ting forward perverted moral views may be a
good book?--No work of art ever puts forward views. Views belong to
people who are not artists.

A novel of "a certain kind" might be a good book?--I do not know what
you mean by "a novel of a certain kind."

Then I will suggest "Dorian Gray" as open to the interpretation of being
a novel of that kind.--That could only be to brutes and illiterates.

An illiterate person reading "Dorian Gray" might consider it such a
novel?--The views of illiterates on art are unaccountable. I am
concerned only with my view of art. I do not care twopence what other
people think of it.

The majority of persons would come under your definition of Philistines
and illiterates?--I have found wonderful exceptions.

Do you think the majority of people live up to the position you are
giving us?--I am afraid they are not cultivated enough.

Not cultivated enough to draw the distinction between a good book and a
bad book?--Certainly not.

The affection and love of the artist of "Dorian Gray" might lead an
ordinary individual to believe that it might have a certain tendency?--I
have no knowledge of the views of ordinary individuals.

You did not prevent the ordinary individual from buying your book?--I
have never discouraged him.

Mr. Carson then read an extract extending to several pages from "Dorian
Gray," using the version as it appeared in _Lippincott's Magazine_[34],
describing the meeting of Dorian Gray and the painter Basil Hallward.
"Now, I ask you, Mr. Wilde," added Counsel, "do you consider that that
description of the feeling of one man towards another, a youth just
grown up, was a proper or an improper feeling?"--"I think," replied the
author, "it is the most perfect description of what an artist would feel
on meeting a beautiful personality which was in some way necessary to
his art and life."

Counsel: You think that is a feeling a young man should have towards
another?

Witness: Yes, as an artist.

Mr. Carson proceeded to read another long extract. Mr. Wilde asked for a
copy, and was given one of the complete edition. Mr. Carson in calling
his attention to the place, remarked, "I believe it was left out in the
purged edition?"

Witness: I do not call it purged.

Counsel: Yes, I know that; but we will see.

Mr. Carson then read a lengthy passage from "Dorian Gray" as originally
published[35], and said, "Do you mean to say that that passage describes
the natural feeling of