A persistent old man's petition to Ioannes Mauropous was supported by a letter from Psellos, though Ioannes' kindness was such that no letter was needed. Ioannes and Psellos were both happy and unhappy, Ioannes in a good place far from home, Psellos at home suffering humiliation. A similar point was made in another letter. Ioannes' suffering produced amazing letters, like a dweller in heaven envying those in Hades. Ioannes wanted to exchange happiness in Euchaïta for instability in the capital, maybe changing places (but not offices) with Psellos. But (he asked) had not Ioannes just left the Eden of the City? It was now under the sway of the Alan princess (a sight to make Ioannes forget Euchaïta) who outshone the old pair of Zoe (now deceased) and Theodora. As for Ioannes' nephew, his studies were going well with several teachers, especially Psellos