Page:The Female Advocate.djvu/70

better wages than a penny a day, which used to be the standard even in the reign of Henry VII^[1] and in the reign of Henry VIII. it did not exceed three halspence? Must not every one allow, so small a recompence, in the present times, insufficient to exist upon, and much less to support a family. Still, in those days, it was found a sufficient provision, and they could live comfortably upon it; but the reason is evident; every article of provision at that time bore a very inferior price to what it does now. Wheat, for example, which we may call the first grand article of provision, sold in King Henry VII.'s reign^[2] at so low a price as three shillings per quarter, and every other article equally cheap; which enforces a conviction, that through time all things alter. Therefore, to come to the point in view, whilst all things change according to the state of times and contingencies, why exclude poor females from a small share in the

1. Vide stat. 11th of Henry VII. and stat. 6. of Henry VIII. concerning artificers.
2. Vide Baker's Chronicle.