Letter 139: Theodore Studite, Letter 139; Greek heading: Νικήτᾳ μανδάτορι.

Having learned of the safe conveyance, together with the brethren as far as Byzantium [Constantinople], of my beloved master, and how he both submitted his account to the emperor and had an account taken of him, and how everything attended him without danger by the good pleasure of God, I glorified my God, who preserved you outside of ambushes and from a Caiaphas-like trial [an allusion to the high priest who condemned Christ] through the mediation of the good man who serves as dromarch [commander of the imperial post and naval transport]. But know, master, that you have implanted in our lowly soul no ordinary goad of love; for, having received many men on many occasions, I have admired and delighted in no imperial official so much as in you, in respect of intelligence, I mean, and prudence and gentleness, uprightness and dexterity, and whatever else tends toward virtue. And where shall I place your piety, your love of learning and love of study, your discernment and your goodwill? Nay, where shall I pass over your God-given humility and your gracious condescension? Our discourse would grow weary, and I should run beyond the measure of a letter, were I to reckon up all the things present in you that make for nobility of soul; so that I, for my part, would say that the truth is wronged if you do not hold the first rank in the Senate, or, if not that, at least the second place. Nevertheless virtue, even if it is not exalted by anyone, by its own nature possesses from itself that which is kingly and lofty. Thus do I think concerning your nobility, and, as I persuade myself, without deceit, out of love. Therefore hold fast to your virtue, and do not envy any of those who share in power alongside the emperors; but rather do not cease to remember us sinners, assisting those who are with the abbot Hypatius as far as is possible. This we entreat, and at the same time that you greet those who belong to you and who, through you, have done good to me.