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