streets
going to Marcellus, carrying certain mathematical instruments in
a little pretty coffer, as dials for the sun, spheres, and angles,
wherewith they measure the greatness of the body of the sun by view:
and they supposing he had carried some gold or silver, or other precious
jewels in that little coffer, slew him for it. But it is most certain
that Marcellus was marvellously sorry for his death, and ever after
hated the villain that slew him, as a cursed and execrable person: and
how he had made also marvellous much afterwards of Archimedes' kinsmen
for his sake."

We are further indebted to Plutarch for a summary of the character and
influence of Archimedes, and for an interesting suggestion as to the
estimate which the great philosopher put upon the relative importance of
his own discoveries. "Notwithstanding Archimedes had such a great mind,
and was so profoundly learned, having hidden in him the only treasure
and secrets of geometrical inventions: as he would never set forth any
book how to make all these warlike engines, which won him at that time
the fame and glory, not of man's knowledge, but rather of divine wisdom.
But he esteeming all kind of handicraft and invention to make engines,
and generally all manner of sciences bringing common commodity by the
use of them, to be but vile, beggarly, and mercenary dross: employed his
wit and study only to write things, the beauty and subtlety whereof
were not mingled anything at all with necessity. For all that he hath
written, are geometrical propositions, which are without comparison of
any other writings whatsoever: because the subject where of they treat,
doth appear by demonstration, the maker gives them the grace and
the greatness, and the demonstration proving it so exquisitely, with
wonderful reason and facility, as it is not repugnable. For in all
geometry are not to be found more profound and difficult matters
written, in more plain and simple terms, and by more easy principles,
than those which he hath invented. Now some do impute this, to the
sharpness of his wit and understanding, which was a natural gift in him:
others do refer it to the extreme pains he took, which made these things
come so easily from him, that they seemed as if they had been no trouble
to him at all. For no man living of himself can devise the demonstration
of his propositions, what pains soever he take to seek it: and yet
straight so soon as he cometh to declare and open it, ever