¶ A PROCLAMATION concerning eating of white meats.  
Published 6ᵒ Februarij 1542 Aᵒ 32 Henrici Octavi as aꝑeths by the book of Martyr's  
uless as by diverse and sundry occasions, as well hearing, lings, saltfyshe, samond, stockfish, as other kinds of fish, been this year scant, and also enhanced in prices above the old rate and comen estimation of their valour: so that if the kings loving subjects should be enforced only to buy and provide hearing and other salt store of fish, for the necessary and sufficient sustentation and maintenance of their households and families, all this time of Lent, according is they have been wont in times past to do, and should not be, by some other honest means relieved therein, the same might and should undoubtedly redound to their importable charge and detriment. And for as much as his highness considereth, how this kind and manner of fasting, that is to say, to abstain from milk, butter, eggs, and cheese, and all other white meats, is but a mere positive law of the Church, and used by a custom within this realm, and of none other fort or necessity, but the same may be upon good considerations and grounds altered and dispensed with from time to time by the public authority of kings and princes, when so ever they shall perceive the same to tend to the hurt and damage of their people. The kings highness therefore most graciously considering and tendering the wealth and commodity of his people, hath thought good, for the considerations above rehearsed, to release and dispense with the said law and custom of abstaining from white meats this holy time of Lent, And of his espiciall grace and mere motion giveth and granteth unto all and singular his subjects within this his realm of England, wales, Cales, Guynes, Hams, and in all other his graces dominions, freelybertis, faculty, and licence, to eat all manner of white meats, as milk, eggs, butter, cheese, and suchelyke, during the time of this lent, without any scruple or grudge of conscience: any law, constitution, use or custom to the contrary not withstanding. Wherein never the less his highness exhorteth, and in the name of god requireth, all such his faithful subjects, as may, will, or shall enjoy this his said grant or faculty, that they be in no wise scruple or doubtful thereof, nor abuse or turn the same into a fleshly or carnal liberty: but rather endeavour themselves to their possible powers with this liberty of eating of white meats, to observe also that fast, which god most specially requireth of them: That is to say, to renounce the world, and the devil, with all their pomps and works, and also to subde we and repress their carnal affections, and the cortupte works of their flesh, according to their vow and profession made at the font stone. For in these points specially consisteth the very true and perfit abstinence and fasting of a Christian man.  
Have 〈…〉 and 〈◊〉 from year to year till the king's highness pleasure 〈◊〉 by his Ma.tie p 〈…〉 H8 mense martij vide Aᵒ 34 H8 made to continue yearly  
GOD SAVE THE KING.   

Thomas Berthelet Regius impressor excudebat. CUM PRIVILEGIO.