e of
that oblivion for which they toil so laboriously and, I must acknowledge,
with such success, let them peer at us through their telescopes and
report what they like of us. But, my dear Joaquin, should we put them
under the microscope there would be really nothing to be seen.

I look forward to passing another delightful evening with you on my
return to New York, and I need not tell you that whenever you visit
England you will be received with that courtesy with which it is our
pleasure to welcome all Americans, and that honour with which it is our
privilege to greet all poets.--Most sincerely and affectionately yours,

OSCAR WILDE.

NOTES ON WHISTLER

I.
(World, November 14, 1883.)

From Oscar Wilde, Exeter, to J. M'Neill Whistler, Tite Street.--Punch too
ridiculous--when you and I are together we never talk about anything
except ourselves.

II.
(World, February 25, 1885.)

DEAR BUTTERFLY,--By the aid of a biographical dictionary I made the
discovery that there were once two painters, called Benjamin West and
Paul Delaroche, who rashly lectured upon Art. As of their works nothing
at all remains, I conclude that they explained themselves away.

Be warned in time, James; and remain, as I do, incomprehensible. To be
great is to be misunderstood.--Tout a vous, OSCAR WILDE.

III.
(World, November 24,1886.)

ATLAS,--This is very sad! With our James vulgarity begins at home, and
should be allowed to stay there.--A vous, OSCAR WILDE.

REPLY TO WHISTLER

(Truth, January 9, 1890.)

To the Editor of Truth.

SIR,--I can hardly imagine that the public is in the very smallest degree
interested in the shrill shrieks of 'Plagiarism' that proceed from time
to time out of the lips of silly vanity or incompetent mediocrity.

However, as Mr. James Whistler has had the impertinence to attack me with
both venom and vulgarity in your columns, I hope you will allow me to
state that the assertions contained in his letter are as deliberately
untrue as they are deliberately offensive.

The definition of a disciple as one who has the courage of the opinions
of his master is really too old even for Mr. Whistler to be allowed to
claim it, and as for borrowing Mr. Whistler's ideas about art, the only
thoroughly original ideas I have ever heard him express have had
reference to his own superiority as a painter over painters greater than
himself.

It is a trouble for any gentleman to have t