I R  
HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE   royal blazon or coat of arms  
A Publication, or a Declaration of the Lords of the Counsels Order for the Needle-makers in his Majesty's Dominions.  
At Whitehall the XX. of january. Anno. 1623.  
Presents, 

Lord Keeper, &c.  
Lord Precedent.  
Lord Marquis Hamilton.  
Earl Martial.  
Lord Chamberlain.  
Lord Viscount Grandison.  
Lord Carew.  
Lord Chichester.  
Master Treasurer.  
Master Secretary Caluert.  
The Master of the Rolls.    
FOrasmuch as certificate hath been made unto the Board, subscribed by the Lord Maior of the Littie of London and the Aldermen his Brethrens, whereby it appeareth that an Engine hath lately been set up for the making of Needles, which hath proved very dangerous to be wrought with all, for the spoiling and maming of the king's liege Subjects, and that the use thereof is very dangerous, and hath deprived great numbers of poor people of their means and livelihood in these late times of scarcity, who formerly could get their living by the Art of Needle-making: and lastly, that those who work with the said Engine, do employ much bad stuff, to the defrauding of all such as buy the Needles made therewith.  
In regard whereof, the Lord Maior and Aldermen having used all means to 'cause the parties working with the said Engine and bad stuff, to appear before them to answer these several points: they notwithstanding withdraw themselves into unknown places, or else uteerly refuse to make answer to what may be objected against them.  
Their Lordships upon due consideration of the premises have thought fit, and accordingly ordered that the said Engine, with such deceitful Needles, shall from benceforth be utterly suppressed, not only in the Littie of London, but in all his Majesty's Dominions, in whose hands soever they be found, to be seized and defaced, if no cause be showed to the contrary by Wednesday next, which will be the twenty eight of this present January. Ind what is thought meet, and ordered by their Lordships that the prices of Needles shall be no greater than they have been sold these last twenty years, nor the Needles, workmanship, or stuff, be of no less goodness, but of Steele. And lastly it is ordered, that if notwithstanding the prohibition of the foresaid Engine and bad Needles, if any person shall presume to use the said Engine or base stuff, or in any other manner disobey this Order, the party or parties so offending may be apprehended and carried before the next Justice, in whose hands soever they be found, to have such punishment as their contempt shall be found to descrue.  
I Dickenson. 
 God save the King.