Note 24 — INTRODUCTIONToC

“A proclamation set fourthe by the King’s Majestie with the assent and consent of his dear uncle Edward, Duke of Somerset ... and the said cattell also by all lyklyhode of truth should be more cheape beynge in many men’s handes as they be nowe in fewe, who may holde them deare and tarye the avantage of the market” (Brit. Mus. Lansdown, 238, p. 205). See also E. E. T. S.: “Certayne causes gathered together, wherein is showed the decaye of England only by the great multitude of shepe" (date 1550–1553), and The Commonweal of this Realm of England, passim, especially pp. xlv.-lxvii. It is worth noting that Hales, who was quite conversant with the effect on general prices of an increase in the supply of money, thought that the rise which took place in his day was in some measure due to monopolists. He describes his third Bill as ensuring that “ther wolde have byn within fyve yeares after the execution therof suche plentie of vitteyll and so good cheape as never was in England" (Commonweal, p. lxiii.).