To the surprise of many, Michael Psellos became a monk shortly before the death of Konstantinos IX. The reason was partly religious devotion, partly pacts made with friends and partly Konstantinos' unpredictability. But in letters to Michael Keroularios before and after this moment it is plain that it was also a way of escaping persecution by part of the orthodox church. Another letter was written around the time of tonsure to a man he calls responsible for saving him [perhaps the cleric who tonsured him?]. Persecution seems to be represented by a leopard running wild through his life - through his philosophy, the palace, his home, even his bed, changing shape and roaring. It had escaped from its keepers and was making him a monk, but God via his correspondent saved him. Psellos, being shy despite his oratory, might be burned in the streets where he grew up. Where others felt safe he was in danger from a snake's poison. While his correspondent might smile at the riddle, Psellos was really afraid of the poison and the leopard