Mr. Gill.—“The tone of them met with your critical approval?”
Witness.—“It was not for me to approve or disapprove. I leave that to the Reviews.”
Mr. Gill.—“At the trial Queensberry and Wilde you described them as ‘beautiful poems’?”
Witness.—“I said something tantamount to that. The verses were original in theme and construction, and I admired them.”
Mr. Gill.—“In one of the sonnets by Lord A. Douglas a peculiar use is made of the word ‘shame’?”
Witness.—“I have noticed the line you refer to.”
Mr. Gill.—“What significance would you attach to the use of that word in connection with the idea of the poem?”
Witness.—“I can hardly take it upon myself to explain the thoughts of another man.”
Mr. Gill.—“You were remarkably friendly with the author? Perhaps he vouchsafed you an explanation?”
Witness.—“On one occasion he did.”