Certainty: 2 Leichoudes honoured Keroularios at his tomb before Konstantinos X & Eudokia a year after his death. Konstantinos Leichoudes organised a ceremony on the anniversary of the death of Michael Keroularios. It took place at his tomb, with Psellos as speaker. Psellos made extensive use of the conventions of hagiography, especially for the end of the patriarch's life, after his arrest by Isaakios I. He described Konstantinos X and Eudokia as present, on opposite sides of the tomb. The writer's stance is that of an eye-witness who has pondered and reconsidered Keroularios' actions, finding them masterful
Certainty: 2 Ioannes Doukas thought his brother, Konstantinos (X), was hostile to him: Psellos disagreed. Ioannes Doukas kaisar told Psellos that he felt that Konstantinos X no longer supported him. Psellos disagreed, listing actions of the emperor which showed a positive attitude, beginning from his appointment of Ioannes as kaisar. He also called Ioannes himself as witness, listing texts of his from before and after Konstantinos' accession which spoke of the harmonious relationship of the two brothers. Perhaps the reason was that Konstantinos, as they both knew, did not display emotion easily
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos X appointed his brother Ioannes as kaisar, changing his life & that of his wife Eirene. Konstantinos X succeeded to the imperial throne and shone out brilliantly, causing his brother Ioannes and his family to shine also, but less brightly, all moving into the palace. Konstantinos elevated Ioannes to the dignity of kaisar and was very fond of him, especially after this, making him his partner in imperial decisions
Certainty: 2 Eirene the kaisarissa became a paragon of womanly virtue in the palace. Eirene the kaisarissa became a model of womanly modesty and restraint, even before her husband Ioannes and her imperial in-laws Konstantinos and Eudokia. Moving into the palace was, for her, a motivation to greater virtue. One of many signs of her attitude to her husband Ioannes was her concealment of a serious and painful liver disease. She remained so cheerful that Ioannes knew nothing of it and thought she was well. She later recovered. Psellos, who became her adviser in the palace, claims credibility over details
Certainty: 3 Death of Isaakios I Komnenos as a submissive & chaste Studite monk. When Isaakios I became a monk at Stoudios, his health improved, and he was often visited by Konstantinos X Doukas, who honoured both him and his wife Aikaterine, his daughter Maria and brother Ioannes. He lived on for less than the two years and three months of his reign (Attaleiates), for a year (Bryennios) or six months and ten days (Kleinchroniken). He showed total obedience to the hegoumenos of Stoudios, accepted to perform various duties including even that of gate-keeper. Eventually he was completely paralysed by an disease of the kidneys which physicians failed to treat
Certainty: 3 Chrysobull of Konstantinos X confirming for Lavra earlier chrysobulls of Konstantinos VII & Konstantinos IX. Konstantinos X was presented by the monks of Lavra with chrysobulls of Konstantinos VII and Konstantinos IX with stipulations concerning the metochion of Hagios Andreas and the guardianship of the epi tou kanikleiou. He confirmed these in a new chrysobull which he signed. This was probably the chysobull which Michael VII was later asked to confirm
Certainty: 2 Tomb of Isaakios I filled with water, leading to different interpretations, mainly against him. After the death of Isaakios I and burial at Stoudios, his tomb filled with water, suggesting to some punishment for the civil war, the killing near Nicaea, his spoliation of the senate and the monasteries, and other (evil) deeds. To others it showed his holiness after repentance
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos X worked hard to raise revenues, loved private litigation & neglected the army . Konstantinos X was concerned mostly with the increase of state revenues and attendance at trials, and wasted his energy on these. He maximised revenue from the farming of government business. He was informed in civil law and most acute, and could twist the law to bring the outcome he wanted. Without studying philosophy or rhetoric he equalled the experts when he made a speech or improvised a letter. He sometimes made mistakes in relying only on his own counsel. He neglected other matters such as the army and the glory gained from military exploits, trying to settle barbarian wars by sending gifts and other favours, thus causing confusion in the empire
Certainty: 2 Some children of Konstantinos X, both those born earlier & porphyrogennetoi, became co-emperors. When Konstantinos X ascended the throne he was followed to the palace by his daughters and three sons, Michael (VII), Andronikos and another, who died soon after his accession. Before a year of his reign had passed Konstantios was born, and as porphyrogennetos was immediately given the title of emperor. Shortly after Konstantinos adorned Michael (VII) too with the imperial diadem, testing him as he was about to take the throne to see if he was fit to be emperor by asking about the separation of political principles. Michael gave his question a valid answer. Konstantinos took this as an omen that he was destined to be a distinguished emperor, and at once completed the ceremony of enthronement. Andronikos was crowned soon after
Certainty: 2 Katakalon Kekaumenos as a monk was told to deal with the emperor himself over non-payment of his salary. Katakalon Kekaumenos wrote to Psellos and received a reply wishing him success as a monk. Psellos added that he should approach Konstantinos X over non-payment of his salary as kouropalates (which was not due to meanness). As the patriarch Konstantinos Leichoudes could not help, Katakalon must act for himself
Certainty: 3 The Parthenon inscriptions record the death on October 14 of Leon, metropolitan of Athens. Leon, the metropolitan of Athens, was recorded in the Parthenon inscriptions as having died on October 14
Certainty: 1 Katakalon Kekaumenos was told that his man worked hard on emperor, patriarch & Psellos before admitting defeat. Katakalon Kekaumenos was congratulated as a brave monk, fighting on many fronts, that he had lost to the emperor of this world money to be repaid many times in the next. He was also told of the noble failure of his man (in demanding his salary as kouropalates), despite his hard work. He had done his best, putting pressure in every way on Konstantinos X, Konstantinos Leichoudes the patriarch and especially Psellos himself. But circumstances were against him, and he would have left early had Psellos not kept him till the right time
Certainty: 1 Destruction of Eastern Anatolia by Turks; centre saved by few successes of impoverished army. Konstantinos X's determination to make economies and his lack of interest and investment in military affairs allowed the Turks to pillage in the east
Certainty: 1 Government of Ani entrusted to Bagrat, doux of Iberia, to save money. Made an agreement with Bagrat, doux of Iberia, to grant him the government of the city of Ani and its territory and made him doux, effectively without state support. Soon this stinginess resulted in the loss of that city for the Romans, as Bagrat neglected the army and administration, did not provide supplies for the acropolis, and put the city in danger
Certainty: 1 Victory of Tughrul Beg over al-Basasiri who was killed; capture of Baghdad. Tughrul Beg had acquired the empire of the Persians with its riches and armies and had defeated the Saracens. He then attacked al-Basasiri, ruler of Babylon (Baghdad), defeated him in various battles, killed him and became master of his lands [seriously confused]
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked the megas oikonomos for a few bushels of grain for a poor nun. Psellos asked the megas oikonomos for some bushels of grain, giving biblical precedents. The job of an oikonomos was complex (details provided); buying much friendship for a few bushels was a good bargain, and in any case the grain was not for him, but for a poor nun
Certainty: 0 By rejecting claims on a monastery, the krites of Aegean Sea would gain credit for Psellos with its owner. Psellos wrote to the krites of Aegean Sea, starting with a game in which he represented the capital and the krites represented the Aegean. He asked a favour for Petronas and the Pyrgenoi, other estate-managers of the Pronoia monastery, whose owner was Anna Radene, patrikia zoste, an old friend of Psellos via Konstantinos IX. There was a claimant to the monastery, with apparently deficient title. The favour was that his claims should be rejected. This would build up (non-erotic) credit with Anna for Psellos
Certainty: 1 Psellos told Chasanes, krites of Macedonia, that his notarios Michael's wife was very ill; he needed brief home leave. Psellos wrote to Chasanes, krites of Macedonia, that the beloved wife of his notarios Michael was very ill. He asked that Michael be given leave to go home, with 3-4 days to grieve if she died or rejoice if she did not, and then to return
Certainty: 0 Psellos told the metropolitan of Ephesos to write to him in his simple style, naming a letter-carrier. Psellos told the metropolitan of Ephesos to write to him, as imagination is less vivid than written words. Psellos' taste preferred his simple letters to those that were shallow and artificial. Andreas, the metropolitan's deacon, was chosen as their letter-carrier
Certainty: 1 Xeros, krites or praitor of Thrakesion, was asked not to demand too much from Psellos or from his own notarios. Xeros, a judge in Thrakesion, was criticised by Psellos for over-rigid punishment by disgracing his notarios, who had borrowed from Psellos to buy what he needed to take to Thrakesion and then taken a bribe (?). By making justice more flexible he could save the manÂs weeping wife and family and allow the notarios to repay Psellos' loan. Psellos also claimed that Xeros expected all his letters to be perfect, but life is not like that: even Zeus begat Hephaistos, while there are pretty apes and ugly nymphs. Yet demanding reception may produce excellent letters
Certainty: 0 A woman with a rural problem was sent to explain it to a krites, Psellos' friend, as she would do so better than Psellos. Psellos claimed that he often wrote on simple events and persons, like the ancients. The rural woman who brought the letter to the krites, had a problem which Psellos left imprecise, as she could narrate it better than he could and have it examined. Psellos was sure his friend would help
Certainty: 0 A woman built a convent, vowing poverty, not starvation; Psellos sought to unblock a fund set up to provide food. A woman who built a small convent vowed to be poor, but not to starve. She arranged a fund to feed the nuns, but one contributor (name suppressed) changed his mind and refused to pay. Psellos wrote to the local krites, asking him to persuade the man to change his mind again, or, if not, to judge the case fairly by the laws
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked a krites to help a relative gain glory & money - especially money, as he had a family to support. Psellos asked a krites not to be annoyed if he made many requests for relatives - a natural tendency; one relative needed the krites' benevolence, for both honour and money, but especially money, in view of the wife and family he had to support
Certainty: 0 A notarios had three patrons: Dalassene the magistrissa, his thematic krites, & Psellos; he ought to prosper. Psellos watered a notarios who had been planted by the latter's relation Dalassene the magistrissa on a thematic krites, to whom he wrote. He told the krites in a long hippodrome metaphor how to drive his notarioi. This man was lucky to have these three patrons and should do well
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote to a magistros & krites, a relative, whose wife might have died but for Psellos. Psellos, who helped everyone, was of course specially kind to a magistros and krites, a good friend now become a family member. His wife the magistrissa had been ill with pains in her side and hurt by rumours over her husband, and but for Psellos she might have died. Psellos advised the magistros as krites neither to involve himself too much in trials, nor to ignore petitioners, and offered the emperor's ear, but with no promises over promotion. This would probably be timed for all the kritai together
