_Cyril_ the main Instigator of _Hypatia_’s Murder, being envious of the
Fame she had acquired by her Learning and Philosophy.
Be it so that the Clergy of _Alexandria_ were the Murderers (some may
say) and that their Affection for _Cyril_ transported them beyond what
can be justified; how does it appear that he himself had any Hand in
this black Deed, which perhaps he neither knew nor could prevent? For
the Sake of our common Humanity (since true Christiany is not at all
concerned) I wish it were so; but there is such Evidence as will not let
any Man, if not wilfully shutting his Eyes against Truth, to believe it.
_Damascius_, who is the other contemporary Witness of her Murder, I
meant besides _Socrates_, positively affirms, that “_Cyril_ vow’d
_Hypatia_’s Destruction, whom he bitterly envied;” and _Suidas_, who
writes the same Thing, says, that this Envy was caused by her
_extraordinary Wisdom and Skill in Astronomy_; as _Hesychius_, when he
mentions her Limbs being carried all over the City in Triumph, writes,
that _this befel her on the Score of her extraordinary Wisdom, and
especially her Skill in Astronomy_. For _Cyril_ was a mighty Pretender
to Letters, and one of those Clergymen who will neither acknowledge nor
bear the Superiority of any Laymen in this Respect, be it ever so
incontestable to others. But some Circumstances of _Hypatia_’s Death,
not mention’d in _Socrates_, are preserved in the Abridgment of
_Isidorus_’s _Life_ in _Photius_, such as _Valesius_ had it; and which I
here give you, Reader, though it should cost you the Tribute of one Tear
more to her Memory. “Upon a Time (says _Damascius_) _Cyril_, passing by
the House of _Hypatia_, saw a great Multitude before the Door both of
Men on Foot and on Horseback; whereof some were coming, some going, and
others staid. When he inquir’d what that Croud was, and what occasioned
so great a Concourse? he was answered by such as accompanied him, that
this was _Hypatia_ the Philosopher’s House, and that these came to pay
their Respects to her. Which when _Cyril_ understood, he was moved with
so great Envy, that he immediately vow’d her Destruction, which he
accomplish’d in the most detestable Manner. For when _Hypatia_, as was
her Custom, went abroad, several Men, neither fearing divine Vengeance
nor human Punishment, suddenly rush’d upon her and kill’d her: Thus
laying their Country both under the highest Infamy, and under the Guilt
of innocent Blood. And indeed the Emperor was grievously offended at
this Matter, and the Murderers had been certainly punished, but that
_Edefius_ did corrupt the Emperor’s Friends; so that his Majesty it’s
true remitted the Punishment, but drew Vengeance on himself and his
Posterity, his Nephew paying dear for this Action.” This Nephew
_Valetius_ believes to have been _Valentinian_, whose Mother _Placidia_
was Aunt to _Theodosius_.