ITEM, Forsomuch as by the use of Culverings, Daggs, Pistolettes, and such other engines of fire-work, are not only of the lovable constitutions of this Realm, in slaying of wild beasts, and fowls forbidden, but also divers our Sovereign Lord’s lieges, are shamefully and cruelly murdered, slain, and hurt, which otherwise were able, to make defence sufficiently for themselves, at all times of pursuit, as has been lately seen within this Burgh of Edinburgh. And for eschewing and remedy thereof in time coming: It is statute and ordained by OUR SOVEREIGN LORD, with advice and consent of his Regent, and the three Estates of this present Parliament, that no manner of person, nor persons, of whatsomever estate, degree, or condition they be of, shoot with Culverings, Daggs, Pistolettes, or any other Guns, or engines of fire-work, in any part of this Realm, neither to Burgh [town] nor to land [country] (except such, as for pastime will shoot within their Inner-court [enclosure], and yard adjacent thereto, and Mariners, and such as haunt [frequent] the Seas, being actually upon the same, for defense of their bodies and goods) under the pain of cutting off their right hand. And suchlike, that no manner of person, nor persons, of whatsomever estate, condition, or degree they be of, bear, wear, or use any Culverings, Daggs, Pistolettes, or any other such engine of fire-work, upon their persons, or in their company with them privately or openly, outwith [outside of] houses, without license of our Sovereign Lord, and his Regent had, and obtained thereupon, under the pain foresaid. PROVIDING always, that the Captains, and men of war, serving our Sovereign Lord, and his Regent foresaid, actually in his highness’s wages, {369} nor yet the Lieges of this Realm, as well in Regality, as Royalty at weapon-showings; Nor the Provosts, Baillies, and inhabitants of the Burgh of Edinburgh, or other Burrows of this Realm, charged by our Sovereign Lord’s authority, to assemblies, weapon-showings, and conventions, for forth-setting of his highness’s service and affaires, in the time thereof: nor yet none of our Sovereign Lord’s lieges in their coming, remaining, or departing to and from any hosts, wars, armies, raids, weapon-showings, or assemblies, being specially and expressly commanded & charged, to that effect by his highness’s letters, and authority, Wardens meeting at days of truce; And suchlike they that are following thieves, in defence of stealing of Leill [honest] men’s goods, and in rescours [rescue] thereof, shall not be comprehended under this present Act.