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked a friendly krites to help a woman in trials over her estates, because she was both noble & Psellos' relation. Psellos declared that real friends help their friends' friends and even more their friends' relations; a woman was noble and a relation of Psellos, two reasons why his friend the krites should aid her over trials about estates she owned. Such tasks are more easily done for friends
Certainty: 0 Psellos recommended to the epi ton oikeiakon a woman who was plaintiff in a trial over one nomisma, which she should win. Psellos, like a cheapskate, recommended to the epi ton oikeiakon a woman who was plaintiff in a trial over one nomisma, asking for rights, not favours, with a low-born kinsman of his as witness; she should be given it. Family pressures, known to writer and recipient, were analysed, so that this poor case bred rich philosophy
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked a krites of Katotika to help a metropolitan of Larissa recover his see, & to return money as suggested by the krites' wife. Psellos wrote to a krites of Katotika that the metropolitan of Larissa was a serious and revered friend of his, who needed the aid of the krites, an even closer friend of Psellos, to recover Larissa; thus the metropolitan would see how well Psellos chose his friends. He also congratulated the krites on his wife, whom he had heard but never seen. She influenced Psellos to take an interest in her husband's affairs, and agreed that the money to be returned by him to an inhabitant of his theme should be given in such a way as to to have the peasant houses rebuilt. Psellos hoped he would soon be home after too long an absence
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked a krites (?) of Macedonia to help a woman recover more of her husband's estate there than she had in Lykandos. Psellos had given a friend of his little benefit when alive, but he now asked the krites (?) of Macedonia to aid his widow to recover as much as possible of his estate. If she got no more in Macedonia than in Lykandos, she should leave at once. He told the krites (?) to list all his friend had: personal wealth and money from collecting tax, and any debt to the treasury. Recovery of losses was hard after the owner's death, but the krites should find them all to protect both treasury and estate
Certainty: 0 In the struggle between bishops of Alia & villagers of Lysokraneia (?), the krites must insist that imperial decisions be respected. He wrote to a krites about a dispute between the bishops of Alia and the people of Lysokraneia (?), the former unscrupulously harrying the villagers, the latter rejecting imperial judgements against them. The krites should impose a solution which respected those judgements
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked the krites of Kibyrraioton to help with property in Rhodes left under Psellos' protection by Theodoros Alopos. Psellos wrote to the krites of Kibyrraioton about the deceased Theodoros Alopos, a Rhodian born in the capital and friend of Psellos, in whose care he left his children and their property. The krites should help the children with property in Rhodes, protecting Theodore's estate and making up losses in land and animals
Certainty: 0 When a son was absent when his father died, neighbours seized their land; Psellos asked a krites to do nothing till the son returned. A man had died when his son was absent on very important business in the capital, so that the family was left unprotected. Greedy neighbours used legal excuses to take over their property; Psellos asked the krites not to accept their action on any account till the son returned
Certainty: 0 Psellos wanted more letters from a correspondent, & thanked him for bronze vessels. Psellos wrote to a friend who wrote useful letters, asking him to correspond more regularly. He should recover his old rate, or at least get no worse. Psellos replied to each letter, if he found carriers, so the rhythm of the correspondence depended on his friend. He thanked him for the bronze vessels
Certainty: 0 Psellos recommended the bearers of the letter to the krites, as they would need careful & impartial justice. Psellos asked a krites to accept nothing from him to bring injustice on those who were mistreating the bearers of the letter, and nothing from others to prevent the offenders getting their just deserts - an appropriate request in the best traditions of justice
Certainty: 0 Psellos & a learned man planned correspondence, though they could meet; Psellos feared his friend's new wealth would bring other interests. Psellos wrote to a learned man, discussing the niceties of beginning a correspondence when it was possible for them to meet face-to-face. Psellos feared that his correspondent's new wealth would impose other interests than writing
Certainty: 0 Death of the metropolitan of Klaudioupolis, which seemed relatively recent in 1075. The metropolitan of Klaudioupolis died, at a date which which seemed relatively recent in 1075
Certainty: 0 The epi ton deeseon, satirised in an encomium, resented the mockery but ignored the praise; Psellos recommended more balance. Psellos wrote to the epi ton deeseon, who, having been the butt of humour in an encomium, resented the mockery and ignored the praise. Psellos recommended a more balanced approach, adding some humour of his own
Certainty: 0 A correspondent sent Psellos a philosophical treatise; he was delighted, & offered him lessons in rhetoric as well as philosophy. Psellos had written a rather critical letter and had now thanked his correspondent for a treatise and a sign of his philosophy. He called him his chief supporter and offered him lessons - but in rhetoric as much as in philosophy
Certainty: 0 A protegé of Psellos needed help (details unclear); he wrote to a krites, certain that he would provide it. Psellos wrote to a krites (?) his most punctilious friend, dividing philosophy into the abstract and the practical. He made a request of the latter sort: a protegé needed help (details unclear), and Psellos was sure he would receive it
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked a krites to avenge the bishop of Noumerika over some attendants (?), completing Psellos' work when dismissed by the emperor (?). Psellos wrote to a krites about the bishop of Noumerika. He and the letter he carried complained about some attendants (?). When trying to help him, Psellos was dismissed by the emperor (?) - so the krites should finish the task
Certainty: 0 Psellos recommended a man from Nicaea to a krites with a chronic illness briefly, as the recipient was ill. A krites was suffering a crisis in his illness, which was chronic. Psellos recommended to him a man from Nicaea - but briefly, restricting himself to essentials, as the recipient of the letter was very ill
Certainty: 0 A correspondent of Psellos was accused of sophistic methods expressing friendly feelings which were untrue. Psellos accused a correspondent of sophistic methods expressing friendly feelings which were untrue, a philosophy different from his own. The man might fool others, but not Psellos. He was partly talking of himself, as Psellos would show in an encomium
Certainty: 0 Psellos recommended an Athenian to a krites (of Katotika?), a good action for a classicist. Psellos wrote to a krites (of Katotika?), recommending an Athenian (also a friend of his father). A natural recommendation for one with classical interests, even if the Athenians' descendants are inferior to their ancestors
Certainty: 0 Psellos thanked a krites for helping a tax-collector of his theme, & asked him to do the same again for the same man. Psellos wrote to a krites, saying he had shown his friendship by speedy solution, at Psellos' request, of the problems of a tax-collector of his theme. He asked him to do the same again for the same man
Certainty: 0 Psellos praised a correspondent's simple style; if he wrote (not too often) he would try to help with the emperor. Psellos wrote saying that he gained a clear picture of a man from his simple letters. He should write often (but not too often), and Psellos would intervene with the emperor, not over trivialities, but over his loyal friendship
Certainty: 0 The monk Pherebios wanted to emulate Psellos; Psellos explained why he would fail. Pherebios, in a pretentious letter, had expressed high ambitions, including emulating Psellos himself. Psellos wrote a long, contemptuous reply, listing the knowledge and skills required to achieve these goals, none of which Pherebios seemed to possess
Certainty: 0 The epi ton oikeiakon was asked to write & to encourage his men to write; this would be no burden to so generous a man. Psellos again disturbed the epi ton oikeiakon with a letter, confident that so generous a man would find nothing burdensome which was requested in the language of friendship. He must write and encourage subordinates to write
Certainty: 0 The charistikarios of Artigenes monastery was very old & should be dead, so that Psellos could take over the monastery. Psellos thanked Romanos, metropolitan of Kyzikos, for many welcome presents, if Kyzikos could stand it. There was still no good news about Euripos and the Artigenes monastery, whose charistikarios had seemed near death long ago. Still, let him live for ever
Certainty: 0 Psellos sent two men to the krites of Peloponnesos & Hellas, recommending that a third be sent home. Psellos recommended a man in exile for a tax offence to the krites of Peloponnesos & Hellas. He had many virtues, and if the krites could employ him it would be good for all three of them. He sent another man who, given a choice of themes as protonotarios, chose Hellas as its krites was Psellos' friend. He deserved a calm port in a storm, though merchants at the time made Attica very stormy. The third man was a dioiketes of Athens who disliked the place, being uneducated. Since he also failed to persuade Hellas to pay tax, he should be sent back to the capital, hopefully without too much loathing for the theme
Certainty: 0 A very old man was extremely insistent to be put in touch with Ioannes Mauropous; Psellos complied. Psellos asked for pity from Ioannes Mauropous for an extremely old man who repeatedly demanded merely to be put in touch with him. Psellos smiled and agreed, having never met such insistence. Mauropous must help him soon, for he was close to death
Certainty: 0 The krites of Anatolikon should help the bishop of Sozopolis, as were both keen friends of Psellos. Psellos wrote that the krites of Anatolikon praised him so much that all sought his help, while the bishop of Sozopolis also lauded Psellos, seeking aid in the problems of his see. The krites by solving the bishop's problems could show practical results from all this friendship
Certainty: 0 Konstantinos, nephew of Keroularios, should help Psellos' relative, rather than just enjoying Psellos' reminders. Psellos joked that Konstantinos, nephew of Keroularios, refused him favours because he loved his follow-up letters. This left Psellos with many unhappy friends, especially one relative whom Konstantinos must help. He suggested fish as an alternative subject to make him write
Certainty: 0 Synetos, metropolitan of Basilaion, pleaded poverty to Psellos while sending him partridges, making him curious over the see. Synetos, metropolitan of Basilaion, pleaded poverty to Psellos, and also sent partridges, making him wonder about the agriculture of the see. A previous metropolitan had offered him warm baths, a black mare and soft beds, and Basilaion still produced letters. If Psellos lost his books he would turn to God
Certainty: 0 Psellos had not told the krites of Macedonia how to behave to the bishop of Panion; how had the bishop fared?. Psellos wrote that he had not reminded the well-mannered krites of Macedonia how to behave to the charming bishop of Panion, yet he suddenly wrote now to ensure that he had done his own duty to the bishop. Could the krites please say whether he had helped him?
