The Herald - Saturday, May 11, 1895
This report was originally published in English. Machine translations may be available in other languages.
THE LONDON HORROR.
QUEENSBERRY ON TRIAL.
OSCAR WILDE AS A WITNESS.
ASTOUNDING ADMISSIONS.
The charge of criminal libel brought by Oscar Wilde against the Marquis of Queensberry, which resulted in the acquittal of the accused without a stain on his character, and the subsequent prosecution of Wilde, are fully detailed in the papers brought by the mail delivered to-day.
Sir E. Clarke, Q.C., M.P., with Mr C. Mathews and Mr Travers Humphrey, appeared for the prosecution; Mr Carson, Q.C., Mr C.F. Gill, Q.C., and Mr A. Gill defended; and Mr Besley, Q.C., with Mr Monckton, watched the case on behalf of Lord Douglas Hawick.
Sir Edward Clarke, Q.C., Mr. C. Mathews, and Mr. Travers Humphreys appeared for the prosecution; Mr. Carson, Q.C., Mr. C. F. Gill, and Mr. A. Gill for the defence; and Mr. Besley, Q.C., and Mr. Monckton watched the case on behalf of Lord Douglas of Hawick.
Sir Edward Clarke, Q.C., Mr. Charles Mathews, and Mr. Travers Humphreys appeared for the prosecution; Mr. Carson, Q.C., Mr. C.F. Gill, and Mr. A Gill defended. Mr. Besley, Q.C., and Mr. Monckton watched the case for a person interested.
Sir Edward Clarke, Q.C., Mr. C. Mathews, and Mr. Travers Humphreys appeared for the prosecution; Mr. Carson, Q.C., Mr. C. F. Gill, and Mr. A. Gill for the defence; and Mr. Besley, Q.C., and Mr. Monckton watched the case on behalf of Lord Drumlanrig, the eldest son of the defendant.
Sir Edward Clarke, Q.C., Mr. C. Mathews, and Mr. Travers Humphreys appeared for the prosecution; Mr Carson, Q.C., Mr. C. F. Gill, and Mr. A. Gill for the defence; and Mr. Besley, Q.C., and Mr. Monckton for Lord Douglas of Hawick.
Sir Edward Clarke, Q.C., Mr. Charles Mathews, and Mr. Travers Humphreys appeared for the prosecution; Mr. Carson, Q.C., Mr. C. F. Gill, and Mr. A. Gill defended. Mr. Besley, Q.C., Mr. Monckton, and Mr. Leonard Kershaw watched the case for a person interested.
Sir Edward Clarke, Q.C., Mr. Charles Mathews, and Mr. Travers Humphreys, appeared for the prosecution; Mr. Carson, Q.C., Mr. C. F. Gill, and Mr. A. Gill defended. Mr. Besley, Q.C., Mr. Monckton, and Mr. Leonard Kershaw watched the case for a person interested.
Sir Edward Clarke, Q.C. M P; Mr Charles Mathews, and Mr Travers Humphreys are counsel for Mr Oscar Wilde. Mr B. Carson, Q C MP ; Mr G F Gill, and Mr A Gill appeared for the Marquis; and Mr Besley, Q C, and Mr Monckton hold a watching brief for Lord Douglas of Hawick.
Sir Edward Clarke, Q C, M P ; Mr Charles Mathews, and Mr Travers Humphreys are counsel for Mr Oscar Wilde. Mr B Carsons, Q C, M P ; Mr C F Gill, and Mr A Gill appear for the Marquis ; and Mr Besley, Q C, and Mr Menckton hold a watching brief for Lord Douglas of Hawick.
