Personages to innovate in any thing which hath been heretofore accustomed, notwithstanding that others with greater obligation and care may keep and accomplish that which is to be said concerning this, We will and command, that in writing to Us no other title be set in the top of the letter or paper, than Sir; nor any thing said in the conclusion, more than, God preserve the person of your Catholic Majesty, and without addition of any other courtesy or compliment, the person who shall write any such letter or paper, shall firm it: and in the superscription no more may be put, but only, To our Lord the King.  
The same order also is to be held and kept with the Princes the heirs and successors of these our Kingdoms, only changing that of, Your Majesty, into, your Highness, and that of, King into Prince; and in the conclusion and end of the letter shall be put, God keep your Highness.  
That the same order and style be kept and held with the Queens of these Our Kingdoms, which is to be given to the Queens, and so to the Princesses as to the Princes.  
That the King's children male and female, be only styled, Their Highness: in the top of the letter, Sir, or Lady; and in the end, God keep your Highness, without any other compliment; and in the superscription only, To my Lord N. the King's son, To my Lady N. the King's daughter; and when it shall be said or written absolutely, His Highness, this shall not be attributed but only to the Prince the heir and successor of these our Kingdoms.  
That the same compliment be done to the Sons and Brothers in law of the Kings of these our Kingdoms, as to their wines, and to the daughters and sisters in law of the said Kings as to their husbands. As for that which is to be done by the said Royal Personages to others, it is not Our will to innovate any thing of that which hath hitherto been and is accustomed.  
In like manner We will and command, that the same style which is used and observed in the petitions which are given in Our Council, and in other Counsels, Chanceries and Tribunals, and that which is accustomed in speech when they are in Council, be observed as hitherto in all things which shall not be contrary to this Our letter and provision, excepting only, that in the top may be put, Powerful Lord, and no more.  
That in the references of all Our letters, schedules, and provisions where Our Secretaries were wont to put, By his Majesty, they put, By the King our Lord, as now it is done; and that the same be done also in the references of the Notaries of Our Chamber.  
And that in all other seats of judgement as well belonging to the King, as any other whatsoever, whether the speech be in particular or in public, the petitions, demands, and complaints shall begin in the line, and with the same business which is to be treated of without placing any title, word, or sign of any compliment either at the top or any other part, only at the end it may be said, Wherefore I implore the office of your Lordship or Worship; according as the Persons or judges are to whom a man speaks; and the Notaries may only say, By the command of N. judge, setting down his name and surname only, and the name of the office of such a person or judge, and the dignity or degree of learning which he hath, and no other title.  
We forbidden and defend, that no person either in word or writing, give to any other of what estate or condition soever, what degree or office soever he hath, great and preheminent though it be, the style of Most Illustrious Lordship, except it be to Cardinals; for it is not Our will that they be comprehended in this our Law. Also by reason of the authority and greatness of the dignity of the Archbishop of Toledo, We command, he being Primate of Spain, that all men be bound to style him Most Illustrious Lordship, although he be no Cardinal. And We command, for Arch-Bishops, Bishops, and Grandes, and such as We command to be covered, that all men be obliged to give them the Lordship, as well in writing, as in speech: And also for the precedent of our Council, We permit that he may be called, his Most Illustrious Lordship.  
We command also, that such Ambassadors as have place in our Chapel, are precisely to be called and written, Lordship. And We permit that the rest of the Ambassadors which come from without these Kingdom, may be style Lordship; but not them which go from them to other parts.  
We permit that Marquesses, Earls, the great Commendadors of the Orders of Santiago, Calatrava, and Alcantara, the great Commendador of Montessa, the Keepers of the Keys of the said Orders of Calatrava and Alcantara, may be called and written Your Lordships: and the Daughters of Grades, Your Ladyships; the Precedents of our Counsels and Chanceries, the Priors and Baylies of the Order of Saint john, the Priors of the Covents of Veles and Leon of the Order of Saint jago during the time of their Offices, and the Viceroys, and Generals of Our Armies, Galleys, and Armada of the Ocean, and he which is or shall be Master General of the Camp of Spain, and those which are chief Cities of Kingdoms, and those other which have Voice in Courts, and the Chapels of Metropolitan Churches, where it hath been accustomed, shall be so styled. And We will, and it is Our favour and intent, that such persons as shall give the style of Ladyship to the Daughters in law of such Lords of Title, which shall be married to the Heirs and Successors in their Houses, and to the eldest Daughters, who of force are to succeed, for not being able now to have a Brother which should be preferred before them in the succession of the said Houses, shall not incur the penalties of this Edict hereafter mentioned, nor any other. Forbidding, as We do forbid that no other person of whatsoever quality, state or condition he be, have the style of Lordship, neither in writing or speech, or that of Excellency, except he be Grande. And We declare that the treaty which is to be had with the wives of Grandes, of Knights, and of other persons, to whom (as it hath been said) it is due, and who may be called either Lord or Sir, and among themselves by writing or speech, it shall be the same which is to be performed to their husbands.  