Certainty: 0 Psellos sent the krites of Optimaton a man who needed help, & Basileios Melissenos, suffering a disastrous tax-audit. Psellos bore witness that an inhabitant of Optimaton had been badly slandered, having himself saved him from catastrophe; the man escaped home and approached the krites of Optimaton, who could save him. Psellos urged the krites to do so, for he promised a life above slander. He also spoke of his acquaintance Basileios Melissenos, a fine man with barely enough income to survive, who had later suffered an unbearable tax audit (?). Nothing was impossible for the krites: Basileios should be released from the burden
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote to the krites of Optimaton about an adminstrative change (?), which might be bad for a small theme. Psellos explained alternative views to the krites of Optimation. If a man who had applied to him was right, the problem was less serious. But if Psellos was right, the theme would lose a post (?) and so the krites should cancel the whole burden (?), or half, or another fraction
Certainty: 0 Psellos had only heard a little of the exploits of the logothetes of the dromos, & would like to hear more by correspondence. Psellos wrote to the logothetes of the dromos, praising him with images of the sun, constancy and copiousness, as a man both of Ares and of Hermes. But since only fragments of news had come to Psellos about his exploits, he wished to learn more by corresponding with him
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote to a man of God, disturbing his contemplation; he would not write again, as it was enough to be in his thoughts. Psellos wrote to a man of God as he communed with the divine, afraid he would disturb him. He hoped his letters offered refreshment, and his correspondent did not seem inflexible. But he would not write again, as it was enough to be in his thoughts
Certainty: 0 The archbishop (?) should, like Christ, not despise the world or Psellos, but pass on to him some of his spiritual wealth. Psellos told the archbishop (?) not to despise the world, in imitation of Christ, who took the form of a slave. In the same way the archbishop should not reject the poor letters of the poverty-stricken Psellos, but give rich replies out of his wealth
Certainty: 0 Psellos was working to bring an exile home, & prospects improved, as some time had passed & the emperor needed good men. Psellos told an exile that he tried his best to help his friends, of whom he, wishing to return from exile, was a prime example. Psellos often reminded the emperor, who was now more positive, as the promised time was over and he needed good men
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked a krites for many favours; most suppliants, like the current one, only needed his naturally sympathetic ear. He asked the krites for many favours, enjoying correspondence with him, recommending his help to suppliants and himself as intermediary; most such cases needed only sympathy - innate to the krites - as did the man he now sent
Certainty: 0 Psellos, operating by favours as a "ruler of rulers", asked a krites of Aegean Sea to aid a man supported by many other friends. Psellos was, he told the krites of Aegean Sea, from the capital, though claimed by many other places, where he got things done as ruler of rulers, by favours, not orders. The current suppliant, supported by many of Psellos's friends, must not be refused a small favour
Certainty: 0 Psellos' suppliant was lame, like him; it would not be easy to help by approaching the emperor. Psellos wrote to a lame friend, exploring their common disability (physical and/or metaphorical?). His feet were massaged and bound by a local pedicurist, but without much effect. He feared that he was also exaggerating the possibility of curing his friend by approaching the emperor - but they had to go and try
Certainty: 0 The suffering of a magistros had made an impact on the emperor; Psellos advised it was best to stop the pressure . Psellos took the letters of a magistros, with their evident suffering, to the emperor, who grieved for what he had himself caused, calling out "Oh! Michael" (cf. his previous letter). This was a sign to press him no more, and not to come in person
Certainty: 0 Psellos still hoped for the recall of the vestes, pleading also with him for a notarios who visited the capital to see a dying mother. Psellos told a vestes that his efforts to get him back to the capital continued undiminished in his absence, despite the crisis dominating imperial attention. He should soon see the result. Psellos also pleaded that a notarios, a warm supporter of the vestes, should be pardoned for visiting the capital to see a dying mother
Certainty: 0 An ex-vestes had given up wealth to enter a poor monastery; Psellos pleaded for the return of its confiscated estates. Psellos asked a krites to take special care of those once rich who entered poor monasteries, like that of Morocharzanes, chosen by Michael the ex-vestes. Its few properties, the monks' source of food, were removed on the pretext of some klasmatic land. He should restore the confiscated properties and prevent them being lost again, which would be disastrous for Michael
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked a vestarches to govern an inexperienced dioiketes like a chariot-horse, offering just enough rein . He wrote in the language of the hippodrome to ask a vestarches to govern an inexperienced dioiketes just as a charioteer drives a horse, for he was nervous and totally inexperienced. He must start immediately and give him neither too much rein nor too little
Certainty: 0 Psellos sent formal consolation to Ioannes (?) Bourtzes on the death of his brother, hoping for a reward for the letter-carrier. Consolation for Ioannes (?) Bourtzes on the death of his brother. Psellos hardly knew the deceased, but grieved greatly: how must a brother feel? The brother was much slandered and died in his prime. The letter-carrier was a mandator serving Psellos, who needed a reward
Certainty: 0 Psellos recommended a relation to a friend as an eloquent man who would repay help with effusive thanks. Psellos expressed his affection for a friend in fulsome terms, then recommended a relation to him, as an eloquent man who would repay any help by spreading his reputation far and wide
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote to a krites promoted protonotarios of the dromos, claiming to have given him much help against enemies. Psellos said he lived among scorpions trying to sting the krites of Kibyrraioton, later protonotarios of the dromos. He would stop them, without recognition from him. As their relationship was in a bad way, the letter reminded the krites of ancient duties of friendship. Only replies admitting guilt would be accepted
Certainty: 0 Psellos replied to a learned correspondent, greatly praising his letters & asking him to write whenever there were carriers. Psellos had received a wonderfully attractive letter from a learned correspondent, described with all the superlatives of the genre. He asked him to write regularly, as often as there were people to bring the letters
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote to a metropolitan of Patrai, asking him to grant the wish of the nicest man in the capital. Psellos wrote that he envied the metropolitan of Patrai, who had just received in his city the nicest man in the capital (but not described in a very flattering way). He imagined the two getting on well, hopefully talking of Psellos himself. The man should get what he wanted
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked a krites to investigate an elderly monk who claimed (unconvincingly) to have been deceived in his monastery. Psellos was told by an elderly monk that he had been badly treated by fellow-monks, but Psellos was not fully convinced of his claims. The krites should investigate his narrative at the monastery and produce an appropriate counter-narrative of judgement
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote to begin a correspondence he had long desired with a krites of Charsianon; but there had been no carriers. He had long wished to correspond with the krites of Charsianon, but had found nobody to take the letters. Now he had seized a favourable opportunity, and the correspondence could begin
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote to a metropolitan, in whose city an exile had settled, asking him to help the man despite his immaturity. Psellos wrote to a metropolitan, urging him to continue to support a poor exile who came to his city and found an ideal haven. The man's immaturity should be pardoned: he proclaimed the metropolitan's virtues and generosity
Certainty: 0 Psellos, a krites & a notarios were involved in activities to help all of them; Psellos wrote to the krites to maximise benefits. Psellos thanked the krites for the favour done to Ioannes the notarios, which helped both the latter and Psellos, in a network of benefits they both recognised. The krites could add benefit by increasing his efforts: but how to better perfection?
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked a krites to deal with Euthymios, a suppliant who was eating him out of house & home. Psellos asked the krites to help him quickly over the suppliant Euthymios, who had always been hungry and might or might not soon be filled. Psellos would certainly be hungry, and could not hold out alone, for Euthymios was a glutton for others' food
Certainty: 0 Psellos said a krites had not helped over taxes in Macedonia; he should do so & work in his own theme, for changes were imminent. Psellos said he had done his duty, petitioning the emperor and others, but told the krites that he had not followed orders to help the outgoing krites and his successor to collect taxes in Macedonia, during the crisis there. He told the krites to send a good man to Macedonia immediately for the taxes, and to take quick action in his own theme to achieve what he wanted, as periods of office were unpredictable and changes were coming
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote to a krites to help a man recommended by a confidant of the emperor; the krites could do two favours at once. Receiving constant petitions, Psellos had to seek many favours, so he asked the krites for a kind hearing and maybe aid for a suppliant. Because the man had been recommended to him by a confidant of the emperor, the krites, by helping him, could please two patrons at once
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked a krites to help a landowner who could barely survive & wanted him to stop paroikoi being driven from their lands. Psellos advised the krites to spare the weak dynatoi, like Hikanatos patrikios, who could barely survive on his income, which must not be cut. He saw the paroikoi of his monastery being driven from their lands and asked the krites to stop it
Certainty: 0 Psellos knew a metropolitan but not a suppliant visiting him; the former, being good, would improve the latter, good or bad. Psellos knew the metropolitan to be excellent, but did not know the suppliant about to visit him. If the latter was good, contact with the former would make him better; if not, he would be less bad. Wronged or wronging he would find justice, sailing over the Black Sea
Certainty: 0 Psellos hoped his relation would continue to collaborate with the krites of Katotika - who must send the statues. Psellos declared that the krites of Katotika and his relation Christophoros collaborated well, one giving benefits, the other sending enthusiastic letters over benefits received. The krites should continue his own good example, remembering his other debt to Psellos - the statues
Certainty: 0 Psellos gave a notarios a letter suggesting leniency to the krites who would have to judge him. Psellos wrote to the krites over a notarios, who was delighted with the letter, as if it guaranteed immunity, but it only suggested that the krites be lenient. The notarios was then delayed by law from rushing to the krites as his saviour. Psellos admired the krites' fame as a generous employer, but wanted philosophical contact, and was ready to respond liberally
Certainty: 0 Psellos recommended Prokopios to the krites of Katotika as a good man from his theme & a friend of Psellos - three good claims. He told the krites of Katotika that not everyone in Katotika was a villain: besides being from his theme, Prokopios had many virtues, and was Psellos' friend. Friendship should commend anyone to the krites; but since Prokopios was, in fact, an excellent man, he had three good claims
Certainty: 0 The metropolitan of Madytos should continue to support the basilikos of Madytos - a major reason why Psellos kept the position. He thanked the metropolitan of Madytos for his support of the basilikos of Madytos, claiming that the metropolitan's friendship was a major reason why he had not exchanged the position. The metropolitan should continue helping the basilikos - and write to Psellos
Certainty: 0 The krites of Macedonia was asked to help the protos of Mt Ganos & his monks in all ways. All Mt Ganos petitioned Psellos about the protos of Mt Ganos; Psellos asked the krites of Macedonia to treat him honourably, especially if they met, or the protos needed aid. The krites should try to help the monks in every way, or, if not, at least in one
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked the krites of Cappadocia to aid Cappadocian monks who were mutual friends - many reasons to help. Psellos wrote to the krites of Cappadocia about Cappadocians who were monks and his friends, of interest to the krites for three reasons. If he was Psellos' friend, and so were the monks, the equation of his relation to them was not hard to solve, and act on
Certainty: 0 Ioannes Mauropous complained that Psellos' letters to him lacked respect: Psellos disagreed. Psellos replied to complaints by Ioannes Mauropous that his letters lacked respect. He asked why Mauropous should think, when much of Psellos' life was spent praising Mauropous to others, that he should change when writing to Mauropous himself. He claimed that discourse in speech and letter should be varied, not set in rigid, non-philosophical patterns; he then gave Mavropous the praise he wanted. He finally noted that Kallipsychos had pictured Ioannes' virtues well
Certainty: 0 A friend of Psellos (a teacher?) received two rambling philosophical letters, both mentioning teaching methods. A friend of Psellos (perhaps a teacher?) received two rambling letters on philosophical subjects, both mentioning teaching methods and including discussion of paradoxical causation. Both show interest in how the same phenomena are viewed in different disciplines and philosophical systems
Certainty: 0 A krites, in a letter of thanks for enthusiasm over Psellos' epistles, was told not to compromise with the people of Rodinos. Psellos wrote to a krites, an enthusiast for every aspect of his letters, accepting his praise and analysing his own different approaches and the krites' reactions. He ended with advice over the people of Rodinos (?), advising against compromise
Certainty: 0 Psellos warned a krites he would ask a number of favours for a poor relative who had just visited the capital. Psellos warned the krites that his poor relative came to the capital to see his father and others, then left to serve the krites. Psellos would ask many favours for this poor young man, and the krites would naturally help him, maybe a great deal
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked a krites to help a poor suppliant, though he had nothing specific in mind at the time. Psellos asked the krites for general assistance for a poor suppliant in whatever problems arose for him; he had then nothing specific in mind
