Note 9 — Chapter II · OF THE ROMAN NOSE.

We write thus reservedly, because there are some well-attested recent instances of cannibalism in Ireland. The following anecdote is likewise narrated by Leyden. “Reiterated complaints having been made to James I. of Scotland, of the cruelties of the Sheriff of Mearns, James exclaimed, ‘Sorra’ gin the Shirra’ were sodden, an’ supp’d in broo’.’ Thereupon four Lairds decoyed the Sheriff to the top of the hill of Garrock, and having prepared a fire and a boiling cauldron, they plunged the unlucky man into the latter. After he was sodden for a sufficient time, the savages fulfilled to the letter the King’s hasty exclamation by supping the shirra’-broo!” If the subject were more agreeable to dwell upon, it would be easy to furnish many other well-attested instances of the slaking of hunger and the thirst of revenge by a repast of human flesh.