After some preliminary evidence had been given Mr Oscar Wilde was called and examined by Sir E. Clarke. He said — I am the prosecutor in this case, and am 39 years of age. My father was Sir William Wilde, surgeon, of Dublin, and chairman of the Census commission. He died when I was at Oxford. I was a student at Trinity College, Dublin, where I took a classical scholarship and the gold medal for Greek. I then went to Magdalen College, Oxford, where I took a classical scholarship, a first in "Mods" and a first in "Greats" of the Newdigate prize for English verse. I took my degree in 1878, and came down at once. From that time I have devoted myself to art and literature. In 1882 I published a volume of poems, and afterwards lectured in England and America. I have written many essays of different kinds, and during the last few years have devoted myself to dramatic literature. In 1884 I married Miss Lloyd, and from that date till now have lived with her in Tite street, Chelsea. I have two sons, the eldest of whom will be ten in June, and the second nine in November.
Mr. Oscar Wilde was called and examined by Sir E. Clarke. He said — I am the Prosecutor in this case, and am 39 years of age. My father was Sir William Wilde, surgeon, of Dublin, and Chairman of the Census Commission. He died when I was at Oxford. I was a student at Trinity College, Dublin, where I took a classical scholarship and the Gold Medal for Greek. I then went to Magdalen College, Oxford, where I took a classical scholarship, a first in "Mods" and a first in "Greats," and the Newdigate prize for English verse. I took my degree in 1878, and came down at once. From that time I have devoted myself to art and literature. In 1882 I published a volume of poems, and afterwards lectured in England and America. I have written many essays of different kinds, and during the last few years have devoted myself to dramatic literature. In 1884 I married Miss Lloyd, and from that date till now have lived with her in Tite-street, Chelsea. I have two sons, the eldest of whom will be ten in June, and the second nine in November.
Mr. Oscar Wilde, examined by Sir E. Clarke, said—I am the prosecutor in this case, and am 39 years of age. My father was Sir William Wilde, surgeon, of Dublin, and Chairman of the Census Commission. He died when I was at Oxford. I was a student at Trinity College, Dublin, where I took a classical scholarship and the Gold Medal for Greek. I then went to Magdalen College, Oxford, where I took a classical scholarship, a first in "Mods," and a first in "Greats," and the Newdigate Prize for English verse. I took my degree in 1878, and came down at once. From that time I have devoted myself to art and literature. In 1882 I published a volume of poems, and afterwards lectured in England and America. I have written many essays of different kinds, and during the last few years have devoted myself to dramatic literature. In 1884 I married Miss Lloyd, and from that date till now have lived with her in Tite-street, Chelsea. I have two sons, the eldest of whom will be 10 in June and the second nine in November.
In 1891 did you make the acquaintance of Lord Alfred Douglas? — Yes, he was brought to my house by a mutual friend. Before then I had not been acquainted with Lady Queensberry, but since then I have, and have been a guest in her house many times. I also knew Lord Douglas, of Hawick, and the late Lord Drumlanrig. Lord Alfred had dined with me from time to time at my house, and at the Albemarle Club, of which my wife is a member, and has stayed with us at Cromer, Goring, Worthing, and Torquay. In November, 1892, I was lunching with him at the Cafe Royal, where we met Lord Queensberry, and on my suggestion Lord Alfred went to him and shook hands. I was aware that there had been some estrangement between the two. Lord Queensberry joined us, and remained chatting with me. From 3rd November, 1892, till March, 1894, I did not see the defendant, but in 1893 I heard that some letters that I had addressed to Lord Alfred Douglas had come into the hands of certain persons.
In 1891 did you make the acquaintance of Lord Alfred Douglas ? —Yes, he was brought to my house by a mutual friend. Before then I had not been acquainted with Lady Queensberry, but since then I have, and have been a guest in her house many times. I also knew Lord Douglas of Hawick, and the late Lord Drumlaurig. Lord Alfred has dined with me from time to time at my house and at the Albemarle Club, of which my wife is a member, and has stayed with us at Cromer, Goring, Worthing, and Torquay. In November, 1892, I was lunching with him at the Cafe Royal, where we met Lord Queensberry, and on my suggestion Lord Alfred went to him and shook hands. I was aware that there had been some estrangement between the two. Lord Queensberry joined us, and remained chatting with me. From the 3d November, 1892, till March, 1894, I did not see the Defendant, but in 1893 I heard that some letters that I had addressed to Lord Alfred Douglas had come into the hands of certain persons.
