To the Presbyter John, on Living Unseen

One of the men who used to be called wise had a saying: “Live unseen.” I applaud the thought, and I have resolved to confirm the word by deed. For I see nothing wrong in gathering what is good from others, just as bees, they say, gather their honey and draw the sweet dew from bitter herbs as well as from those that are good to eat; I myself have seen them settle on a bare rock and suck up its scanty moisture. Far more reasonable is it for those who are credited with reason to harvest what is good from every source. So, as I said, I try to live unseen, and I love peace and quiet more than anyone. [a]

On his recent return from your part of the world, the very devout presbyter Eusebius told me that you had held a certain meeting, that in the course of conversation I was mentioned, and that your piety spoke in praise of my insignificant self. So I thought it ungrateful, and indeed unfair, that one who spoke so well and kindly of me should not be repaid in the same coin. For although we have done nothing worthy of praise, we still admire the intention of those who praise us so, because such praise is the child of affection. So I greet your reverence, using as the carrier of my letter the very man who brought me the unwritten words you spoke about me. When you have received my letter, most devout sir, write in reply. You were first in speech, I in writing; I have answered speech with a letter. It is now up to you to answer letter with letter.