Blessed (had died by the time when Theodora 1 issued her decree concerning a dispute between Tornikios 102 and the monastery of Iveron over the metochion of Melissourgeion)
τοῦ μακαρίτου. Iveron 2.77.3, 2.78.28
In the flower of youth and from a magnificent family
Michael 61 had written many praises of him before this work and the public admired the extravagance of the panegyrics; he was not lying in this praise, but others mistook what he was doing
Michael 61 would have wished that his emperor (Konstantinos 9), if none of the others, had had a blameless lot, but events do not proceed according to our desires
As Michael 61 will conceal none of his nobler deeds but bring them into the open, so too if he has said anything in a different disposition, this too he will make clear in his account
As a healthy animal is not suddenly affected by the onset of future ills so, since the empire was not at all moribund but still vigorous, his negligence seemed trivial, until gradually the ill increased, peaked and overturned everything
Michael 61's account of Maria 64 terminated at the moment of her death; Michael 61 will return again to him, and make him the subject of the present part of the history
His prime and vigorous strength when first he became emperor was transformed to the opposite state; he did not preserve the good looks he had intact to the end, but like a sun hidden by clouds displayed to onlookers a dimmed physical brilliance
Although he had not seen Michael 61 before coming to power, when he had once seen him he was so captivated by Michael 61's eloquence that he seemed to hang by the ears from Michael 61's tongue
[His dismissal of Konstantinos 13, etc.] is ambivalent, depending on individual viewpoint; but in other actions that Michael 61 proposes to tell, he was not at all moderate, but vigorous, intense and sharp
Michael 61 was all things to him, living as a philosopher as far as possible, but accommodating himself skilfully to him; he was easily bored with his enthusiasms, wanted change, moving from high to low or a mixture of the two
He succeeded to power, taking over a state like an overloaded ship ... filled it brimful and sank it; he added more parts to its diseased body, introduced viler juices to its guts, deprived it of peaceful existence and all but drove it mad
A pious offspring (sc. of Leon 29), possessing an excellent character
religiosa et egregiae indolis proles. Leo IX ep. to Monomachos (Will) 85B.18-19
He was known for his generosity to churches and the people; the poor were satisfied by his gifts, and every sanctuary enjoyed his gold; his bounty was poured out to the unfortunate as if down secure channels
He was naturally curious about sex and did not know how to alleviate his passion through the satisfaction of intercourse, but was constantly stirring up new waves of desire thinking of his first loves
He was like one who had put in at the port of the palace after great waves and tempest, that is the ills of his exile, and hence he needed absolute rest, absolute tranquillity
Nature bestowed on him in life marvellous beauty, so well proportioned and harmoniously fashioned that no contemporary compared with him; nature added to his fine proportions physical vigour, like a firm foundation to a fine building
His tongue was full of charm, he was easily moved to smile and his face was cheerful, not only in recreation, when it was necessary, but also when he was clearly serious; he mixed with men of simple character who had no deep-seated fear
This part of his life was brilliant and full of encomia; he did not boast to himself of his successes nor utter bragging words; while enjoying his achievements to the greatest degree he returned again to his own nature
He was not watchful, but as if needing a respite after many struggles, he was negligent for the remaining time: because of this one trouble after another surged over him
He did not know how to arrange himself to get proper rest in bed: every position was unbearable; his valets would prop his poor body; with difficulty finding a restful angle, they secured him, contriving that he be supported in that pose
Michael 61 does not know how both to preserve historical truth and to apportion appropriate homage to him; but Michael 61's excessive precision in historical truth does in fact conserve a part of his high reputation
If by chance in the course of his imperial duties he spoke out harshly or threatened anyone with blows, he immediately blushed as if he were ashamed that he had spoken contrary to his habit
Indulged in the pleasures of eating and drinking, squandered the money collected from taxes on prostitutes, led a dissolute life and even brought in women from afar for his pleasure, being dissatisfied with those available at Constantinople
այլ միշտ ուտելեաց և ըմպելեաց պարապեալ, [...] զգանձսն զոր ժողովէր, ի բոզից ծախսն վճարէր. [...] այնքան պոռնիկ և բոզասէր էր՝ մինչզի [...] ի հեռաւոր աշխարհաց տայր ածել կանայս. Aristakes 95.7-17 (88)
Was ignorant about military matters and so generous and munificent that everybody enjoyed his favours
Michael 61 maintains, with God as his witness, that although he was afflicted and overwhelmed by such great ills and so absolutely wretched he never uttered a word of blasphemy against God
Through his family he held the highest place in the empire, he enjoyed abundant wealth, outstanding good looks and seemed to the most honoured families a suitable contestant for a marriage tie
If Michael 61 set out to praise his life, but then rejected the causes of praise and was clearly seen to have assembled topics for blame, Michael 61 would be most malicious, like Herodotos, whose History tells the Greeks' worst deeds
Had Michael 61 seen that other emperors had done everything with the finest disposition and found favour in all things whereas his reign alone had the opposite character, he would have omitted his account of him
Since no one is unassailable and each is characterised by what is dominant, why should Michael 61be ashamed to declare anything that Konstantinos 9 too had not done justly and fittingly?
