4 surviving letters between Evagrius Ponticus and Melania the Elder, spanning 390 AD.
Bodily affliction can become a path to bold prayer and endurance.
Praise and blame both feed the passions; ascetics should avoid needless journeys.
From his poor cell, Evagrius thanks Melania's love and blesses her family.
Good news from afar refreshes Evagrius, who blesses love as the mark of Christ's disciples.