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 "That if any of the masters' apprentices or dwelling in the said borough fall into poverty or decay by God's visitation, by fire or by sickness, to have relief of such moneys and forfeitures as shall arise to the said occupations at the discretion of the said masters and greater part of the said company."

And the fraternal spirit which inspired the trade crafts of mediaeval Leicester is delightfully indicated by another provision contained in the same Articles:—

"That, at the death and marriage of the said masters' wives, children and servants, upon notice of the beadle, all the said masters, not having reasonable excuse (to be allowed at the next meeting), shall be present, contagious times excepted, on pain for each sixpence." 139