The Death of Hypatia

BY CHARLES KINGSLEY.

["Hypatia was a mathematician of Alexandria, who taught her
students the philosophy of Plato. Orestes, governor of
Alexandria, admired the talents of Hypatia, and frequently
had recourse to her for advice. He was desirous of curbing the
too ardent zeal of St. Cyril, who saw in Hypatia one of the
principal supports of paganism. The most fanatical followers
of the bishop, in March, A.D. 415, seized upon Hypatia as she
was proceeding to her school, forced her to descend from her
chariot, and dragged her into a neighboring church, where she
was put to death by her brutal foes. Canon Kingsley's historical
romance has done much to make her name familiar to English
readers" (Classical Dictionary). Raphael Aben-Ezra, a former
pupil, converted to Christianity and returning to Alexandria,
seeks audience with Hypatia to tell her of the Nazarene. Broken
and discouraged, she still holds to her philosophy, but finally
consents to hear what Raphael has to say of Christianity. It is
almost time for her to lecture at the school, so she makes an
appointment for Raphael the following day. She sends him from
her until then with the words with which this cutting begins.]

"Yes, come.... The Galilean.... If he conquers strong men, can the weak
maid resist him? Come soon ... this afternoon.... My heart is breaking
fast."

"At the eighth hour this afternoon?" asked Raphael.

"Yes.... At noon I lecture ... take my farewell, rather, forever, of
the schools.... Gods! What have I to say?... And tell me about Him
of Nazareth. Farewell!"

"Farewell, beloved lady! At the ninth hour you shall hear of Him of
Nazareth."

As Raphael went down the steps into the street, a young man sprang from
behind one of the pillars and seized his arm.

"Aha! my young Coryphaeus of pious plunderers! What do you want with me?"

Philammon, for it was he, looked at him an instant, and recognized him.

"Save her! for the love of God, save her!"

"Whom?"

"Hypatia!"

"How long has her salvation been important to you, my good friend?"

"For God's sake," said Philammon, "go back and warn her! She will hear
you--you are rich--you used to be her friend--I know you--I have heard
of you.... Oh, if you ever cared for her--if you ever felt for her a
thousandth part of what I feel--go in and warn her not to stir from
home!"

"Of what is sh