His first act (promotions and lavishness) was youthful folly, but ... none saw him boastful, nor of overbearing look, nor too proud speech, not malicious to those who had shown him little kindness before nor moderation regarding his power
Naturally suited as any man to win his subjects, he captured each by hunting them in his own way; he readily used artistry, without sophistry or dissimulation towards his captive, but was genuinely eager to capture by setting out to please
If someone approached him showing that his soul was preoccupied, as if he saw more than others and had come to ponder and consider with him matters of expediency, he thought him ill-mannered, of quite the opposite character mould to his own
His associates changed to his way of thinking: if someone wished to impart some serious matter, he did not bring it up at once, but preceded it with pleasantries or entwined it in them, like a purgative amidst sweet things for an invalid
He considered the rule as a rest from toils, fulfilment of desire, respite from exertion, as if he had put in to its port so that he might no longer be occupied with the business of steering, but enjoy the blessings of calm
The empire was not immediately destroyed, but as he was allotted in few cares, but more pleasures and enjoyments, many causes of disease took hold of the previously healthy body of the empire
No small part of his lack of moderation was due to the easy-going character of Theodora 1 and Zoe 1, and his willingness to succumb like them to luxuries and laughter
Having put in after a great storm at the trouble-free shores and calm harbours of the empire, he did not wish to put to sea again, as Michael 61 has often said, but to rule peacefully and not belligerently, like most previous emperors
Because he was frequently not horror-struck at events people were persuaded that he had learned the outcome of what had happened from some higher power and hence was scornful and completely disregarding
When Michael 61 says that he predicted or rejected something, people should not think Konstantinos 9 had prophetic powers but see his words as typical of his character: God's will decides events
Nature did not put his strength in long hands nor in the greatness of other parts or limbs, but hid it in the depths of his heart, not in the visible parts of his body which were remarkable for beauty and harmony rather than unusual size
When nature had made each of his limbs in proportion to his whole body, head, hands, thighs and feet, she poured over each the appropriate hues, his head she made ruddy as the sun, his chest and stomach to his feet and his back purest white
His character was equally harmonious: his tongue urbane in utterance, charm attended his conversation and if he smiled one saw at once the purest allures of the graces
Within a year of his accession Nature who had seemed insatiable in her pleasure in beautifying him gave up in exhaustion, destroyed his strength and shattered his good looks
His bodily elements or fundamental constituents became unstable and confounded, flowing now to his feet and joints, now to his hands, inundating his muscles and backbone, and like waves broke and shattered a vessel initially strong
Next the flux gradually approached his hands and then made an upward surge to his shoulders and finally occupied his whole body; then every limb was inundated by that terrible flux and lost its function
His feet were bent up, his knee like the point of an elbow and swollen, so he was unable to walk steadily nor stand completely upright; he was generally in bed and whenever he decided to give audience he had to be propped up and arranged
Michael 61 was amazed at his strength in enduring the extreme pains which afflicted him then: paralysis after paralysis overtook him and consumed the rest of his flesh while comletely dislocating what still remained
Not only change of position caused him pain, but even his tongue hurt when he talked; movement of the eyes stirred up the flux, so that he remained absolutely motionless and static
In Michael 61's view, it was most terrible that all knew about Romanos 62's hypocrisy, but were quite unable to denounce it: all were victims of (Konstantinos 9's folly and Romanos 62's public hypocrisy ...
