Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 5.djvu/33

1551.] council admonished the Lord Mayor, and required the Lord Mayor to admonish the wardens of the trading companies. Confidence was steadily refused to the currency as long as the worth of the coined shilling was artificially greater than the worth of the bullion of which it was made. The falling process having once begun, had to be completed with as little delay as possible, and on the 17th of August the shilling was ordered by proclamation to pass for no more than sixpence, the groat for no more than twopence, and all other silver coins in proportion. To