DIRECTIONS FOR THE MASTER OF THE WARDS. 35 



DIRECTIONS FOR THE MASTER OF THE WARDS TO OB 

 SERVE, FOR HIS MAJESTY S BETTER SERVICE, 



AND THE GENERAL GOOD. 



First, that he take an account how his majesty s 

 last instructions have been pursued ; and of the in 

 crease of benefit accrued to his majesty thereby, and 

 the proportion thereof. 



Wherein first, in general, it will be good to cast 

 up a year s benefit, viz. from February, 1610, which 

 is the date of the instructions under the great seal, 

 to February, 1611 ; and to compare the total with 

 the former years before the instructions, that the 

 tree may appear by the fruit, and it may be seen 

 how much his majesty s profit is redoubled or in 

 creased by that course. 



Secondly, it will not be amiss to compute not 

 only the yearly benefit, but the number of ward 

 ships granted that year, and to compare that with 

 the number of former years ; for though the number 

 be a thing casual, yet if it be apparently less than 

 in former years, then it may be justly doubted, that 

 men take advantage upon the last clause in the in 

 structions, of exceptions of wards concealed, to 

 practise delays and misfinding of offices, which is a 

 thing most dangerous. 



Thirdly, in particular it behoveth to peruse and 

 review the bargains made, and to consider the rates, 

 men s estates being things which for the most part 

 cannot be hid, and thereby to discern what improve- 