Moreover, We command, in that which concerns one man's writing to another, that generally without any exception this form be held and kept, viz. the letter or paper which shall be written, shall prestently begin with the reason or business in hand, without setting either under the cross at the top, or in the beginning of the line, any title, cipher, or letter, and the conclusion of the letter shall be, saying, God keep your Lordship, or your Worship, or God keep you, and presently the date of the place and time, and under that the firm, without any compliment either before or after, only he which hath a title, may put it in the firm with the place from whence he hath that title. And for superscriptions, to a Prelate shall be put the Ecclesiastical dignity which he hath; to a Duke, marquis, or Earl, that of his estate; to Knights, Gentlemen, and other men, their name, surname, the dignity, or office, charge, or degree of learning which they have.  
Nor shall any exception be taken or made against this order and form of writing by any person, neither by the subject writing to his Lord, nor by the servant writing to his Master, only Parents writing to their children, or children to their Parents may before the proper name add that which is natural; also between the husband and the wife may be expressed the estate of Matrimony, if they will, and between brothers, cousin germans, Uncles and Nephews, that of their kindred.  
And We will, and it is Our pleasure, that that which is thus ordered and commanded in this Our letter and provision be observed of all men, not only within these Our Kingdoms, but also in writing to such as are absent abroad.  
And for the better keeping, accomplishing, and executing of all that hath been formerly related, We ordain and command, that such as shall come or go against that which is here set down and contained in these Our letters and provision, or any portion or part thereof, that every one of them shall for the first offence pay two hundred Ducats, for the second, four hundred, for the third, a thousand Ducats, and a years banishment five leagues from this Court, and from the Cities, Villages, and places of these Our Kingdoms and jurisdiction where the said law and edict shall be broken, the which pecuniary penalties aforesaid shall be distributed in this manner, viz. one third part to the Informer, another third part to the judge which gives sentence, and the other third part to pious uses. In like manner shall fall into the same foresaid penalties such persons who from hence forward shall underhand dissemble or give consent that their children, servants, subjects, or any other persons, do go beyond either in word or writing to them the courtesy and order contained in this said Proclamation, and the transgressor or transgressors, which have not wherewith to pay the said pecuniary penalty, it is Our will that for the first offence they be imprisoned twenty days, and if it be in Our Court, that they be banished and departed from it five leagues for a whole year, and if it be in any other place of these Our kingdoms, the banishment shall be from that place and out of that country and jurisdiction: for the second offence the foresaid punishment shall be doubled; and for the third offence, they shall be banished for five years in the form aforesaid, reserving unto Ourselves, according to Our pleasure, besides the foresaid punishments, the making of some greater demonstration towards the said transgressors.  
For which cause, the observation and execution of all the aforesaid, being so profitable and important, We command you all and every one of you, according as hath been said, that you take notice of this Our letter and provision, and that which is contained in it, the which We will have to hold the force of a Law, Edict, and Sanction, made and published in Court; and that you observe, accomplish and execute the same, as such in and throughout every part of it, according and as is contained therein; and that you at no time, nor in any manner ways go or pass against the tenor and form hereof, upon pain of the said punishments, and those other whereinto they fall who pass against and break the commandments of their Kings and natural Lords, whatsoever laws or edicts to the contrary notwithstanding; All which We by these presents do abrogate, and take away, and give for none at all, and of no value or effect: And so in like manner We command all judges and justices whatsoever in these our Kingdoms, and all persons to whom the execution and performance of the foresaid doth or any manner of way may belong, that inviolably with all rigour they keep, accomplish, and execute it upon the transgressors, and that, not having an Informer, they proceed against them Ex officio, and having an Informer, that the judge or judges either not prosecuting the causes or giving over to prosecute them, shall incur and fall into the same punishments wherein the said transgressors should have been condemned and executed, and into two years suspension from their offices: And whatsoever shall be contrary to this Our law, disposed by any other whosoever in these Our kingdoms, We abrogate and nullify all, and command that this only which is contained herein, be kept, fulfilled, and executed.  