Certainty: 0 A monk wrote of a brother's death, asking about a task entrusted to Psellos; Psellos had passed it on, but it was too hard to complete. Psellos heard of the death of a brother from the letter of another monk, and mourned and rejoiced accordingly. As for his correspondent's business, he had pleaded with his colleague to pursue it, but it was difficult and had been left in abeyance
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked a krites to help a paternal friend of his, so that he might just survive on his last estate. Psellos told the krites that he had known a paternal friend long before he lost his wealth and position and became poor and pitiable, with claims on the sympathy of the krites. If he was judged fairly, he could just survive on Hodegoi, his only remaining estate
Certainty: 0 A poor man's progress via favours might stop as life became volatile; Psellos asked a krites for one more favour to secure the future. Psellos asked many favours for a poor man and freed him from severe burdens. But he needed another favour for him not to slip backwards as life became volatile. The krites as Herakles must cauterise the remaining misfortune, to stop it regrowing
Certainty: 0 Asked who was so bad as to be below censure, Psellos named the metropolitan of Tarsos. Pothos, son of the droungarios, asked Psellos if anyone was above praise or below censure. Psellos replied that above praise there was only God, while below censure there was the metropolitan of Tarsos, in the insolence with which he won his see and made life unbearable for the patriarch of Antioch (who ordained him). Among other things, the metropolitan, in a contest (?) with him, was said to have gained less than a fifth of the votes. Pothos was told to have nothing to do with him as man or priest, in case his wickedness was infectious
Certainty: 0 Psellos told the krites of Macedonia to do his job & forget gossip, from which, as Psellos' friend, he was immune. Psellos said, partly as a wish, partly as a boast, that the krites of Macedonia should get on with business and ignore gossip, from which, as Psellos' friend, he was immune. Wherever the gossip came from, Psellos would strike it down, drowning out all opposing voices
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked a krites for a favour with some reserve, because he did not want to impose on a relative. Psellos should be able to write boldly to krites of Opsikion (or Thrakesion) because they were related. But in fact this caused some reserve, as neither wanted to impose. If the krites were specially sympathetic to Psellos' friend the chrysoteles, their friendship would bear fruit
Certainty: 0 Psellos advised a krites to restrict hospitality for a man who told tall stories about his hosts & journeys. A man told Psellos amazing travellers' tales from nearby Byridoi, Herakleia and Raidestos, and less convincing stories from Western Europe. He also described minutely a visit to a krites, where he would return. Psellos advised the krites, when he arrived, to give him not too generous a welcome
Certainty: 0 Psellos befriended a man, discovered his quality, & recommended him to a krites; the latter should check Psellos' judgement by doing the same. Though not infallible, Psellos declared himself to be a good judge of faces, able to spot worthless men pretending to be virtuous. He had long known and respected a man and befriended him, recommending him to the krites, who should check his judgement by doing the same
Certainty: 0 Psellos education shared with a krites, & the dangers he faced with the local population; he asked him to aid Stylianos. Psellos said that he and the krites were united in love by more than shared lessons. He would like to fly like a bird to see him, as he was in danger from the local population, like all kritai, however just. Stylianos, a good friend, needed a kind word
Certainty: 0 Psellos invited a monk for a meal & a bath, to make up for a previous invitation he had to cancel. Psellos had invited a monk at Hagios Anastasios to a meal and maybe a bath, but this had not happened, and the monk was angry. Now that Psellos was less busy he asked him to calm down and come next day - confirming the previous invitation as genuine
Certainty: 0 Psellos told Katakalon Kekaumenos as a monk that the metropolitan of Koloneia needed his support. Psellos advised Katakalon Kekaumenos on life as a monk, having been intimate with him before. He also tried to reconcile him with the metropolitan of Koloneia, who complained about lack of support from Kekaumenos in dealing with his difficult flock. Psellos stressed the good relations between Kekaumenos and the metropolitan in the past and the continuing politeness on all sides now. He referred to his own role as the metropolitan's teacher and Kekaumenos' experience of himself as an ambassador for peace
Certainty: 0 A grammatikos said he had made no money fom his theme, but his krites Pothos claimed he had: a dilemma for Psellos. Pothos was congratulated by Psellos for combining well the two duties of a krites, justice and money-making, as practised and recommended by Psellos himself. A grammatikos working in Opsikion returned to the capital claiming he had made no money, while Pothos, his krites, insisted he had made enough - a typical dilemma for Psellos, acting as a resource for his friends
Certainty: 0 Psellos & Pothos' uncle orchestrated a good reception in the palace for a letter from Pothos, who would benefit. Psellos told Pothos that his letter came too late to be presented at the palace. Psellos took it in the next morning, orchestrating the response of the court with Pothos' uncle weeping as it was read to the emperor by his secretary, but unable through emotion to speak in the debate. Though there was no immedate decision, Pothos' enemies would be punished, while he should consolidate the gains made, especially with his uncle
Certainty: 0 Pothos was told by the emperor to measure land in dispute between Drimys & some villagers: Psellos turned this into philosophy. Scientific discoveries, Psellos said, arise from physical observation. The emperor asked Pothos, son of the droungarios, to measure out land disputed between Drimys and some villagers, inspiring geometry in praise of the Creator. Pothos should make Drimys less bitter (a pun on his name)
Certainty: 0 Two letters praising a successful doux of Antioch. Psellos wrote to the doux of Antioch saying that letters from Antioch showed providence at work. In one, desperate problems from powerful enemies and possible capture, in the next sudden release and harmony. He added that an eastern ambassador received in state by the emperor had praised the doux. After the treaty with its vital extension was read, Psellos too commended him. This might have no short-term effect, but would improve his long-term prospects. In another letter Psellos congratulated the doux that, though untried, he had succeeded where professional soldiers failed, as Psellos told the emperor. Psellos, frantic for news, was ready to produce a full tribute or an update of the present text. But he had not yet completed the request the doux had sent
Certainty: 0 A krites was told that not everyone from his theme was bad; a bishop, seen in Psellos' words, was admirable. Not everyone from Kibyrraioton is bad, he told the krites of Kibyrraioton - philosophy says everything is mixed with its opposite, as was a bishop from the theme. Choose his best words, ignore the rest, dress him in Psellos' words like Achilles' armour, and admire him
Certainty: 0 Psellos told a metropolitan he had not yet finished his business, wishing that his power to help was as great as his will. Psellos told the metropolitan of Nikomedia he would love to do for him what he wanted, wishing his power to help was as great as his will. But it was in the lap of the gods, as his charming tongue was now less effective: though fully used, it had not yet succeeded
Certainty: 0 Psellos told a krites that a poor man's one estate was besieged by villagers; if breaking the law, they must be punished. He told the krites of Optimaton it was bad when a poor man loses the little he has, like a poor landowner in Optimaton; on his one poor estate the villagers were being aggressive. If their actions were illegal, the krites must enforce the law and help him
Certainty: 0 A krites of Optimaton was told of a victim of inter-village squabbling, & asked to investigate. A friend from the capital, Psellos told the krites of Optimaton, warned him about a man from a village in Optimaton, wronged by the people of another village (names suppressed). Psellos, to help the victim, asked the krites to investigate and reach a judgement
Certainty: 0 Psellos criticised a krites of Katotika as too defensive: he should both make money & maintain his good name. He wrote to a krites of Katotika to admonish him: he was too defensive, Psellos supported him everywhere, he should not parade his gratitude or expect obeisance on promotion. He should maintain his reputation - and make money, if possible
Certainty: 0 A krites was unhappy over promotion & dismissal; Psellos tried to cheer him, praising his notarios. The krites of Thrakesion was unhappy over promotion and dismissal, so Psellos began his letter with jokes on the name 'Moschos' (his notarios). Psellos asked the krites to check his view that Moschos was faithful and undemanding, using discipline to improve him if necessary
Certainty: 0 A krites was asked to help a man in whose case his opponents had changed a verdict; the emperor wanted a review. Psellos told the krites of Thrakesion that the verdict in the case of an impoverished, formerly wealthy man had been changed by his opponents, and the emperor had decided to re-examine it. The krites should fulfil the emperor's wish, conscious that this poor man had once been rich
Certainty: 0 Pellos recommended a Peloponnesian to the krites Maleses, who was to help him in lawsuits, tax assessment & a dinner invitation. Psellos told the krites Maleses that a Peloponnesian needed his aid, being both sued and suing. He wanted a kinder tax assessment and an honour like a dinner invitation. The krites should not gloat at this last point, but beware the parable of the rich man
Certainty: 0 The monks of the Theotokos were wrong to attack the krites rather than their accusers, for he had alienated no monastery property. Psellos said he knew nothing of the points the krites of Thrace passed to him from others. The monks of the Theotokos were wrong for attacking the krites, not their accusers. His actions were blameless and welcome to the Theotokos, as he had alienated no possession of her monastery
Certainty: 0 Maleses proud at receiving requests from Psellos, should allow an unfortunate soldier to go on campaign. Psellos asked for help in the case of a soldier who had appealed over injustice when Splenarios was krites, and now did so again. Maleses, krites of Armeniakon, a consistent man and Psellos' friend, proud to receive his requests, should let him go on campaign. He finally apologised for a previous letter
Certainty: 0 A protokentarchos bought his office long ago at a high price; a krites should ensure he did not lose money. Psellos told the krites of Thrace that a protokentarchos had bought his office long ago. Because of Psellos' friendship or the high payment to the sekreton or both [lacuna] he should not lose by it. For Psellos' sake (at least) the krites should help, to justify the man's hopes
Certainty: 0 The owner of the Melias monastery wanted to pay tax in the capital; Psellos told him to sign an assurance for his krites. Psellos asked on behalf of the vestarches owner of Melias that his monastery should not suffer through the monoprosopon which was owed, as he promised to pay in the capital. Psellos told him to send the krites of Opsikion signed confirmation of his promise. The krites should aid the monastery and its petty properties, because its owner was without a protector; favours would be sought and paid to help him
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked a krites to let the metropolitan of Amorion pay monoprosopon in the capital, at no cost to the exchequer. Psellos told the krites of Anatolikon that the metropolitan of Amorion was not raising problems over the monoprosopon owed, but wanted to make things easier by paying in the capital. Distance was less important for the collectors than quality, and he promised ideal monoprosopon animals, plump with some remaining milk teeth. If the krites approved, there would be no reduction of the tax in quantity or quality, and a favour done for Psellos
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked the krites of Boukellarion for further help over tax for a rich & just friend. Psellos wrote to the krites of Boukellarion that the dioiketes of Ankyra was a rich and just suppliant who had been aided by the krites in taxation before, and now needed more help. If the previous help was a favour to Psellos, let it happen again for similar reasons
Certainty: 0 A landowner asked the krites by imperial command to map boundaries of his land; Psellos told him to warn off a potential thief. Gregorios, a landowner in Boukellarion, asked the krites of the theme through Psellos to follow imperial orders and map definitively the boundaries between the lands of Gregorios and the sekreton, especially where there was disagreement, preferably beginning at once. If there was delay, the krites should tell a local landowner in dispute with Gregorios not to steal his land but to await the official division. This would serve two purposes, justice and friendship
Certainty: 0 Psellos laboured for the recall of an exile: the emperor was well-disposed, but waiting for the right time. If Psellos had the power, the epi ton kriseon would not still be in exile. Psellos constantly supported him to the emperor, who was well-disposed but waiting for the right time to recall him. He should not despair, but accept divine will and Psellos' hard work
Certainty: 0 Psellos, a krites & his notarios should help a suppliant, since all were already linked in the network of Psellos' friendship. A notarios from Katotika came briefly to the capital, saw Psellos and left, such was his need for the krites of Katotika, charmed by his musical tongue in mutual affection. The krites should write to Psellos and help the letter-carrier. They were already friends in the net of Psellos' acquaintances
Certainty: 0 Psellos was given a poor monastery, & asked the local krites if its problems were soluble; if yes, he would try. Psellos told the krites of Boleron that Theoktistos promised a monastery in return for many favours, but gave him Dobrosontos, a suitably barbarian word for a monastery not worth the name. He got no profit from it, and its monks were starving. Despite its problems he had not given up on it, and still hoped to improve it. He asked the krites to see informally if its problems were soluble: if yes, he would try, and hope also for the krites' help
Certainty: 0 Psellos recommended two men: a relative, whom he told to work hard, & a subordinate with potential. Good health to the krites of Drougoubiteia for profit from his job and thoughts of Psellos! A relative of Psellos was paid in the capital and went to serve the krites. Psellos told his relative to work to win favour, and the krites to get a good name rather than wealth. He also recommended to him another man, potentially an excellent subordinate, with confidence in Psellos and the krites. The krites should write, and whatever tone he chose would be used by Psellos in reply; he need not fear an overbearing response
