Chronographia (Michael Psellus)

BASIL II (976—1025).

...himself was trained by that man’s diligence; and the Parakoimomenos Parakoimomenos: Literally 'the one who sleeps beside' the emperor's bed; a high-ranking eunuch who often served as a chief minister and held immense power. was like an athlete and a contender, while the Emperor Basil was the spectator—not so that he might crown the other, but so that he himself might learn to run and contend, following in the other's footsteps 5 as he placed his own struggle there. Consequently, from that point on, everything was obedient to Basil Referring here to the elder Basil, the Parakoimomenos, who was managing the state on behalf of the young emperors.; both the civil administration and the military looked toward him. He was the first, if not the only one, to take thought for the collection of public taxes and the general correction of the state. To all this, the Emperor lent his tongue 10 and his hand, advocating for the elder man's actions and confirming them with his signature.

IV. To most of those who have seen the Emperor Basil in our time, he appears harsh and of a rough character, prone to anger and slow to change his mind, moderate 15 in his lifestyle and avoiding luxury at all costs. However, as I have heard from historians original: "syngrapheon" - writers or chroniclers of the past. who recount his early life, he was not entirely this way at first; rather, he changed from a relaxed and luxurious life to a strenuous one. It was as if the circumstances of the state had hardened his character, 20 strengthening what had become loose, tightening what was slack, and changing his entire way of living. Indeed, at the very beginning, he used to revel openly; p. 6 he was frequently in love and cared for banquets, | measuring out for himself the imperial diversions and rests, and enjoying both his youth and his sovereignty as much as was natural. But from the time 25 when Skleros Bardas Skleros, a Byzantine general who led a major revolt against Basil II., and after him Phokas Bardas Phokas, another powerful general who rebelled against the central government., rose against him—and when the first became third A subtle reference to the fall of the Parakoimomenos, who was once the primary power (the "first") but was eventually sidelined or deposed., and others began to long for the throne |— 323 then, having been carried away from luxury with full sails, he clung to seriousness with his whole spirit. For having succeeded those who had held the leadership before him, he did not immediately 30 attempt to destroy their entire lineage root and branch.

4. Write: he will contend.      7—8. came.      16. historians.
19—20. strengthening what had become loose.      24. he was enjoying.
26. the empire.      29. Write: from childhood.