And because it is thus ordained and commanded, and that it may come to the notice of all, and no man pretend ignorance, We command that this Our Letter and Provision be publicly proclaimed in this Our Court, and that that which is therein contained be observed and accomplished, and executed precisely and inviolably in this Our Court from the time of the publication, and in other parts and places of these Our Kingdoms, within thirty days after the publication; and that you both the one and the other, by no manner of means do otherwise hereafter, upon pain of the said punishments. Dated in Madrid, etc.  
And after, on the fourth of April of the same year, wherein there are two Chapters to this purpose.  
That to Princes, Dukes, Marquesses and Earls, which be strangers, may be given the style of Lordship.  
Also We permit, that our Ambassadors which do and shall reside in Our Embassies about the Persons of other Princes, may have the style of Lordship.   

Chap. 16. Of the moderation of the Dowry, jewels, and Apparel.  
ANd because the excess and head, whereunto the charges are come which are made in marriages, and the obligations which therein are introduced, it is considered to be a charge and burden to the subjects, because they consume their commodities, and mortgage their houses, which doth increase the depopulation of this Realm, seeing that the same are so great, precisely the dowries must be so, whereby they are hindered. For men neither dare not nor cannot enter (by reason of so great charges) into the state of Matrimony, considering that they are not able to sustain them with the goods they have, nor women have not sufficient dowries to supply them, and from thence there arise other inconveniences in the customs, and against the tranquillity of the Commonwealth; We do ordain and command, that for so much as concerneth the dowries, there be held, accomplished, and executed that which is ordained by the first law of the second title of the fift book of the Recollection, and that according to the same, every person of what estate, quality, dignity, or pre-eminence soever he be, that shall have two hundred thousand Maravediss, and so upwards to five hundred thousand Maravediss of Rents, may give in dowry to every one of his daughters lawfully begotten, a million of Maravediss, and no more; and he that shall have less rents than the said two hundred thousand Maravediss, may not give, nor shall give in dowry above six hundred thousand Maravediss, and no more; and he that shall surpass the foresaid five hundred thousand Maravediss, until a Million, and one having four hundred thousand Maravediss in rents, may give a million and a half of Maravediss in dowry: and he that hath a million and a half of rents, and so upwards, may give in dowry to every one of his lawful daughters, one years rend, and no more, wherewith he may not exceed twelve Millions of Maravediss, notwithstanding his said yearly rend be more than twelve Millions. And likewise concerning the excess in jewels, apparel, and other things, which are given and made at the time of espousement: Let there be kept the said first law of the second title, of the fift book of the Recollection, and in conformity thereof, that no person whatsoever, of what estate, quality, or condition soever he be, may give, nor is to give to his spouse and wife in jewels and apparel, nor in any other thing whatsoever, more than the eighth part of her dowry shall amount unto which he is to have with her, which is to be in the quantity and form aforesaid. And from henceforth we make void and of no value and effect, the contracts, agreements, or promises which shall be made in any other manner, and for lost the quantities or thing wherein they shall exceed in any of the aforesaid Cases, and We do apply them for the same fact to Our Chamber.  
And because there may with more punctuality be accomplished that which is ordained, that the jointures may not exceed the tenth part of that which the free goods shall amount unto; We do ordain & command, that in Our Council chamber there be not given any power for the dispensation thereof, and from henceforth We make void, and of no value and effect, whatsoever power shall be given to the contrary: and for the more certainty of the execution of the premises, the Notary before whom they shall acknowledge the writings, shall be obliged to give an account of such Contracts to the justice of the Country or place where the same shall be made; and the Notary of the assembly of every place, shall keep a book wherein he shall take the reason of the said Contracts, and the quantity, dowry, and jointures: and the justice shall certify whether the said dowry and jointures, jewels and apparel which they have given, do exceed the quantity which by this Act is commanded; and he shall execute the penalty & application made for Our chamber: And that hence forwards this shall be put for an Article of residence, and this law may not be renounced, but truly observed.   

Chap. XVII. That to the Ladies of the Court there shall be given but a million of maravedis in dowry, and a petticoat.  
ITem, To the end that (in Our Royal house things may be set in good order) and Our example to be the surest law, and an execution on to others; We do ordain and command, that to no Lady of the Court there may be given for her dowry and marriage, or to settle her for any other way, more than the sum of one million of Maravedís, and a petticoat, without any other preeminence or honourable title, nor office, nor other kind of dignity, which is the very same that was given in the time of King Philip the second, my Lord and Grandfather: and with the Portugal Ladies let there be done that which was done in the time of the Kings of Portugal, before that Kingdom was incorporated with this Crown, and that unto those of the Chamber, there be given no more but five thousand maravedis, which have been accustomed.   

