Ioannes the kaisar dug two channels to empty his springs (they flowed even faster), and wanted his prize pearl for his diadem (it was beyond theft); Ioannes the sun must stop his moon Eirene from hunting him with cheese and butter as bait, like a fish or bird. The capture would be delightful, food for Psellos and only words for them. In another letter Psellos was encouraged to write by Ioannes' approval of his works, but left encircled by gifts: butter showed Ioannes' allies on land, fish those at sea; Psellos must take to the air by the end of Lent, for till then he was safe from gifts of birds