Comparing him with great past leaders, Michael 61 knows that he is inferior in bravery, but greater in the other virtues by the extent to which he ceded to them in that virtue
When he acted as judge, winner and loser were indistinguishable: the winner went away beaming while the loser, who even before the verdict did not expect to win, yet received interest and so went away victorious contrary to expectation
Very many plotted against him, most planning assassination, but his wish was to veil their audacity and converse in the usual way, as if he know nothing of their outrageous acts or had immediately forgotten their shamelessness
When his advisers and those who had freedom to speak with him tried to stir him to anger, saying that he would perish soon if he did not stand and defend himself against the audacious, he was more for a triumph than a precise trial
He appointed judges and spoke in fine words about [the conspirators'] daring - and how slick was his tongue, flowing in a great stream: but when he saw they were terrified he ended with a brief defence, as a joke, and at once let them off
Michael 61 has never seen a soul more sympathetic than his, either in the past or in anyone today, nor a soul more generous and more becoming to an emperor
If he loved someone, his love had no measure; if he was angry with someone he would tell with heavy spirit in tragic tones the ills that afflicted him and fabricate others; if he felt affection no one could imagine the excess of his feeling
He had an inconsistent temperament and was not wholly consistent, but he desired to make his own rule most renowned and did not entirely fail in this objective
He ruled for twelve years; his public deeds were largely distinguished and he set no less an example as regards character for those who wish to live very well: apart from his quick temper he was in other respects the most humane of men
All tongues raised him to the throne, some pronouncing like an oracle, others speaking more moderately: for he feared not his enemies, but his admirers; he shut them from all access routes to himself, but they boldly scorned the obstacles
ἔτεσι δυοκαίδεκα τὸ κράτος διιθύνας. Manasses, Chronicle 6227b
Konstantinos 9's (refusal to make use of guards) demonstrated his noble character, but
gave an opening to those who wished to attack him; it was certainly the beginning of very many ills
As if he had inherited rule on these terms, he thought he was not emperor for the day on which he did not show some clemency or exhibit some generous thought
A statesman, he was of noble birth, generous and keen on showing kindness, took care of wars and resisted the enemy, but had a penchant for the good life and did not refrain from sex, enjoyed jokes and the performances of jesters, as well as idleness
He was more of a philosopher than Marcus Aurelius, sitting Michael 063 on the throne, asking him questions and taking notes, and pardoning and covering with kisses a convicted rebel who had planned to kill him
Psellos Xiphilinos 421
His standard was described in two lines (by Michael 61 ?) as showing St Georgios, the emperor on horseback, carrying a spear and pursuing the barbarians
He had another good quality, one which Michael 61 did not normally praise, but which he held in particular esteem; anyone who wishes may judge: he was utterly without precaution for himself
εἴ τις ἐκεῖνον τῶν ἄλλων ἀφεὶς ἐπὶ τούτου καταθεωρήσει τοῦ μέρους, θεῖον ὡς ἀληθῶς ἄνδρα κατονομάσειε. Psellos: Chronographia VI 132.1-4
He did not sow the seeds of benevolence in a fertile soul for it to produce an immediate crop of goodwill, nor did that soul generate a crop of thankfulness more eagerly than he strove to sow the earth 'fertile and rich'
Delighted in Romanos 62 Boilas as in no one else, and if he heard him speaking faultily or inarticulately he considered that man's nonsense beyond all pleasure
Another man, admiring the clear beauty of his works, will wonder at his great achievements and say all he can to persuade the hearer: his great intelligence in dividing his life between business and pleasure, without one impeding the other
He thought nothing need be added to the serious, which was adorned with its own beauty; but he tinted pleasure with a flowery dye, an august dress; his intelligence allowed him to pile one thing upon another and defeat industry with reason
His fields were not worked or ploughed, his creations came from nothing with their own qualities like those of the first Creator; he conquered the seasons in swift change, and through his clever formulations had no need of hands to farm
He miraculously created there and then whatever he chose, so that people were incredulous that what was yesterday a plain and the day before a hill appeared as a plot of land
His looks were said to be those of Achilles or Nireus, but whereas poetry was scarcely adequate to describe them, nature shaped and polished him in reality, skilfully smoothed and embellished him, by her art surpassing the poet's effort
Despite his abuses he was also remembered for his good deeds and his fondation of the monastery and hospice at Mangana and his grants to the great church (Hagia Sphia) were praiseworthy
ἐπαίνων οὐκ ἀμοιροῦσι. Glykas 598.6-11
Gout at first brought movement of fluid to his feet, so that his legs were incapacitated for walking and standing
Michael 61 was not very enthusiastic (to write) about contemporary topics, especially because he knew that in many matters he would deal with Konstantinos 9 and he would be ashamed not to offer complete eulogy to him
(Michael 61 did not want) to entrust to the people's ears a distorted narrative, nor make a source of defamation a theme that he had had for praise, nor whet against him the tongue that Michael 61 had refined through his encouragement
He did not at all understand the nature of monarchy, neither its obligation to be profitable to the subjects, nor that the soul must be constantly vigilant to improve the management of affairs
