Psellos told Aristenos in exile that lack of access to the emperor made it hard to help him

Summary:
Psellos wrote to Aristenos, claiming to have his request always in mind, without needing the reminder of a letter. But access to the emperor was dependent on others, and the subjects for discussion decided by the emperor himself. If it depended on Psellos, Aristenos' recall would have happened long ago. Psellos would approach the emperor direct, without ignoring the mediation of useful courtiers 
Dates:
1066 (Uncertain) 
Aristenos, protoasekretis (Anonymus 2300)
  • He was in exile; Michael 61 said he had him always in mind, without the reminder of a letter, but the recall was impeded by lack of access to the emperor, not of will; Psellos would address the emperor direct, and also via useful courtiers (:) Psellos Letters (K - D) 67, 100.16-101.10
Michael Psellos (named Konstantinos till tonsure in 1054) (Michael 61)
  • Psellos wrote to Anonymus 2300, claiming he had his request always in mind, without the reminder of a letter; but talks with the emperor were dependent on others, and their subjects decided by him (:) Psellos Letters (K - D) 67, 100.16-27
  • Through his lack of access to the emperor, Anonymus 2300 had not yet been recalled, while if it depended on Psellos, it would have happened long ago; Psellos would approach the emperor direct, without ignoring useful courtiers (:) Psellos Letters (K - D) 67, 101.1-10
  • Psellos wrote to Anonymus 2300 that his recall was being impeded by lack of access to the emperor Psellos Letters (K - D) #No Reference#