_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.