Certainty: 0 A krites complained of Psellos' favours to an unlucky man; but the man gained little, & the krites lost nothing. He told the krites of Boukellarion he always pitied the unfortunate, like an unlucky acquaintance of his, even if they were bad. He had shown the man kindness, but kept him in harsh condiitons - so the protest of the krites, who had lost nothing, was unjustified. The krites could like him or hate him, but why complain, when the man had benefited little? The krites might compare his complaint with Psellos' plea, and become his friend, a decision nobody ever regretted
Certainty: 0 The people of Atzikome would be Psellos' villagers, if he lobbied their krites for them; they did not know the praitor. Psellos and the people of Atzikome had made an agreement: they would be his villagers, and he would lobby the krites of Opsikion for them, as in this letter. They did not know the praitor. Judicial protection was the krites' job, but friendship too was important: he must be both a true friend and a just judge
Certainty: 0 Psellos recommended a krites of the hippodrome to the krites of Opsikion. A krites of the hippodrome had tried but failed for years to get a good job. Now he had left the capital for Opsikion, in awe of the krites of the theme. Psellos wrote to the latter, asking him to welcome the visitor with his usual friendliness, which was enough to make men like this devoted to him - treating him as Alexander treated his men. The difference was that the krites of Opsikion had Psellos, rather than Aristotle, as his teacher
Certainty: 0 The patriarch opposed the plan of the metropolitan of Nikomedia for Hagia Sophia, & arranged for him to come & explain it. Psellos told Basileios, metropolitan of Nikomedia, that he knew nothing of his plan or how it affected the Great Church; the patriarch was hostile, complaining that it would cause him problems and wanting a different person to make the decision, perhaps himself. As the patriarch had set things up, Basileios was advised to come to the capital by the due date and explain everything. Maybe (in the view of Psellos) the patriarch had contrived to force Basileios to come to the capital then. Basileios had been given by the patriarch unprecedented freedom to celebrate the liturgy
Certainty: 0 The mulberry trees of a poor friend were stolen by a neighbour; he petitioned the emperor & Psellos, who both asked the krites to help. A poor man, rich for the krites of Opsikion in Psellos' friendship, was wronged by a neighbour, who stole his mulberry grove. The victim appealed to the emperor, who wrote to the krites for help. The man also appealed to Psellos, who advised the krites to fine the guilty man (to cover losses) and write a report to stop him re-offending. This would all be in the imperial letter - but Psellos added the sanction of friendship
Certainty: 0 The krites of Opsikion was warned of lost letters, & reminded of the tax-exempt status of Megala Kellia. The krites of Opsikion was asked to use better carriers for letters, as some might have been lost. Psellos would never miss a chance to work on their friendship, and though friendship with Psellos worked at a distance, a personal meeting was possible. The emperor might accept a request for home leave, but Psellos' bad legs immobilised him. The krites should care for Kathara, Kellia and Medikion, especially Kellia, which, he had heard, might be taxed. Psellos insisted in another letter too that Megala kellia was tax-exempt, to stop trouble from tax-collectors - which no predecessor had suffered. The krites' men listened to any slander, and a year before only Psellos' letter stopped them imposing tax
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote twice to a krites recommending a notarios, then thanking him for his help. A notarios going to Paphlagonia expected as much of its krites as Psellos of God, travelling far in winter for a kind reception, as he was poor. Now he was there, he should not be disappointed, despite the emperor's economies and resulting problems for kritai. A second letter was not for favours, but for thanks. Psellos' teaching had borne fruit in the krites as tasted by the notarios, who, with Psellos, was most grateful. Winter was over, and the krites' spring fruit should especially delight the protonotarios
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote to a hegoumenos about two monks he had excluded, recommending they be reinstated. Two monks begged to return to Smilakai monastery, claiming wrongful exclusion. Psellos supported them - if their sin could be pardoned and the rage of the hegoumenos of Smilakai calmed. If the latter acted soon, he could stop them doing more harm without his guidance
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote to Pentaktenos, confident his relations with emperor & patriarch would improve, & praising him for entering a monastery. Psellos replied to a letter of Pentaktenos on the workings of providence, adding that, though the time of God's gifts was set, the manner depended on men. Pentaktenos' fortunes varied, and one day relations with emperor and patriarch would improve. In another letter, he praised his retreat to a monastery and devotion to the good. He should cling to the calm which prepared men for God, and pray that Psellos might be freed from the world's confusion to join him
Certainty: 0 A man from Nicaea was sent to ask the krites of Opsikion, to stop his men harassing him for taxes for a small estate. Psellos had not yet asked the krites of Opsikion for a great favour (of which he would write unless the krites wrote of it first), but as a foretaste he sent him a man from Nicaea, whose modest fortune included a little estate called Doche. The man did not fear bad weather or plagues, just the krites' men, whom only their master might call off. Could the krites please give a sign that he would do so?
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote to a krites about a man slandered to the emperor, asking him to ignore lies & investigate impartially. Psellos asked the krites of Opsikion to help a man whom he witnessed slandered to the emperor. The krites should ignore the lies and examine the victim with moderation and flexibility, thus avoiding criticism and helping the wronged
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote to a krites about a dependent of his, a soldier forced to settle as a farmer; he asked him to help the man. Psellos had a dependent, of respectable birth and a good soldier, but a disaster occurred, he suffered badly and decided to settle as a private farmer. Even this proved difficult. The krites of Opsikion should aid this rich man who became poor
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote bluntly to a krites who no longer enjoyed philosophy, to help a man from Nicaea recover debts. A man from Nicaea claimed many creditors unwilling to pay, and needed the krites of Opsikion to intervene with justice for its own sake and Psellos'. The krites once enjoyed Psellos' philosophising of common life, but now despised it, making him write bluntly
Certainty: 0 Psellos' protegé was well treated by the kourator of Cyprus; but why did latter stay in Cyprus, with hot weather & low profits?. From the kourator of Cyprus' letter Psellos pictured him better than a painting, as if speaking face to face. Psellos rejoiced that his protegé, for whom he asked a favour, got more in Cyprus than he requested, agreed he had asked too little, yet justified his caution. He showed the kourator's letter to a friend, who wept at its goodness. But the kourator's words still needed action: why stay in Cyprus, far from home and emperor, where summer was hot and profits low? He must return
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked a krites who had been a pupil to care for his teacher's estates, & write better letters. Psellos said that his pupil the krites of Opsikion wrote him a poor, brief letter, as if his mind were on talking to Zeus or Opsikion's varied delights. If he thought of Psellos, he should care for his estates, not just to save some tax but to treat them like Psellos himself
Certainty: 0 Psellos recommended the unknown Leon Melandros to the megas oikonomos: if he was not good, his correspondent would make him so. He did not know Leon Melandros (Blackman), but he came with a letter seeking a recommendation to join the staff of the megas oikonomos. Psellos sent it. If Leon was good, the letter would help; if not, he would melt in his new patron's warmth to become leukandros (whiteman)
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote to the megas oikonomos that a secretary needed a tax exemption for the title of kouboukleisios suggested to him . A secretary said the title of kouboukleisios had only been outlined to him, and needed gilding with tax-exemption. If not, the megas oikonomos would get another demanding letter. To avoid this, the exemption must come at once, before the man left with Psellos the next day
Certainty: 0 Psellos apparently confessed to the metropolitan of Nikomedia that he stole icons from churches & had a collection. "Why not icons?", he asked the metropolitan of Nikomedia. He had sacrilegiously stolen many from sanctuaries and escaped, though when later suspected he swore he had not [an honest confession, or is there a concealed meaning?]. He told the metropolitan he liked these dim pictures, which showed the painter's art. Having a collection of panels, few with gold or silver, like new senators without badges, it was easy to give them up. In another text (not a letter) he boasted he was a conoisseur of icons. But he was deeply impressed by one icon of the Theotokos, the glory of the monastery of Kathara. He discussed it, concentrating more on his reception of its beauty than details of what he saw
Certainty: 0 Requests to the krites of Thrakesion to be just & fair to those seeking positions. In spring the imperial klerikos was trying again to become bishop of Paionia, with the krites of Thrakesion's signed approval. If he was the first to declare, he might succeed, but if not, the long journey, in person or by proxy, was in vain. Psellos was often asked for favours, because people loved him or he loved others - not for his power. The krites of Thrakesion, whatever his motives, should respond to friendship; Psellos heard gossip that a different candidate was best for the see. In another letter Psellos asked the krites to raise his help for a notarios to match the thanks the man gave him, and not to make things worse by having the notarios travel a long way for uncertain results. Was this wise? The imbalance between help and thanks still needed attention
Certainty: 0 A man from Dyrrachion was regularly helped over tax by the local doux, regarding the doux & Psellos as co-saviours. Psellos wrote to list the doux of Dyrrachion's virtues, knowing that when asked a favour for a local citizen, he had done and would do (for Psellos) everything owed a friend; Psellos also heard from the recipient, who made the doux and Psellos his co-saviours. As saviours they should deserve the name, freeing the man completely from tax problems. Psellos would have acted in Dyrrachion, but as his arms did not reach that far, he made the request with a Stentorian epistle
Certainty: 0 A man taking Psellos' letter to the krites of his theme was too poor to help over tax, but needed work as a grammatikos. He often asked favours of the krites of Aegean Sea because of the number of petitioners, his refusal to reject them, and friendship with the krites (unless he wrote too often). A local man, though too poor to help over tax, needed employment as a skilled grammatikos
Certainty: 0 Psellos' relative was in danger from slanderous kouratores, & he wrote twice asking a krites to help. Psellos said that a kinsman of his, a protothronos, was under attack from slanderous kouratores, so that his only salvation was the krites of Thrakesion, whose puppy Psellos would save from harm. Could the krites not save his relation? One sign of his interest would stop the evil men. He later repeated the request: his relative's enemies were working fraudulently to have him dismissed from office, and the krites should help him by fixing a suitable penalty to deter evil men
Certainty: 0 The emperor wanted justice from a krites for Psellos' protegé, who should realise that his judge was his patron's friend. Psellos' protegé, suffering as if he were without protection, had gained a letter from the emperor demanding justice from the krites of Thrakesion (who was always just). Psellos too asked for him to be treated kindly, so that he would understand that his judge was his patron's friend
Certainty: 0 This notarios had many virtues; if a krites had a similar reference, it was right; if not, he should substitute Psellos' letter. A reference: the notarios is a very clever man, resourceful in any job, an exceptionally fast worker and faithful to his employers. Whatever recommendation the krites of Thrakesion had for the notarios, if it agreed with this, was correct. If not, the krites should substitute Psellos' words. Psellos and the krites had high mutual regard because of their long association
Certainty: 0 Psellos, writing to a krites of Katotika, asked for honour for the letter-carrier, in a good tradition. The krites of Karotika had forgotten their friendship, but even so, Psellos remembered and wrote. The letter-carrier, his friend, was rewarded only with honour among the kritai of Katotika; let the krites continue this tradition, so that the letter would bring mutual benefit
Certainty: 0 Psellos sent a runaway notarios to a krites, but without brazen references; it was enough to be sent by Psellos. The krites of Opsikion should concentrate carefully or block his ears to avoid shock, for Psellos had sent him a notarios, an ex-rebel (?). Even if he opened the door to him personally, he surely was unsurprised by such a visitor. Psellos could write brazen references - but not to the krites, whose devotion to friendship was complete. Only God could judge whether he or Psellos was more perfect. But to business: it was enough to say that the notarios was sent by Psellos
Certainty: 0 The letter Psellos sent was redundant, the favour was agreed: but the notarios needed something to carry. The letter was redundant, a reminder to a krites of a favour already agreed, written to give the notarios something to carry; the krites was positive before when Psellos asked daily favours and this letter would keep their friendship alive
Certainty: 0 Psellos missed a krites, Psellos' relative worked for him & liked him, but made no money; could this not be changed?. A krites was away from the capital, but Psellos (when not philosophical) wanted him back to discuss law, philosophy and poetry. Psellos' relative, whom he sent to the krites, liked many things about him but made no money; might things be arranged better for him?
Certainty: 0 Psellos & the emperor both wrote to a krites for a suppliant; Psellos delayed so as not to annoy the krites or compete with the emperor. A suppliant once asked him for a letter to a krites which he delayed so as not to annoy the recipient, and later he heard the man had an imperial letter, with which he would not compete. The letter ends with playful reasons why he did finally write
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked a krites for an effortless favour, supporting a poor man in his theme unlikely ever to need legal help. A poor man approached a krites just because he lived in his province and wanted his good will. He was unlikely ever to come to court, so this effortless favour should be granted - for Psellos, for himself and the slightness of the request
Certainty: 0 Psellos' friend was unjustly treated, the krites in the case was just, & also a friend; do it!. A poor man was Psellos' friend and unjustly treated, another friend was the judge in his case and just; do it!