Chap. XVIII. That his Majesty will not give any office, nor place of justice, nor of his house, in marriage.  
ITem, It is Our will, and We have resolved, that there shall not be given, nor We will give to any person whatsoever, neither for dowry, nor preferment, nor other particular title, any place nor office of justice, nor public authority, nor any of our Royal house and We command that no person whatsoever be so bold as to require it, neither by writing nor word of mouth, under penalty of Our displeasure and punishment as shall be found fitting.   

Chap. XIX. Privileges which are given to the state of Matrimony.  
ITem, To the end that for all there may be a help for increase, being a thing so important, and for the felicity and frequency of the state of Matrimony, which thereof followeth; We do ordain and command, that four years after the day of any body's marriage, he shall be free of all charges and public offices, recoveries, hosts, soldiers and others; and the two first years of these four, of all royal taxations and offices, and of the foreign money, if it happen to fall upon them: and if any marry before the age of eighteen years, he may administer and enter in the eighteenth on his goods; and those of his wife, although she be younger, without ask any leave of Authority. And to those which are full five and twenty years, and are not married, may be put to the said charges and public offices, and are bound to serve them, although they are in the power and house of their fathers.  
ITem, That he which shall have six male children alive, shall be free for all his life time from the said charges, and public offices. And although there be any of the children wanting, the privilege continueth.  
And because beside the reasons aforesaid of the excess in the dowries and charges, poverty and want is, that many women are without means to be married, willing to give them some succour; We do ordain and command, that from henceforth the goods which shall be (mostrencos) in every place, shall serve and be applied for the marriage of poor women and orphans; and from henceforth We give the same to be applied for the same effect, notwithstanding any laws and orders made to the contrary; and that the same come into the power of the person which the Council, justice and government shall nominate, to the end that from thence it may be employed in the cases which shall happen by the intervention of the said Council, having a regard to the age, quality, and poverty, and other considerations, for to qualify poverty, or for the preferment of them, if in case there be more than one.  
ITem, That amongst the rest of the forced Legacies of the Testaments, there shall hereafter be put a legacy for the marrying of poor women and orphans, and they shall be bound to leave some quantity or sum for that effect. And We do charge the Prelates to gather the same, and to put the same in good keeping, and employ the said legacies, & also the execution, as if Our most holy Father had been pleased to grant it (as we have desired him,) and for themselves in that which they can, examining the pious works which shall be in their Bishoprickes, applying them which shall be found least profitable, for the marrying of orphans and poor ones, seeing it is so meritorious a work; and also the pious works which have no particular application, in such manner to put it to this, and that of the small alms which they give, they may apply that part which they can to this work, seeing in the regular there is none, which can be so much for the service of GOD, and good of this Kingdom, and for the succour and help of the poor.  
Moreover, We require and charge all Prelates, of Churches, Cathedrals, & Monasteries capable of goods in common, as well of Friars as of Nuns, that they will jointly procure, and every one by himself, to remedy and help poor women and orphans in the places where they shall be, seeing that amongst the obligations and alms whereunto the Ecclesiastical goods and rents are bound, in the estate which this day this kingdom hath, this is one of the most precious and meritorious.  
ITem, Because it is very needful, that the effects, which may be expected of that, disposed in this Law, may not be badly put forth for want of disposing and exucution, We ordain and command those of our Council, that with particular care and consideration they attend that all that which is aforesaid be kept, accomplished, and executed, always procuring to understand if it be so done, and in effect to provide all that which shall be needful.   

Chap. XX. The mean whereby the Nobility is to be appeased  
AND because hatred, malice, and other respects, and particular accidents have taken so much place, in the mean of the appeasing of the nobility and pureness, in the Acts which are required, with so little credit and consolation to the Nation, with so much unquietness and discord in the Commonwealth, with so great cost of goods and lives, and peril in the consciences, which is judged in the government to be the worthiest thing to be repaired, as well for the remedying of so great inconveniences, & by reason whereof there ariseth generally so much damage in the Kingdom and particular houses, because there should be maintained in their primitive quality and institution, the holy Statures, and the profitable and laudable ends of the common benefit, whereunto the same tended; and which by their good use, men have been experimented, and in substance being so needful, and not to prejudice the same by the accidents in any manner, We ordain and command, that from henceforth no person, of what state and condition soever he be, may not give, nor let him give, nor also to admit, nor let him admit memorial without subscription, and that if the same shall be admitted in any Council, Tribunal, Church, College, or other communality, where there is necessary the qualification of the nobility and pureness, let no credit be given thereunto, nor take place, if the same be general, and render no particular reason of the things the same contain, although they cite and choose witnesses, and although they allege public fame, and may only be in order admitted for to inquire, and for no other effect, when they shall elect and choose Sanbenito or penitence, and the year wherein it was given, with expression of the person whom it concerneth of the Church, or the party where he is, of the parentage which he hath with the plaintiff, or with other individuos so particular, which truly induce the mind that it is no malice; And also they may admit the same, when they shall manifest writings with equal qualities to the sayings; or in case of citing of witnesses, the same shall be given before the Informer or Deputy, for in such case they may examine the witnesses, which therein are cited, as the Informer might examine them by himself: and so shall give no credit, as being cited in the memorial, but for so much as shall be said being examined.  