In 1891 did you make the acquaintance of Lord Alfred Douglas?—Yes, he was brought to my house by a mutual friend. Before then I had not been acquainted with Lady Queensberry, but since then I have, and have been a guest in her house many times. I also knew Lord Douglas of Hawick and the late Lord Drumlanrig. Lord Alfred had dined with me from time to time at my house and at the Albemarle Club, of which my wife is a member, and has stayed with us at Cromer, Goring, Worthing, and Torquay. In November, 1892, I was lunching with him at the Café Royal, where we met Lord Queensberry, and on my suggestion Lord Alfred went to him and shook hands. I was aware that there had been some estrangement between the two. Lord Queensberry joined us, and remained chatting with me until Lord Alfred had left. From the 3rd of November, 1892, till March, 1894, I did not see the defendant, but in 1893 I heard that some letters that I had addressed to Lord Alfred Douglas had come into the hands of certain persons.
THE CROSS-EXAMINATION.
Cross-examined by Mr Carson: You stated that your age was 39, I think you are over 40. You were born on 16th October, 1854? — I had no wish to pose as being young.
Cross-examined by Mr. Carson—You stated that your age was 39. I think you are over 40. You were born on October 16, 1854?—I had no wish to pose as being young.
Cross-examined by Mr. Carson. — You stated that your age was 39. I think you are over 40. You were born on Oct. 16, 1854? — I had no wish to pose as being young.
Cross-examined by Mr. Carson: You stated that your age was thirty-nine. I think you are over forty. You were born on October 16, 1854? - I had no wish to pose as being young.
Cross-examined by Mr. Carson—You stated that your age was thirty-nine? I think you are over forty. You were born on October 16, 1854? I had no wish to pose as being young.
That makes you more than forty? Ah.
That makes you more than 40? — Ah!
In reply to further questions the prosecutor said: Lord Alfred Douglas is about 24, and was between 20 and 21 years of age when I first knew him. Down to the interview in Tite street Lord Queensberry had been friendly. I did not receive a letter on April 3 in which Lord Queensberry desired that my acquaintance with his son should cease. After the interview I had no doubt that such was Lord Queensberry's desire. Notwithstanding Lord Queensberry's protest my intimacy with Lord A. Douglas continues to the present moment.
In reply to further questions, the Prosecutor said:— Lord Alfred Douglas is about 24, and was between 20 and 21 years of age when I first knew him. Down to the interview in Tite-street Lord Queensbsrry had been friendly. I did not receive a letter on April 3 in which Lord Queensberry desired that my acquaintance with his son should cease. After the interview I had no doubt that such was Lord Queensberry's desire. Notwithstanding Lord Queensberry's protest, my intimacy with Lord A. Douglas continues to the present moment.
In reply to further questions, the Prosecutor said: Lord Alfred Douglas is about twenty-four, and was between twenty and twenty-one years of age when I first knew him. Down to the interview in Tite-street Lord Queensberry had been friendly. I did not receive a letter on April 3 in which Lord Queensberry desired that my acquaintance with his son should cease. After the interview I had no doubt that such was Lord Queensberry's desire. Notwithstanding Lord Queensberry's protest my intimacy with Lord A. Douglas continued to the present moment.
You have stayed with him at many places? - Yes.
At Oxford, Brighton — on several occasions Worthing? — Yes.
You never took rooms for him? — No.
Were you at other places with him? — Cromer, Torquay.
And in various hotels in London? — Yes. One in Albemarle street, and in Dover street and at the Savoy.
And in various hotels in London? - Yes. One in Albemarle-street and in Dover-street, and at the Savoy.