Certainty: 0 An ex-slave was sent by a will to a monastery: the hegoumenos sealed a document in support, but then refused entry. An ex-slave came to Psellos, justifying his request to be accepted into the monastery of an anonymous hegoumenos, according to the will of his former master. The hegoumenos sealed a document for the monk, implying approval, but then rejected him. Psellos asked who but the hegoumenos could save him, and stressed that he could not be despised as an ex-slave, as his soul was as good as the emperors' souls
Certainty: 0 Psellos recommended a kinsman, as a good not just a relation to a krites, another good man, who might think him a relation. Psellos loved a relation of his (the letter-carrier) more for goodness than kinship, and asked a krites to offer him sympathy, friendship and help in paying tax. Friends with similar interests should think themselves related, so the krites might behave as the man's relation
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote to a krites to mobilise the dimension of friendship to support his protegé's case; he wrote again with thanks. Psellos' protegé was wronged, as he would tell the krites, but the story was too long for a letter, and his luck had changed. Psellos need not write for justice, which the impartial krites gave unbidden, but to mobilise the dimension of friendship. He sent another note at the request of his protegé, offering common thanks to the krites for giving all they asked. If so many thanks arose from a small favour, what would happen if he gained much more? The virtuous circle would widen
Certainty: 0 Psellos told a man who reminded him of a promise that he would have addressed the emperor unprompted. Though a suppliant to the emperor was right to send a note reminding Psellos of his promises, he needed no prompting, and was all ready to speak and act for him. He should be hopeful, and by his deeds encourage Psellos to speak and the emperor to be generous
Certainty: 0 A protegé of Psellos & relatives were badly injured with stab-wounds & loss of property; the local krites must investigate. A protegé of Psellos, with some relatives, was badly injured by a neighbour. Serious stab-wounds were listed in testimony, with likely loss of money and goods, demanding a full investigation by the relevant krites, serving justice and friendship to Psellos
Certainty: 0 A notarios wrote to Psellos of the kindness of a krites; let his thanks increase the kindness, as he was new to the work. Psellos proposed that the krites match the notarios' hearty thanks with help. He wrote needlessly because he liked the notarios, asking the krites to befriend him, as new to the work and needing careful handling. His character made this easy. Psellos wrote again to the krites knowing his loyalty to friends was exemplary, as confirmed by the notarios' grateful letter. The krites, so kind before hearing of the notarios' thanks, would now redouble his aid, reacting also to Psellos' friendship
Certainty: 0 A krites should welcome a neighbour & protegé of Psellos as a real friend & help him complete his duties before leaving the capital. He first met this protegé as a neighbour, and finding him of excellent character he became his friend and patron. The krites should add a kind welcome as a friend and in providing help in finishing all his duties before leaving the capital
Certainty: 0 A man asked Psellos to write to a krites, & Psellos did, both sure the krites would grant the request, in the interest of all. He rejoiced to be asked by a suppliant for a letter to the krites, sure (like the suppliant) that the krites would grant the request. If the krites acted as expected, all would benefit; if not - but Psellos always thought the best of him
Certainty: 0 Psellos thanked a krites over favours for his relatives, though excuses were available; he wanted to reciprocate. Psellos told the krites that purest friendship and kinship meant to carry out perfectly favours asked by friends and relations. If the krites had sought excuses, plenty were available: he thanked him warmly and wanted to reciprocate
Certainty: 0 A friend of Psellos met a disaster, allowing a krites to satisfy at one blow the needs of friendship & win salvation. If the krites wanted with one blow to satisfy the needs of friendship and win salvation, he should aid Psellos' friend after his unexpected disaster. The krites, warm in friendship and swift to pity, should do his duty to Psellos and his friend
Certainty: 0 Psellos recommended a musician, a practical music-maker rather than a theorist; the krites should also treat him as a good man. He asked a krites to support a musician, who did not discourse on musical theory, but had skill in his hands, which tuned strings and made harmony for the ear. The krites should treat him well, not just as a musician but as a good man
Certainty: 0 A krites responded to recommendations: any sign of concern by Psellos was enough to see a man well treated. When making recommendations to others, he gave full details and hoped for favourable results. With the present krites he only had to express concern about a letter-carrier for him to be treated justly. No more was needed between good friends
Certainty: 0 A letter-carrier would be a test for Psellos: if a krites treated him well, he was a friend; if not, he was not. This was his only test of the krites. If he and his men treated Psellos' letter-carrier well, then he would at once be called a friend. If he ignored him, Psellos would know his words were vain and would cut him from the list without further ado
Certainty: 0 A protegé of Psellos (friend of the krites) was also from the krites' theme: so he had two claims. A man was known to Psellos and he offered him charity, and by the law of friendship, the krites, Psellos' friend, should do the same. The man was also from the krites' theme. For both these reasons the krites should give him special attention
Certainty: 0 A krites asked Psellos why a bedhead is higher than the foot; his answer began with philosophy but ended with comfort. A krites of Opsikion asked about making beds - why the head is higher than the foot; Psellos stressed the importance of the head, of the points of the compass etc., but admitted that early bed-builders might have thought more of comfort than philosophy
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote to a younger man as a spiritual son, praising his achievements in an opaque way. Psellos was older and his spiritual son younger, behaving to each other as natural father and son. The long letter is opaque, involoving defence against barbarians, others settled and Romanised, building forts, and praise by Psellos of his son's achievements
Certainty: 0 Psellos compared a man to an ill-behaved Arabian dog, attacking sheep, not wolves, poisonous & to be suppressed. Psellos described a man as an Arabian dog of poor character, eating sheep, not biting wolves - but a way was found to stop this. Such people prepare a sting and poison like a scorpion or poisonous snake, so they must be crushed before they bite
Certainty: 0 A man awoke Psellos as he slept under the influence of mandragora, & put him under a lotus-like spell; effective Sirens were needed (?). A man woke Psellos as he slept under the influence of mandragora, and put him under a spell, like the effect of lotus on the followers of Odysseus; may the man with his pen apply more effective Sirens (not a letter)
Certainty: 0 Psellos gave a student (?) a lesson on the physics of shooting stars. He explained shooting stars to a student (?): just as rain etc. come from lower exhalations from the earth that fall heavy and moist, so drier and more fiery vapours, being lighter, rise higher and fall obliquely as shooting stars
Certainty: 0 A friend of Psellos had kindled intellectual fire in Psellos, now quenched; he wanted it to blaze again. Psellos asked that the all-consuming intellectual fire kindled by his friend, now out, should again blaze high. He had given him kindling and a spark, wanting words from the chattering swallow, wishing to be burned by the fire of desire and cooled by streams of speech
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked for the quick renewal of a convent's sigillion; one Eve had beaten Adam, but he faced a whole convent. The nuns of Sakelline demanded that he renew their sigillion, and he applied to the protoasekretis, comparing the latter's masculine Roman identity with the feminine Persian ways of the nuns. He could defeat them, but in a black victory. Adam was deceived by one Eve, but Psellos, a weak, soft man, asked for salvation facing a convent of nuns. If the sigillion was not written soon, the rot would set in and extend to the protoasekretis
Certainty: 0 He explained (to a student?) why we feel cold in draughts. Question: if air is warmed by movement, why do we feel cold when in a draught? Answer to a student (?): basically that the air that normally reaches us is cooler than us, whereas in the baths hot air warms us
Certainty: 0 He called an ex-student "son", despite his promotion; both should write to have Nikolaos reinstated in the Hodegon monastery. Psellos decided to call an ex-student "son", despite his recent promotion. His son had tried to get Nikolaos reinstated in the Hodegon monastery, and should now write to the patriarch supporting Psellos' letter for that purpose. Once an excellent aide, his son would now be an exemplary leader
Certainty: 0 A hegoumenos excluded Kallinikos from his chosen monastery; Psellos tried a third time to get him a hearing. Psellos thought he might be to blame, making the same request twice with no response, rather than the hegoumenos. But he needed a reply over the exclusion of Kallinikos from his monastery, however bad he was. It was wrong to dismiss him unheard, even if he might infect others. Several readings were possible of the hegoumenos' actions, all demanding a positive answer now, to justify him and win thanks
Certainty: 0 Psellos offered a man a choice of cheese or letter; the letter discussed cheese from various viewpoints, then gave the cheese as well. Psellos offered a man a choice of cheese or letter, unless he was a glutton. The letter began from the physiology of ewes, continued with the herdsman's skill, then the cheesemaker's, ending with playful philosophy. Then he gave the cheese as well
Certainty: 0 Psellos praised a spiritual son in an ideal encomium for re-establishing Byzantine defences. Matter for the encomium came from his spiritual son, skilfully organised by Psellos. Romans were once protected by borders, natural or built, where barbarians would stop: but now the Euphrates and Danube were no longer barriers. Without borders, all lived together in confusion, where, through Roman ignorance, barbarians prevailed; but his spiritual son had organised resistance, and by co-ordinated attacks the Roman world was again defended. That was how to write an encomium
Certainty: 0 Psellos warned a friend that refusal of friendship from one so close could embitter him: but friendly gestures would be very welcome. Psellos warned a friend that friendship might turn to enmity, because Psellos had been so close and subservient to him. Any gesture of friendship would bring a joyful response, but refusal would lead to merciless taunts from Psellos
Certainty: 0 In a flowery address (to Ioannes Mauropous?), provision was made for the letter-carrier, if he needed it (& he would). The letter is mainly a flowery greeting to Ioannes Mauropous (?), the frame for a recommendation to him for the letter-carrier, whom he should help in the expected ways, if he needed it (and he surely would)
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote to Pothos, asking him to give his friend & neighbour (the letter-carrier) a fair hearing. Psellos wrote to Pothos (?), asking for a sympathetic hearing for his friend & neighbour (the letter-carrier) - if the man asked for something, and if it was Pothos' policy to honour Psellos' friends
Certainty: 0 Ioannes Mauropous bought a monastery for a relation; Ioannes via Psellos told the responsible krites that it had grown since purchase. He was asked by the krites to pass on requests received, to be fulfilled at once. Ioannes Mauropous wanted help over assessment of the Python monastery, bought for a relative of his. The krites should remember Python's estates had grown in number and quality since purchase. If he did, Mauropous would probably make no loss, but appearance was against him. The krites must judge strictly to win gratitude and God's approval
Certainty: 0 Psellos' correspondent met his problems with learning & versatility, yet made others compete, not sympathise with him. Psellos' friend met great problems, wrote beautiful letters, used philosophy and rhetoric, gave generous alms, showing great versatility, yet made others compete and not sympathise with him. Psellos' own luck was declining, but he faced the fact as best he could
Certainty: 0 Psellos told a krites of his reactions to a decree (which the krites had prepared?). He read the decree often (Psellos told the krites), to enjoy it and understand it. As for the effects, it seemed threatening but came down less hard than feared, so that those involved survived while those so far untouched were terrified
Certainty: 0 A metropolitan wrote to Psellos as Psellos wrote to him, prey calling the hunter, beginning friendship & correspondence. Psellos was trying to contact a metropolitan when strangely the man wrote to him, prey calling the hunter; in fact the metropolitan, as the better hunter, probably caught Psellos. Both wanted friendship and correspondence, realising their kindred learning
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote to his spiritual father, asking why another of his spiritual sons refused Psellos' requests . Why did two spiritual sons of Psellos' spiritual father not agree, despite their common descent? Psellos made requests, the other son refused them. It was the brother who should reply, not the father, who, as an excellent speaker, could give an easy defence in the brother's persona
Certainty: 0 A krites, Psellos' closest friend, should help Moses, Psellos' acquaintance in his theme, & watch over his monastery. Psellos and his friends tried to help the monastery of Moses (an acquaintance of Psellos in the theme of the krites). The krites was Psellos' chief friend, and should watch over the monastery in every way. His ear, won by Psellos, should give Moses safety
Certainty: 0 Psellos gave a metropolitan authority over one of his students; having refused it, he should not blame Psellos for the results. Psellos would not have read the metropolitan's letter if he knew its contents. Psellos had given him complete power over a student, but he returned most of it to Psellos, whilst simultaneously blaming him for all the problems that arose - an illogical position. The metropolitan should punish the guilty student, but not blame his teacher: do we blame Christ for Judas? If the metropolitan followed the agreed course, Psellos would comply, but if not, he would throw the whole guilt on him
Certainty: 0 A krites was cited in a text (a letter?) written to hide its subject; allusions include Bulgarians, Scythians & orphans. Psellos wrote a text (a letter?), citing a krites, but written to hide its subject. Allusions include Bulgarians, Scythians, orphans, one whose activity is paralleled to moon, sun and firmament, who is sweet not bitter and rejects wine while being Oineus
Certainty: 0 Psellos said that a bishop was pleasant & adaptable, sollemn or humorous as needed, suitable for any task a krites set. The bishop whom he recommended to a krites could meet any requirement for character, from solemn to the opposite. Even if the krites ignored this, and cultivated him for Psellos' sake, the letter should improve his post and reputation
Certainty: 0 Sagmatas hunted while Psellos wrote, yet each was attracted by the other; perhaps game could be exchanged for letters?. Psellos sent Sagmatas a delicious baby fish with an absurd name; to have Sagmatas' soul and body, he would forgo sweet tastes, sights, smells and music. He roused Psellos as a lover, playing hide and seek. When caught, he slipped through the sanctuary doors, hidden by the imperial curtain. Yet one may be bored with sex but not with spiritual friendship. He should stop for them to see each other, related souls excited by each other's presence. While Sagmatas went hunting, Psellos stayed indoors writing. It was not that he rejected doctrines which praised enjoyment without joining in. He did not believe in hunting, which was brutal, cold, muddy and full of meaningless shouts. Philosophy was loved by God, a light discipline of freedom from public pressures. Sagmatas and Psellos both loved the present - a bird caught on the wing or a thought siezed by a lofty mind. Could they not exchange game for letters?