Besides, the words which have been spoken in difference, or extrajudicially in corrilloes, or in conversations, do not withstand, nor shall not be an hindrance to the acts of Nobility and pureness, wheresoever the same are divulged and dispersed, and being come to the notice of many, that the witnesses shall depose thereupon, as not having more notice of the quality of the plaintiff, then to have heard the same, nor if he had not cause nor reason to speak the same, shall not be an hindrance to the pretention of Nobleness and pureness, as if it had not proceeded, nor shall not be grounded in another beginning, but if there be verification made thereof by the Informers, they shall find that there was a ground to declare it, because the person was noted, or by other reasons of writings, Sanbenito, penitences, It is Our will, that they work as the Law shall permit, because in such a case the words shall not work by themselves, but the cause and ground which there is against the Plaintisse, although the same are not declared.  
ITem, Because all matters have their limits and terms to make them certain, to the end the same may hereafter be held for such as being passed in an adjudged matter, it is considered, that those of this quality should not hold the same, but rather a perpetual disposition: and that after many positive acts of Nobleness and pureness obtained and justly by the ordinary and iuridicall means, the same shall not be executed, because the descendants by right line, require Law, but remain subject that the effects of hatred and malice which do daily experiment, are more powerful than the authority of the adjudged matter, and that the vehement presumption doth overcome the truth against the which the Law can hardly find entrance. We do ordain and command, that in the quarter or quarters in the which there shall be thee positive Acts of clearness and Nobleness (every one in the Act wherein he shall require) shall hold for being passed in an adjudged matter and shall be executed, and by virtue thereof to require a Royal due for the descendants by a right line, for to remain qualified by Nobles and pureness, for all the Acts which shall be offered by the said party, and sufficiently to prove the descendence of the persons which obtained the said three Acts, as it is treated in the Hidalguias.  
And it is to be understood, that although the said three Acts have been gained in sundry Courts, Tribunals, Commonalties, or Colleges, or in one only, and in respect of a quarter, or of two, or of all, as the Acts shall comprehend them. But if the three shall not be accomplished, and shall have only one or two, We declare, That the same shall not be given as passed in an adjudged matter, nor the descendants shall not require any right, and are to make new proofs of that quality in the ordinary form, and coming to three, it shall cause the said Royal due, and comprehend it.  
AND because the three Acts do work presumption of truth, it shall thereby be executed for the descendants, it is just that they be of grave Tribunals, and whole ones, where with due knowledge of the cause the matter shall be treated and determined of; We do ordain and command, that the said three Acts for to work the effect here before mentioned, are to be of the Inquisition, wherein there shall be familiatures, & of the Council of the orders, and of the Religion of St. john, or of the holy Church of Toledo, or of the four great Colleges of Salamanca, and of the two greatest of Alcala and Valladolid, and of no other Tribunal, Church, College, or any Communality.  
ANd because according to law, sometimes they return upon an adjudged matter, or by new instruments, or because it hath appeared that those which have been presented were false, and for other causes enacted by Law always in this matter; We do ordain and command, that the three Acts in form aforesaid, in such manner shall make an adjudged matter, and occasion right to the descendants, that although after the same there shall be discovered any thing or reason which might be hinderfull, if the same had been known before by any of them, the authority and effect of the adjudged matter shall be conserved and remain in his force and vigour, for it is more credit for the said nobleness and cleanness to sustain three califications wherewith it is approved, then to discover (although it is by accident to whose knowledge it came) who gave it; and persons have enjoyed the same, to whom it appertained not.  