His hands and fingers in particular were in proportion, but had strength beyond their proportion: there was no object soft or hard that was not easily crushed when gripped by his hands: if he crushed someone's arm, it hurt for days
He is said to have been an excellent horseman, a very fast runner, supple, light and quite unmatched in the pentathlon; such was his strength, physical agility and swiftness of foot
When he was in his prime and his limbs not yet grown weak, anyone looking at him would have compared his head to the sun's beauty, his hair gleaming like its rays, the rest of his body to purest translucent crystal
Michael 61's account will set out the origins of the evil (of Romanos 62's revolt), the extent of its progress and how he (Konstantinos 9) suffered misfortune and prospered again against hope
He had a spirit which enjoyed all play and he wished to be amused constantly, but neither the sound of an organ, the melody of flutes, a harmonious voice, dancing, mimes, nor any other such thing soothed him
Zoe 1 was already past the age for sexual relations, but desire still burned in him; his Sebaste (Maria 64) was dead and in his conversations about love he strayed into many fantasies and strange formulations
In defending his shortcomings, Michael 61 asks if any man, particularly any emperor, was seen with his head crowned with the diadem of encomium for all of his deeds
If someone had a speech impediment and could not pronounce words correctly or another simply gibbered, uttering whatever came to him, these things pleased him exceedingly, and in short linguistic error was an object of amusement for him
His wastefulness and pretensiousness marked the beginning of the empire's decline, although he did accomplish some noteworthy deeds too, like the foundation of the monastery and hospices for the poor and the elderly at Mangana
Michael 61 considers [his landscaping activities] far from the range of his good qualities, as was his puerile behaviour towards a certain lad (Ioannes 115)
Michael 61 would be ungrateful and entirely unreasonable if he did not repay in very small part, by showing gratitude through his writings, the things he had received from him, some in actual deeds, others as a means to improvement
He devoted part of his life to amusements: to others neither the name nor the thing changed, but for him amusement seemed a serious business and he coloured it with dignity
The account of him seems in some ways contradictory, changing and turning about as he did; but Michael 61 has compiled it truthfully, not rhetorically, making it like he was and sympathetic to him as emperor
If when Michael 61 examines openly even seemingly bad deeds, the shining virtue of his good deeds is preserved and the good outweighs the bad, then he will excel all emperors whose panegyrics are suspect, more plausible than true
He was naturally quick, but shrewd as anyone with an exceptional memory; he was so much in control of his irascibility as to seem endowed with meekness distinctively above others
Michael 61 realised that he was like a charioteer restraining a spirited horse: the blood rushed to his face, his body, suddenly stirred in anger, recovered itself yet more quickly and he immediately turned to reason
Those who reckon dispassionately will judge that man responsible for the domination of the eastern region by a barbarian spear
Zonaras 17.27.21
He and Anonyma 6006 Skleraina were so immersed in one another and their love so burned that unless were with one another they thought they wer enot living and could not endure
As time went on the affliction flowed to his hands, then it was conveyed to his shoulders and finally his whole body was awash with fluid, weakened and dislocated, since the fluid became enclosed in the cavities of the joints
His illness did not begin all at once, but his feet first suffered the flow of liquids; he at once became bed-ridden; if he had to walk, he was as it were incapable of self-motion
His illness was cyclic: the flux seemed to descend for the same number of days as his immobility lasted; then the intervals diminished and the intermissions became short
Instead of magnificence he rolled over into prodigality, providing public funds neither for the people whom he should, nor in the amount he should, nor at the time he ought
It was said by many people that although many dangers would rear up against him, both from the barbarians outside and from subjects, all would vanish since some favourable fortune assisted him, easily terminating every uprising
He provided abundant material for an encomium, and Michael 61 would have contributed many fine words to the feast of honour, since the encomiast passes over any bad points in his honorand and weaves his praise from what is good
If the historian were permitted to return a favour from goodwill or generosity of soul to one who had been kind to him and for this reason to distort his account, no one would have glorified him with words of praise before Michael 61
[His landscaping enterprises] and everything associated with them seem to Michael 61 perhaps not worthy of 'a counsellor, to whom the people and so many cares have been entrusted' in Kalliope's words
Theodora 1 knew that no being is so forgetful as a man who has been allocated power by another, and indeed that he is most ungracious to his greatest benefactor, having confirmation from her own situation, Konstantinos 9's and Zoe 1's
Was both well born, among the distinguished, related by marriage to the emperor Romanos 3 through his niece (for he united with her in his second marriage) and exceedingly brilliant in youthful good looks
Michael 61 repeatedly rejected history-writing because of him, not in the least wishing to attribute blame to him and reveal in his account any actions not to his credit which it is right should pass unnoticed
After completing his account of Zoe 1, Michael 61 returns again to him, adding that he (Michael 61) had not wished to write a history and be called a lover of truth at this point, but to compose encomia for him