❧ By the King.  
A Proclamation against the use of Pocket-Dags.  
WHereas the bearing of Weapons covertly, and specially of short Dags, and Pistols, (truly termed of their use, pocket Dags, that are apparently made to be carried close, and secret) hath ever been, and yet is by the Laws and policy of this Realm straightly forbidden, as carrying with it inevitable danger in the hands of desperate persons. We are nevertheless given to understand, that the use of them is suddenly grown very common: So as for the gain coming thereof, both many are daily made and wrought within the Kingdom, and as many brought in from foreign parts. And some persons being questioned for bearing of such about them, have made their excuse, That being decayed in their estates, and indebted; and therefore fearing continually to be Arrested, they wear the same for their defence against such Arrests. A case so far from just excuse, as it is of itself a grievous offence for any man to arm himself against Justice, and therefore deserves (without more) sharp and severe punishment. But besides this evil consequence (which alone is not to be neglected.) We have just cause to provide also against those devilish spirits, that maligning the quiet and happiness of this Estate, may use the same to more execrable ends. And therefore by this Our Proclamation, We do straightly charge and command all Our subjects and other persons whatsoever, that they neither make, nor bring into this Realm, any Dags, Pistols, or other like short Guns, by what name soever they be, or may be called or known, which are not, or shall not be of the full length of twelve inches in the Barrel at the least: And that no person or persons shall bear or carry, about him or them, any such. And further, We do will and command all and every Our subjects, and others whomsoever, that have or possess any such in their own hands, or in the hands of any other to their use, That they do before the Feast of the purification of the blessed Virgin MARY next ensuing the date hereof, either break the same in pieces, so as they may not be used in any wise to shoot withal: Or else that they deliver and yield up the same to some Justice of the Peace, Mayor, Bailiffs, or their principal Officer, of, or near the County, City, Town, or place of his, or their abode, respectively, there to remain in safe custody, upon pain of Our heavy displeasure, and of such imprisonment, penalties, and other punishments, as are due to the contemners of Our Royal Commandments.  
Given at Newmarket the sixteenth day of january, in the tenth year of Our Reign of Great Britain, France, and Ireland. 
 God save the King.   

¶ Imprinted at Lodon by Robert Barker, Printer to the Kings most Excellent Majesty.  
ANNO DOM. 1612.