Moreover, because many persons with malice & natural curiosity, more than for conveniency or other good effect, do keep in their power, books which they call Verdes, or of leather, and Registers, and Catalogues of descendants fabricated without more authority nor cause, then that which his own indignation hath offered; whereby there hath and do arise unreparable & injust damages, as well of the nobleness, as of the government and public quietness, because there was only seen written in these books and Registers certain Families, they qualify them for noted; and the deposition of one witness who hath seen the same, or hath heard say that the same were, it is not enough for defence, being ordinarily the most surest, that they have no substance, nor know not the cause and ground of their beginning.  
We do ordain and command, that no person of what estate, quality, and condition soever he be, shall not, nor may not keep any book in his power, Register, nor Catalogue, nor other paper, wherein it is treated of the clearness of Families, or descendences and that he burn those which he hath, upon penalty of five hundred Ducats, to be applied in three parts, for the Chamber, judge and Denunciator, and two year's banishment from the place where he is an Inhabitant, and from this Court five leagues.  
ITem, because in some Counsels and Tribunals, particularly in that of the Inquisition in the first institution, it is understood, that some persons which were called before them, examined be themselves, and of their quality, confessed some things which were not true, nor had cause nor reason for it, and such like Confessions have prejudiced their Descendants, being so, that according to Law, if it should be proved the contrary of that which they contain, they cannot prejudice, because the truth doth not move for the only will: We ordain and command, that if the said Confessions be not helped with some other reason whereby it may be induced, that the matter is not in sole terms of confession, it is not sufficient to hinder the nobility and pureness, but proceed to qualify it, as if the same had not been, and according to that which shall arise let the determination be, ruling this according to law.  
ITem, Because some of the Tribunals and Commonalties which require Acts of nobility and cleanness, do draw nearer or faster more then other qualities of the proof and qualification, and particularly the Colleges, not contenting themselves with the affirmative how that they are clean, but also require, that the contrary hath not been heard nor doubted, which quality and verification hath given occasion that many families remain noted unjustly by the malice and hatred wherewith many go forwards in this matter, and if now it go in the same form besides the foresaid inconveniences, it would prejudice the rest of the Commonalties and Tribunals, in the which they require nobility & pureness; We do ordain & command, that all that which is disposed and contained in this Act, be kept, accomplished, and executed uniformally and equally in all Tribunals, Commonalties and Colleges, without any exception or difference.   

Chap. XXI. Means for increase of people.  
LIkewise because the increase and multitude of people, is the only and principal foundation of commonwealths; for the increase and conservation whereof, greater diligence and care is to be applied, though that many things contained in this Act, do in some sort provide, and are thereunto directed; desiring to hinder and stay the Diminution herein, which daily increaseth, and to prevent the causes from whence it hath proceeded, and to dispose the matters of Government, and quiet of the Subjects, in such sort that there may be hoped great multiplication and increase; and considering the great importance that there is, to procure by all ways and means, that this our Intention may have his desired effect, having considered the greatest means which may be available hereunto: We do ordain and Command, that no person of what estate, condition, or quality soever, may departed out of these our Kingdoms with his House and Family, without our Licence, under penalty of the loss and forfeiture of the goods that they shall leave therein, and that the justices, and Officers of the Ports, and any other person whatsoever, may stay and detain the said persons and goods, that they shall carry with them, and shall be very careful to understand the departure of any, and diligent for the execution; and whosoever shall not observe the Contents of this Act, shall be deprived of his Office.  
Likewise because by the great concourse of people in this our Court, and the great multitudes which reside in the Cities of Seville, and Granada, there arise many inconveniences, as well by the number which live Idly, and the danger wherein they live, in such a confusion, & the means whereby they procure their maintenance, as in the other Cities, Towns & Villages of the Kingdom, for the great importance, that there be an increase in all parts, that the Land may be preserved, and justice better administered, We do Command, that as touching the Government of this our Court, that therein there may not be more persons then needful, and so great a concourse be diminished, and every one may be known, who he is, what Occupation, or cause of residence he pretendeth, and how long he hath resided, that the confusion hitherto may be remedied; being precisely observed and kept, that which is ordained concerning the Registers and Divisions, and shall be ordained by those of our Counsel; and for many reasons of universal benefit which have been considered. We do likewise Command, that those six Divisions, whereinto the Court is divided, and in every one of which, one of the justices of our House, and Court, with his Officers is commanded to live and reside, be divided into sixteen Divisions, the most proportionable that may be, and that in every one of them, do reside some one of our Counsel, in the Houses which We command to be allowed for them, who we Command and Charge carefully to know and understand, the quality of the people that live therein, and the Professions and employments they have, what occasions there are of scandales and offences towards God, and whatsoever else shall be executed and done in the said Division, that by the Authority of his person and Office, he may procure it to rest in a convenient and settled estate, and that for the accomplishing and executing of the diligences and occasions which shall be offered, there be appointed to every one a Pursuivant of the Court, which shall live in the same Division, and that the justice of the principal Division, aught to repair to those of our Counsel, who shall live within it, and give an account to them of what shall happen, and that they may appoint him what shall seem convenient, that by this care and correspondency there may be a consideration and account of the whole.  
