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.