SECT. IV. Of the Fame of London for Trade, and Traffique.

HIstorians do inform us, this City hath been long since renowned for Trade and Commerce: the livelyhood of Merchants, and the life of the Common∣wealth,* wherein the King and every Sub∣ject hath interest; the Merchant being the good Bayliff of the Realm to export, and vent the native commodities of the Realm, and to import and bring in the necessary commodities for the defence, and benefit thereof.

Cornelius Tacitus, who in the dayes of Nero, 1540 years since, reporteth it to have been a place very famous for fresh Trade, concourse of Merchants, and great store of Victuals, and all things ne∣cessary.

London was (sayes Bede) a Town of Trade and Traffique a long time since fre∣quented with many Nations, resorting thither by Sea and Land,

William of Malmesbury sayes, that London was replenished with rich Citi∣zens, and frequented with the Commerce Page  15 of Occupiers, and Factors, coming out of all Lands.

Speed informeth us, that London was ever famous for concourse of Merchants and of great renown for Provision of all things necessary in the time of Suetonius, Nero's Lieutenant here. Thus much of the antient Estimation of this City for Trade and Commerce.