Certainty: 0 A violent neighbour attacked an estate, killing an elderly manager; Psellos demanded justice from the local krites. Psellos wrote to the krites of Opsikion about Choirosphaktes (son of the famous Michael Choirosphaktes), who had yet to make a career, but lived on the tiny income from his estate of Pythia. A violent neighbour attacked its managers, treating the man who brought Choirosphaktes up so badly that he died. Choirosphaktes, in mourning, asked Psellos to ensure that justice was done to the guilty. As judge, the krites of Opsikion would be just, and as Psellos' friend he would not delay
Certainty: 0 For no reason, one man stopped another rebuilding a ruin; Psellos asked the krites to intervene, though the offender was poor. The owner of a ruin (Psellos told the local krites) spoke of a novel problem in rebuilding it: a neighbour stopped him, not complaining of the design, but blocking any rebuilding at all. Psellos had smiled, thinking the problem lay elsewhere, but the man insisted. It was a novel offence, and the offender, being poor, could not be censured for abuse of power, but his rashness might be tamed by the right penalty. If the facts were wrong, the krites should not blame Psellos, who was only the messenger
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked a krites to act to stop a friend suffering losses because others did not pay their taxes; he needed help. Psellos asked a krites to help a friend of his to seek to recover losses due to others (or perhaps this was a repeat request?). His friend was not responsible if those who were asked for taxes broke the law by not giving up what was due to the treasury. The krites should give significant help, fulfilling a judge's main duty, to aid the wronged and punish the guilty
Certainty: 0 Help for Thrakesios of Thrakesion from two brothers who became kritai of the theme. Thrakesios went to Thrakesion for a job, then wanted help from the krites, which he should give for Psellos' sake, as they were spiritual brothers. The man had no cavalry, no desire for rich profits, and no real claim on the theme: if treated kindly he would lose even that. The krites granted the favour and made Thrakesios a close friend. On transfer to another theme, the krites tried but failed to take Thrakesios with him. Later Psellos wrote to another krites of Thrakesion, brother of the earlier one. He should emulate his brother or his own kind self, and help Thrakesios, especially over his house, making him an intimate
Certainty: 0 The first favour Psellos asked for a man from a krites had (he said) saved him; a second was now needed to complete salvation. A man for whom Psellos asked a favour wrote that the krites had saved him; Psellos thanked him, promising to return all favours, and asking him to add to his debt by helping the man more, so he could prosper in the krites' absence
Certainty: 0 Psellos twice asked for a krites to disregard minor irregularities by a tax official, whose income could not satisfy demands made on him. Psellos had made a request as the krites left the capital and renewed it now, that a tax official be helped in his work and treated as a friend. Psellos had just heard the krites was hostile, maybe over a minor issue, but this should soon be over. In view of his expenses, he wrote in a second letter, the official could not conform with all official rulings, as his income would not equal his rights; the krites should turn a blind eye, thus avoiding criticisms often made of judges and seeming fair to tax officials
Certainty: 0 A krites had given major relief to a tax official who was Psellos' relative; gratitude could lead to more help & a virtuous circle. Psellos thanked the krites for fulfilling his request for a tax official, Psellos' relative. He had not expected his note to win the man total relief, but his seed had fallen on fertile ground. Now they should build a virtuous circle to increase both benefit and thanks
Certainty: 0 Psellos praised a krites to the emperor, who reacted positively & would promote him, probably to a medium theme. The letters of a krites were like a conversation, asking Psellos to praise him to the emperor. He did so, though he knew there was no useful result so far. However the emperor was more positive over him and his problems and ready to give promotion. He asked if the krites wanted a post in the capital or a bigger theme. The big themes were all taken for a time because of the problems involved, so he should think of a medium theme
Certainty: 0 A poor man's few possessions had been attacked; Pothos his krites should offer gifts & rebates, in pennies, not pounds. A very poor man was made poorer still by criminals attacking his few possessions. Pothos, son of the droungarios (?), should recognise his state with gifts and rebates (both easy for him); he needed nothing lavish, the debts being counted in pennies, not pounds
Certainty: 0 A friend of Psellos was unjustly accused before a krites; Psellos wrote to seek a fair trial & a safety-net in case of loss. A friend of Psellos asked him to support the letter-carrier, unjustly accused before the krites of Opsikion. Psellos did so (despite a vow not to ask favours of the krites), to smooth the man's entry to the court (fairness) and success there. If the man won his case, all would be well; but if his evidence was inadequate, the krites should find him a means of survival, as it was a judge's duty that those in his court should not be reduced to abject poverty by losing their case
Certainty: 0 A metropolitan refused to continue close friendship & correspondence with Psellos, who regretted this & proposed remedies. A metropolitan refused to continue correspondence with Psellos. Psellos, without rebuking him, recalled their past closeness - communicating orally when together, by letter when apart. If this was not friendship, Psellos accepted defeat. Meanwhile, as the metropolitan refused to write, he should use his memory and imagination, to which Psellos would add letters, hoping not to annoy him. If they saw each other as hoped, they could revive friendship, or maintain it, if it had not lapsed
Certainty: 0 Psellos' only news from a krites came via a grateful kinsman working in his theme, offering chances for co-operation. He heard the krites' news not by his letters but via others, chiefly a grateful kinsman working in his theme, who praised the krites' kindness in accepting him into his circle. Psellos was pleased that friendship extended to relatives, opening up endless circles of virtue
Certainty: 0 Psellos sent a metropolitan a white, talkative skaros to begin a correspondence, symbol of a friendship which would grow. Psellos sent a metropolitan a white-fleshed skaros to begin a friendship, with several white images. It was a small gift, as friendship should start small and grow, not swell rapidly and soon stop. The skaros, a talkative fish, heralded his friendship
Certainty: 0 Dalassenos sent a short letter with many cheeses; he should write in simple soldier's language, & often, unless he wrote more. Dalassenos' friendship was strong, the number of cheeses he gave large, but the letter short - though it should be longer, to match their friendship. If Dalassenos pleaded ignorance to excuse a short letter, he should keep the size but write more often. Their friendship should remain simple, in person and by letter - in plain, soldierly language, which Psellos preferred to affected styles
Certainty: 0 The nephew of Ioannes Xiphilinos was Psellos' pupil & colleague, intelligent & consistent like Ioannes, not a cone but a cylinder (?). Ioannes Xiphilinos made few requests for his nephew, Psellos' pupil, and now, for Ioannes' sake, a colleague. He was like Ioannes, intelligent and consistent, far from a cone, but a perfect cylinder. Psellos asked Ioannes to interpret the image
Certainty: 0 The father of a pupil sent hourly advice on teaching, some of which he took; the boy would succeed mainly by his own efforts, not Psellos'. The father of a pupil wrote hourly instructions on teaching, but Psellos, as a philosopher, made up his own mind. Still, he liked the letters, and instead of complaining adopted their proposals, because he heard a friendly voice saying he should. He would look after the pupil because of the father and the boy's own character, which made Psellos water him with words like a farmer. The remaining requests would be fulfilled, but the boy would do the work, with Psellos only in a supporting role
Certainty: 0 Symeon Kenchres wrote that he had entered a monastery; Psellos wondered if he had been too hasty. Psellos received a letter from Symeon Kenchres, showing he was alive, despite rumours to the contrary. The letter informed Psellos that Symeon had entered a monastery, a decision which he thought might have been hasty. However most of his reply was praise of the life of a monk, addressing Symeon's situation
Certainty: 0 The famous metropolitan of Thessalonike was less consistent since becoming a bishop. Rhetoric was universal, so the metropolitan of Thessalonike sent darts of pleasure everywhere as a chief attraction of Thessaly, envied by St Demetrios for power over souls. Psellos in one letter honoured the Thessalians for their eloquent priest. Since Hellas, once known for rhetoric, now contained only ruins, the metropolitan should send wisdom to the capital by letter. Psellos buzzed with his fame, but when would the bee pay his promised visit? Psellos would write on receiving letters. In a second letter, Psellos, if offered Elysium instead of Dobroson, said he would would expect benefit to go with the name; [corrupt passage] ... unworthy of him; Psellos kindly offered all places in the Ocean if the metropolitan made words into deeds; if not, he would get just the myths. Psellos suggested in a third letter that the metropolitan should be admired for supporting friendship, on the spot and at a distance; in crises, Psellos hoped he would be as kind to Psellos as Psellos to him, first by aiding the carrier of the letter; he finally asked him for consistency
Certainty: 0 Negotiations on the leasing of a problematic estate to a monastery. Dorotheos the monk seemed to have wasted his journey, for when asked for additional information he could only repeat his letter. Psellos applied to the tax officials, who sent Lygdenos credible explanations over the estate, which was not independent, nor leased. It belonged with others to the Kazeia episkepsis, and the episkeptites of the 11th (?) (Lygdenos?) controlled it without treasury interference. When the new hegoumenos had been appointed, the officials asked the episkeptites to lease the estate to the monastery. Psellos wrote to the hegoumenos explaining all this. He hoped the estate would now be leased to the monastery; if not, it would be done on the hegoumenos' next visit
Certainty: 0 An exchange of gifts between Psellos & a monastery where he had lived. Psellos thanked the hegoumenos for a letter and the salt fish, which seemed good. He disliked fresh fish, and cheese and whale-meat upset him. His tastes changed when he left the monastery. He sent 40 silver coins, 10 pieces of aloe wood and 50 pots of ointment
Certainty: 0 Psellos (with words) & a krites (with actions) were old collaborators, planning the revival of a dying monastery. [lacuna] Psellos' ideas changed normally, but the krites' views were immovable. Collaboration since their youth involved more words from Psellos and more actions from the krites, filling the cup of friendship. Psellos asked for what he wanted, but the krites gave more, not censuring meanness but offending by generosity. When and whom could Psellos ask about the dying monastery? If the krites knew the facts he should reveal them and revive it
Certainty: 0 Praise from Ioannes Mauropous enthused Psellos & a notarios Ioannes had helped. Ioannes Mauropous' letter made him feel almost immortal, like Moses or Socrates - such was the praise - and if it were repeated he feared for his reason. Previous praise of his universal knowledge had affected him less. Ioannes had now convinced him that praise of his wisdom was correct [lacunas]; he would have the letter ready to show if challenged, claiming, like Pythagoras' pupils, "My master said it". A notarios, also helped by Ioannes, was just as enthusiastic
