[386:B] Holland's Pliny, vol. i. p. 96. book v. chap. 8.
[386:C] Ibid. p. 156.
[386:D] The title of this work is, Brevis et admiranda Descriptio Regni Gvianæ, auri abundantissimi, in America. It is accompanied by a map, engraved by Hondius, on which are drawn men hunting, with their heads beneath their shoulders.
[387:A] Reed's Shakspeare, vol. iv. p. 83. Act i. sc. 2.
[387:B] Frobisher's First Voyage for the Discoverie of Cataya. 4to. 1578.
[387:C] Reed's Shakspeare, vol. iv. p. 83, note 9.
[387:D] Chalmers's Apology, p. 586.
[388:A] Prayse and Reporte of Maister Martyne Forboisher's Voyage to Meta Incognita, &c. bl. l. 12mo. 1578. Vide Reed's Shakspeare, vol. iv. p. 83. note 7.
[388:B] Reed's Shakspeare, vol. iv. p. 83. note 7.—The existence of mermaids has, within these few years, been asserted by numerous testimonies; some of which are so clear, minute, and respectable, as to stagger the most sceptical. It is not only possible, but from the evidence alluded to it appears indeed somewhat probable, that a creature partially resembling the human form exists in the ocean, and occasionally, though rarely, approaches so near the shore as to become an object of wonder and superstitious horror. The sea round the Isle of Man was formerly reputed to abound in these monsters, which were conceived to be of two kinds, the one malignant, the other benevolent and kind.
[388:C] Ancient British Drama, vol. ii. p. 377, 378.