And we Command, that henceforward, no person of what estate, condition, or quality soever, may come to live and reside with his House and Family in this our Court, or in the said Cities of Seville, and Granada, nor may be admitted or suffered in them, under punishment of a Thousand Ducats of the person offending, and from the justice & Government, who shall admit & permit them to live there, from each particularly Two hundred Ducats, and let it be set down for an Act to remain.  
And because by the nonresidence of the Nobility and Gentry at their houses and habitations, there have been found most grievous inconveniences, as well in the public government of the Kingdom, and whereby the neigh bourhood & Villages are decreased and depopulated; for that it is most absolute, that the servants and vassals which were sustained by them, do follow them, and in the part where they go, do live idly and unaccommodated, & for that those that remain behind, and are not well governed, nor maintained in peace and justice, as they ought: neither are the justice's careful to remedy it, rather in many cases and occasions proceed absolutely, seeing themselves superiors, from whence resulteth the mortgaging and decay of their houses and estates: seeing besides the loss of the commodity, and small charge, wherewith every one liveth upon his own, and the Obligations in the Court, and other great places, being greater; the expenses must needs be greater, and therefore they increasing, and the Tenants and Rents decreasing, (because all suffer declination, and decay by their absence) it is of absolute necessity, that they must consume and decay: and although their own conveniency, being so well known, might be sufficient to oblige them to procure the remedy, that there might be no defect of our part, that it may be obtained. We ordain, and command, that all the Lords, Knights, and other persons whatsoever, who shall have their estates, rents, and goods, charged with Fines and amercements, belonging unto us, with condition to redeem them within a certain time, may enjoy the said time, within the which they ought to make the said redemption; with condition that this be, and is understood to be, being resident in some place of his estate, or where they shall be near, and so we revoke that which is contained in the ninth Act, the third title of the fourth Book of the compilation, by the which our Officers may make their demand in this our Court, and we command to make them in those parts, where conformable to right they ought, that by occasion of suits, they may not leave their estates, nor continue their residence in this Court.  
Likewise, we permit that the Strangers of these Kingdoms (so that they be Catholics, and friends of our Crown) who will come to exercise their professions and labours, may have free liberty: and we command, that actually exercising any Trade or labour, and living twenty leagues within the land from the Ports, they be for ever free from the tribute money, and for the space of six years from Subsidies, and ordinary and extraordinary services, and likewise from the common and public charge, in the place where they shall live, and that they be admitted, as the rest of the neighbours, to all commodities; and we do charge the justices, to accommodate them with houses and lands, if they shall have need. And other Strangers, although they be not craftsmen nor Labourers, having lived in this Kingdom the space of ten years, with a family, and being married to a woman of our Dominions the space of six years, be admitted to the Offices of the Commonwealth, so that they be not high Sheriffs, Governors, chief justices, Majors, Sheriffs, keepers of pledges, Receivers, Clerks of Assizes, Receivers of pawns, nor others of government: for as concerning this and ecclesiastical Benefices, we refer them to our Laws: and we command the justices to accommodate them in all that may be, with houses and lands for their labour, for the benefit, which is considered by their abode, with these conditions.   

Cham XXII. That there may not be Schools of Grammar but in Cities and Towns, where there shall be a justice or Deputy.  
