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CHAP. XVII.
Of the Profits raised unto the Crown out of Merchandizes during the reigns of seve∣ral Kings who succeeded K. Edw. 3. untill the reign of Queen Mary.
TRue it is, that during the reign of these Princes, we finde no Impo∣sitions directly set upon Merchandizes by their absolute power or prerogative; but they did not forbear to lay Imposi∣tions directly, for that they wanted right so to doe, or because they doubted of their right in that behalf; for they well knew they had the same right, the same prerogative, and absolute power that their Predecessors had; but because they found other means to make other profit upon transporting of Merchan∣dizes, and that in another manner, and in so high measure, as the trade of Mer∣chandizes in those daies could hardly bear any greater charge, without dan∣ger of overthrowing all Trade and Co∣merce: And therefore those Princes