_Hypatia’s_ School crouded with Scholars of the best Fashion. She is
admired for her incomparable Beauty, and the vast Extent of her
Learning.
Now, I cannot but here represent to myself with Pleasure, let who will
censure me for it, the Flower of all the Youth in _Europe_, _Asia_, and
_Africa_, sitting at the Feet of a most beautiful Lady (for such we are
assur’d _Hypatia_ was) all greedily swallowing Instruction from her
Mouth, and many of ’em Love from her Eyes. How she serv’d one of this
last Sort, shall be told in its due Place. It was doubtless a Thing
impossible, not to improve under such a Teacher; as one must be equally
stupid and insensible, that could not be powerfully affected by a
charming Mind in a charming Body. I am sure this Reflection is very
agreeable to that Philosophy she peculiarly professed; and accordingly
the _Alexandrian_ School never flourish’d more. Her Disciples entered
into a strict Tye of Intimacy with one another, stiling themselves
_Companions_, or, as in our Colleges _Fellows_; which was likewise the
Custom at _Athens_, and in other famous Seminaries of Learning. This
commonly begot Effects of Benevolence thro’ the whole Course of their
Lives, and sometimes Acts of Friendship very extraordinary. _Hypatia_
was by way of Excellence named _The Philosopher_, altogether as much on
Account of her profound Knowledge, as for her public Profession of
Teaching. Nor was any Professor ever more admired by the World, or more
dear to his own Scholars. Hers were as remarkable as numerous.