Letter 192: Theodore Studite, Letter 192; Greek heading: Ἄννῃ πατρικίᾳ καὶ μοναζούσῃ.

The letter of your holiness is full of grief, and as it were thorny with reproaches against my humble self. And this is no wonder; for the reminder altogether brings forth such things. But if your precious soul be moved to bear with him who said that the wounds of a friend are more trustworthy than the willing kisses of an enemy [cf. Proverbs 27:6], it would rather commend me as one who is not only your friend in the Lord, but also your suppliant, and one who spares you as his own soul. I shall not, then, turn away from your love which is according to God, not even if I receive still more displeasures; for I am not so untaught as to add to my affection in the midst of benefits, but in the midst of rejections to withdraw it (for these are human things), but rather I then increase my disposition the more, whenever I am made an object of aversion. And I, for my part, uttered nothing burdensome, as I think, but only a small admonition, taking thought for your glory and your blamelessness; for those who bless to one's face are not to be approved, since secretly they say the opposite. Receive from me, my lady, I beseech you, if you so command, sometimes even a rougher word; for from this I too shall know that you hold me within measure. For neither is a son toward his mother, nor a husband toward his consort, nor a friend toward a friend always smooth-spoken, but there are times when he is also one who rebukes. Lest perhaps, on account of the flames of the Church, you may also receive news of my swift departure by death from things here. Grace be with you, blessing and salvation.