❧ By the King.  
WHereas the King's Majesty, for the better relief and sustentation of the poorer sort of people within this his Kingdom, in this time of scarcity and dearth of Corn and Graine, did out of his Princely and gracious disposition, lately cause certain Orders to be generally published and sent into all the Counties, Cities, and principal plates of this Realm for the serving of the Markets from time to time with convenient quantities of Corn and Graine, whereby the poor might be chief provided for with so much thereof, as should be necessary for them at reasonable rates: And whereas it hath pleased God to give this year greater increase of Barley then of other Grains, which of itself, or being mingled with Wheat or Rye, will make good Bread, especially for the poorer sort of people: His Majesty is given to understand, that of this great quantity of Barley (whereof the greatest part aught and might be made into Bread as aforesaid) much is by the infinite multitude of Maultsters, like to be turned into Malt as hitherto it hath been, and then again by common Brewer's brewed into strong Beer and Ale, which consumes double the Malt that is needful, and serves not for use, but for drunkenness and excess; Although both by the Laws now in force, and by the said Orders lately published, there is provision against these abuses. His Majesty therefore continuing his Princely care for the preservation and relief of his poor Subjects, And to the end that the great waste and consumption of Barley in making of Malt may be prevented, and that the poor may have sufficient store of Barley to make Bread for their sustenance at reasonable prices, in this time of scarcity of Wheat and Rye, Hath therefore thought good, and by this his Proclamation doth straightly charge and command all Justices of Peace, majors, Constables, Headboroughes, and other his Officers to whom it appertaineth, That they forthwith after the publishing of this his Proclamation, do carefully and diligently cause the Laws and Statutes of this his Realm, concerning Malt and Maultsters, and concerning the Assize and price of Beer, to be put in due execution, And by all means to diminish the number of Maultsters, and to establish good Orders to such as they shall allow still to Malt for the sparing of Barley, as much as may be, As also to see that common Brewer's, Alehouse keepers, and all others that sell Ale or Beer, make their Beer and Ale not too strong, but of such rate and price, as may occasion least expense of Malt, and whereby they may utter their Beer at low and reasonable prices, that the poorer sort may have the greater proportion for their money.  
And his Majesty doth likewise straightly charge and command all Maultsters, common Brewer's, Alehouse keepers, and such as sell Beer or Ale, to observe and keep aswell the Laws and Statutes of this Realm in that behalf made, as his majesties said Orders lately published, and all other Orders and directions of the said justices of Peace, majors, Bailiffs and other Officers hereafter to be made, according to his majesties gracious commandment in this Proclamation contained.  
Given under our hand at Thetford the xii. day of December, in the sixth year of our Reign of great Britain, France and Ireland. 
 God save the King.   

❧ Imprinted at London by the Deputies of Robert Barker, Printer to the Kings most Excellent Majesty. Anno 1608.