IN like manner, because there are considered many inconveniences, by having Schools of Grammar in so many parts of this Kingdom, seeing that in so many places, neither can be had commodity for to teach it, nor those which do learn it, do gain the necessary fundaments for other faculties, are rather so ill taught, and instructed, that they fail altogether of the necessary principles and rudiments, and without ability or disposition to profit in them; and so, many proceed unto greater studies, and lose the time which they have employed in learning the Latin, which being employed in other Mysteries and Occupations, had been more profitable to them, and to the Commonwealth. We command, that in these our Kingdoms, there be no Schools of Grammar, but in Cities and Towns, where there be justices, wherein likewise may enter Lieutenants, Governors, and the chief justices of places of the Orders, and only one in every City and Town; and that in all the foundations of Schools or Colleges which are; with charge to read Grammar, the Rent whereof doth not amount to three hundred Ducats, it may not be lawful to read: And we do forbid the power to erect or find any particular School of Grammar, with a greater or less Rend than three hundred Ducats, unless it shall be (as above said) in a City or Town, where there shall be a justiceship or Tenencie; and if it be erected, it may not be taught unless therein there be no other: for in such a case we do permit, that it may be founded and erected, the Rent amounting to three hundred Ducats and no less. And likewise we command that there be no Schools of Grammar in the Hospitals, where exposed and forsaken children are brought up and educated, and that the Governors and Superintendants have care to apply them to other Arts, and particularly to the exercise of the Sea, wherein they shall be very profitable, by reason of the want there is in the Kingdoms of Pilots. But we will that the Schools and Seminaries be preserved, which ought to be according to the Council of Trent.   

Cham XXIII. That the public Stews be abolished.  
IN like manner, because wickedness and corruption, to the height whereon Nature is ascended, hath changed the nature and effects of excusing greater mischiefs, whereupon is founded the toleration & permission of the public Stews, in such sort, that it manifestly appeareth, that they rather administer occasion, means, and disposition, that the same effects are committed, which would be prevented, and that they serve only as a profession of Abominations, scandales, troubles, and the corruption of many people; and because it is unlawful to permit this in so Christian a Commonwealth, and that We are Religiously bound to prevent, and cut off all offences, and occasions of offences towards God, and especially of this quality, seeing that by the contrary some great punishment may justly be feared, having thereby so highly provoked and displeased his Divine Majesty; and particularly a greater proneness and disposition, then that is fitting being Discovered, in all places and in all kind of people; And therefore the said public Stews have remained in few parts, where they are less hurtful and offensive, by reason of the number of Women, that there abound; and the diverse ways that wickedness hath invented for the execution of this offence; And having considered, that holy Kings, and well governed commonwealths have prevented this mischief, without any inconveniences that ensued, rather many conveniences thence proceeded in the service of GOD, and the Government.  
We do Ordain and Command, that from hence forward, in no City, Town, or Village of these our Kingdoms, it may be lawful to permit public Stews, or Common houses, where Women may make a profit and sale of the use of their Bodies; and We do prohibit and forbid them, and Command them to be abolished, and strictly Charge those of our Counsel that they have particular care for the execution hereof, as of a matter of great importance; and that the justices every one in his precinct and Division do execute the Contents hereof, under Penalty, that if in any part they shall consent, suffer and permit them, for the same offence, shall be deprived of his Office, and condemned in Fifty thousand maravedis, to be applied in three parts, to wit, our Chamber, the judge, and Informer, and this Act to remain for ever.   

All which we Command to be observed, executed, and kept; any Law, Ordinance, or Statute made to the contrary notwithstanding: because in so much as they are contrary hereunto, We do revoke them, and we Command, that so ye cause them to be executed and kept; in all things according as in our Edict is contained and declared, and that against the tenor and form in no manner, now, or at any time hereafter ye proceed, or consent to proceed. And because it may be manifest and notorious, and none may pretend Ignorance, we Command that this our Edict be publicly Proclaimed in our Court, and that neither one, or other do any thing to the contrary, under Penalty of Our displeasure, and of Thirty thousand maravedis to be confiscated to our Chamber.   
Given at our Court of Madrid, the Tenth day of February. 1623. By the King. Approved by 

Don Francisco de Contreras.  
juan de Frias.  
Gilimon de la Mova.  
Melchor de Molina.  
Don Alfonsa de Calriera.  
Don Fernando Remires jaruias'.   I Pedro de Contreras Secretary of the Kings most excellent Majesty, caused it to be written by his commandment.   

IN MADRID: By Tomas junti, Printer to the Kings most excellent Majesty. Anno Domini 1623.   

Publication.  
IN the Town of Madrid the eleventh day of February 1623. before the Palace and Court of his Majesty, and at the gate of Guadalaiara, where is held the commerce and Traffic of the Merchants and Tradesmen, in the presence of the Licentiats Don Miguel de Cardenas, Don Luis de Paredes, and Don Diego, Francos de Garnica, justices of his Majesty's house and Court, was published the Act and ordinance contained in this other part, with Trumpets and Drums, by public Criers, with high and intelligible voices: whereunto were present, Jnsepe de Vrraca, Francisco de Mesa, and Francisco Sanches de Acosta, Constables of the King's Majesty's house and Court, and many others. Which was done before me  
Fernando de Valeto.  
FINIS.