Letter 372: Theodore Studite, Letter 372; Greek heading: Εἰρήνῃ πατρικίᾳ.

Why do I cause you trouble, O lover of God and lover of monks? Your gifts [the things you send] are beyond my worth. The many and great ones of long ago and of the distant past were enough; why these as well? But you resemble the leech of Solomon [cf. Proverbs 30:15], which is never sated with doing good, and which, as it were, presses out its own blood for the nourishment of others. And yet this is not the only thing for which you are known, but many things run together in you: zeal, longing, love toward God. And even if we have fallen a little, we must once more be called back and must walk the way of the Lord. Lay aside what is grievous, take up spiritual joy, since the Lord is near to those who endure for him, who, while we are still speaking the words of our prayer, will say, "Behold, I am present." To the lady Eirene, peace bestowed by God, whose blessing also I have received, which I hope will ascend to the lofty life of the monastic order [solitary way of life], whenever the Lord may turn the tempest into a gentle breeze.