Certainty: 0 Psellos told Michael, krites of Kibyrraioton, of a possible posting in the capital, discussing his notarios Ioannes & a mule. Psellos wrote to krites of Kibyrraioton as a relative and good friend, anxious for his success and hinting at a posting in the capital. Ioannes, a notarios from Kibyrraioton, praised the krites far and wide, and should be treated well. The mule he sent was acceptable only in species and colour. In a second letter, he said that praise of the krites Michael had been exaggerated by Ioannes the notarios, who would speak in Kibyrraioton of Psellos' loyalty to the krites. The mule was of good colour but too small - the krites should remember if repeating the gift
Certainty: 0 Konstantinos Hierax was congratulated by Psellos for noble endurance of exile, which Psellos hoped would soon end. Psellos congratulated Konstantinos Hierax on good letters describing his exile, on his pious bearing of this burden, a beneficial exercise leading towards God and the kingdom of heaven. The banishment should end so he might return to his friends
Certainty: 0 Konstantinos Xiphilinos asked Psellos for a simple summary of the Aristotelian Organon; he was told that this was impossible. Psellos replied to Konstantinos Xiphilinos, who asked him for a simple summary of the Aristotelian Organon, using various rhetorical ways of informing him that he was asking for the impossible
Certainty: 0 Nikephoros, nephew of Keroularios, complained that a text of Psellos was difficult; he replied that even Plato could be hard. Nikephoros, nephew of Keroularios had complained to Psellos of the difficulty of a text of his; but (Psellos replied) all philosophy can be difficult, and even Plato is guilty at times; philosophy's links to rhetoric varied the conditions of its reception
Certainty: 0 Pothos was told of Psellos' new venture as a charistikarios & given the horse Psellos owed in tax. Psellos told Pothos, son of the droungarios, he was arranging charistikion for the monastery of Trapeza, making a mule (?) with two others in the tax-register. Pothos, now a military commander, should take the horse he owed and go, as Psellos was useless in war
Certainty: 0 Psellos was to begin correspondence as a junior partner with a metropolitan representing virtue & the power of God's church [lacunose]. [ruined by lacunas] ... the metropolitan was for him a source of virtue, as well as a representative of the God who would make his church prevail despite present troubles. Their correspondence should begin, with Psellos as far the junior partner
Certainty: 0 Psellos was unsure of his friend's attitude to his letters, especially the last .... Psellos wrote a letter to a friend [which begins obscurely and collapses into lacunas]. He was unsure of his correspondent's attitude to his letters, especially the last, but proud of his achievements in philosophy and in discovering his friend's talent
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote a conventional monody on an ex-fellow-student who died on the way to visit him [beginning lost]. He is decribed as having all the virtues regularly included in a monody: intelligence, personal charm, zeal for learning. [However the loss of text at the beginning of the work leaves all this even more conventional and less well-defined than usual]
Certainty: 0 Alopos asked Psellos about the relationships of the Basileioi & the Gregorioi, & received a long reply. Alopos asked Psellos about the onomastic relationships of the two Basileioi and the two Gregorioi, and received a long and elaborate reply
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote three letters to a spiritual father, maybe from the monastery of Petra (?). Psellos wrote three letters to a spiritual father, the first setting him up as an unchanging centre on which philosophers and other changeable persons might rely, the second brief and lacunose, the third speaking of spiritual fruit growing from the rock (perhaps the monastery of Petra?)
Certainty: 0 Psellos sent Nikephoros, nephew of Keroularios, a doctor who damaged patients (men, animals & trees) & was only good at violence. Psellos sent a doctor (?) to Nikephoros, nephew of Keroularios. Psellos claimed he was expert with men, animals and trees. He told Nikephoros never to be treated by him, since he damaged his patients (of all categories) and was only good for violent actions. He asked Nikephoros to take pity and return him, penniless if necessary, but preferably with some gift, for Psellos' sake
Certainty: 0 Basileios krites (?) of Cappadocia was told not to worry about Cappadocian rebels or malicious gossip, but to give Psellos reason to praise him. He wrote to Basileios, krites (?) of Cappadocia, an ex-student who had written to him praising him in an exaggerated way, seeking a letter in return. Psellos said he preferred his own modest philosophy in the contest with Basileios' overblown rhetoric. He assured Basileios that the disobedience of which he complained was an old characteristic of the Cappadocians, which would be allowed for in assessing his performance in the area. He should not worry about gossip, but give Psellos reason to praise him
Certainty: 0 Psellos claimed Basileios despaired too soon over his theme of Armeniakon: he should look at cities as well as mountain villages. He replied to Basileios, krites of Armeniakon's despair over his theme: (1) he was challenged to turn it around; (2) he looked at mountain villages, ignoring the more prosperous cities, as the sea is barren unless you look for fish. He despaired too soon
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote to Elias with a gift of wild pears & salted birds, telling him to think of the thought behind the gifts. Psellos sent a letter to Elias the protonotarios with a gift of wild pears and salted birds, telling him not to think of the bitter taste of the pears or the large number (and cheapness) of the birds, but of the thought behind the gifts
Certainty: 0 Psellos (who helped Epiphanios Philaretos before), advised him, as a novice at court, to stand consistently like a rock against the ocean. Psellos wrote to Epiphanios Philaretos, a novice at the imperial court whom he had also counselled at difficult moments in the past. He should be consistent and stand like a rock against the ocean
Certainty: 0 Ioannes Xiphilinos sent Pellos only a drop from Horaia Pege; the plain & simple were virtues, but not the very brief. Ioannes Xiphilinos hardly sent a drop, let alone a stream from Horaia Pege; the plain and the simple were virtues, but not the very brief; maybe Ioannes was testing him, to see whether to send the rest, or perhaps he planned to think deeply and communicate little
Certainty: 0 Ioannes the kaisar asked Psellos medical & theological questions, & how to defend his crops from caterpillars. Psellos answered three questions from Ioannes Doukas the kaisar: prosagoge is gradual treatment, e.g. of heat by cold; the diaphragm divides respiratory and alimentary systems; patriarchal matter is so called because of a connection with the Father. In another letter, Psellos recalled that Trajans army when attacked by forest animals was saved by magicians. To defend his crops against caterpillars, Psellos told Ioannes, like Proklos, to slit a viper lengthways when Hydros rose and tie it to string around the plants
Certainty: 0 Ioannes Mauropous became active in Euchaita, but also was the subject of complaints from there to the emperor. Ioannes Mauropous became extremely active in the religious and secular affairs of the city of Euchaita, renewing its church life and using his reputation and contacts to make it prosperous. He received a report from Psellos about an unsuccessful visit to the emperor by opponents from Euchaita, when Psellos had defended him with the aid of Mauropous' own letter; He was also asked about the krites of Armeniakon, hoping that he was a good advertisement for Psellos' teaching, recommending punishment if he broke the rules and expecting to see signs of Ioannes' influence on him
Certainty: 0 Dialogues on philosophy & friendship at a distance between Psellos & Ioannes Mauropous often took themselves very seriously . Psellos wrote to Ioannes Mauropous of the meeting of two heavenly bodies, one wise and one holy. He rejoiced that Ioannes' letter had honoured a text of his own. Their dialogue would come to a happy end, hopefully reaching the ideal of common action. A second letter containted an elaborate eulogy of Mauropous, placing him (and Psellos) in the history of philosophy (with ancient parallels), and ending with Psellos dumbfounded by the power of Mauropous' letters, unable to reply, and adopting Pythagorean silence. A third letter discussed linguistic problems of distant friendship. He also inquired simply after Mauropous, praised him as his teacher and asked if he was happier now in the public eye. He wrote because of a rumour, wishing him a ripe old age. A fourth letter registered a complaint from Psellos over Mauropous' philosophical rigidity, forming Psellos in his own image, calmly gazing down from above the clouds - unlike Plato's methods. As for isolation, Psellos would give up many companions for Mauropous, a true Hellene, as would a Briton or Italian for fellow-countrymen. Both Psellos and Mauropous wrote exaggerated praise of the other. Myron was working hard on the letters, which would soon be bound. A fifth letter suggested that affection must be measured by quality, not results, and by peaks, not troughs. Psellos' axe can help but it cannot cut everything, and his moderate power to help his friends must wait for a time when the emperor is receptive
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked the metropolitan of Corinth to help Chrysobalantites the tax-collector in sea-travel. Psellos complained to the metropolitan of Corinth that he ignored him for the delights of Athens, or of a direct line to heaven, or of Chrysobalantites, whose manners charmed Psellos as he took the letter from him; as a tax-collector, he would need help in sea-travel
Certainty: 0 The krites of Aegean Sea was asked to help Psellos & the kathegoumenos of ta Narsou by promoting the monastery's ship. Psellos wrote to the krites of Aegean Sea introducing the kathegoumenos of ta Narsou, whose monastery he visited with spritual profit, giving material aid in return. Some of its lands, which were threatened, were in Aegean Sea. The krites should help wherever he could. In another letter he asked the krites to become his ally by helping the ship of ta Narsou to sail on the Atlantic (sic). Following his title, he should organise a good passage to Peiraieus and prevent heavy winds or seas
Certainty: 0 Pothos was asked to resolve a dispute between two villages, & do all he could to prevent a recurrence. Psellos told Pothos, son of the droungarios, that leaders of Atzikome and Thyrides, neighbouring villages in Opsikion, came to the capital for arbitration over a land dispute. As the emperor was busy, they approached Psellos, who had an interest there. He passed the problem to Pothos, who might solve it himself or perhaps find a local expert to make a just ruling. Pothos in the report should do all he could to stop the quarrel recurring
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote a monody for Romanos the repherendarios, which gives almost no hard information on its subject. Romanos the repherendarios received at death a monody from Psellos, which is largely conventional and gives almost no information on the deceased. He had all the virtues regularly described in encomia, and in addition was an excellent ex-student of Psellos
Certainty: 0 He wrote a speech on his own priest, a connoisseur of the capital's wine-bars. He wrote to satirise his own priest (perhaps in his own household?) The man called himself grammatikos and notarios depite having learned absolutely nothing at school. His chief skill was as a connoisseur of Constantinople's wine-bars. He spent his time in those of Sananos and Melitragos, which he considered the best. By contrast, the tavern of Gorgoploutos was now in the hands of the old owner's son, who did not have the required knowledge and skill. As a result, the priest no longer went there