Did you ever take rooms yourself in addition to your house in Tite street? — Yes, at 10 and 51, St. James's place. I kept the rooms from the month of October, 1893, to the end of March, 1894. Lord Douglas had stayed in those chambers, which were not far from Piccadilly. I had been abroad with him several times, and even lately to Monte Carlo. With reference to these books, it was not at Brighton in 20 King's road that I wrote my article in the "Chameleon." I observed that there were also contributions from Lord Alfred Douglas, but these were not written at Brighton. I had seen them. I thought them exceedingly beautiful poems. One was in "Praise of Shame," the other "Two Loves." One spoke of his love, and other boy's love as shame. Did you see in that any improper suggestion? — None whatever.
Did you ever take rooms yourself in addition to your house in Tile-street? - Yes, at 10 and 11, St. James's-place. I kept the rooms from the month of October, 1893, to the end of March, 1894. Lord Douglas had stayed in those chambers, which were not far from Piccadilly. I had been abroad with him several times, and even lately to Monte Carlo. With reference to these books, it was not at Brighton in 20, King's-road that I wrote my article in the Chameleon. I observed that there were also contributions from Lord Alfred Douglas, but these were not written at Brighton. I had seen them. I thought them exceedingly beautiful poems; one was in "Praise of Shame," the other "Two Loves." One spoke of his love, boy and girl, love as true love, and other boys' love as shame. Did you see in that any improper suggestion? - None whatever.
Did you ever take rooms yourself in addition to your house in Tite-street ?— Yes, at 10 and 11, St. James's-place. I kept the rooms from the month of October, 1893, to tbe end of March, 1894. Lord A. Douglas had stayed in those chambers, which were not far from Piccadilly. I had been abroad with him several times, and even lately to Monte Carlo. With reference to these books, it was not at Brighton, in 20, Kings-road, that I wrote my article in the Chameleon. I observed that there were also contributions from Lord Alfred Douglas, but these were not written at Brighton. I had seen them. I thought them exceedingly beautiful poems, one was "In Praise of Shame," the other "Two Loves." One spoke of his love, boy and girl love as true love, and other boys' love as shame.
You read "The Priest and the Acolyte?" - Yes.
You have no doubt whatever that was an improper story? — From the literary point of view, it was highly improper.
You have no doubt whatever that was an improper story? — From the literary point of view
You have no doubt whatever that was an improper story? - From the literary point of view
May I take it that you think "The Priest and the Acolyte" was not immoral? — It was worse, it was badly written. (Laughter.)
May I take it that you think "The Priest and the Acolyte" was not immoral? - It was worse, it was badly written. (Laughter)
May I take it that you think "The Priest and the Acolyte " was not immoral?—lt was worse, it was badly written. (Laughter.)
May I take it that you think "The Priest and the Acolyte " was not immoral ? — lt was worse, it was badly written (laughter).
May I take it that you think the priest and the accolade was not immoral?—It was worse, it was badly written." (Laughter.)
May I take it that you think the story was not immoral? — It was worse, it was badly written. (Laughter.)
Was the "Priest and the Acolyte" immoral?—lt was worse—it was badly written. (Laughter.)
Do you think the story blasphemous? — I think it violated every artistic cannon of beauty. I did not consider the story blasphemous.
Do you think the story blasphemous? - I think it violated every artistic canon of beauty.
Do you think the story blasphemous ? — I think it violated evcery artistic canon of beauty.
A copy of "Lippincott's Magazine," in which the story of the "Dorian Gray" first appeared, was handed to its author.
Have you ever "madly adored" anybody many years younger than yourself? — I have reserved adoration for myself only.
Mr Carson then quoted an abstract from the Lippincott version of Dorian Gray, in which the artist tells Dorian of the scandals about him, and finally asks, "Why is your friendship so fatal to young men?"
Mr. Carson then quoted another extract from the Lippincott version of "Dorian Grey" in which the artist tells Dorian of the scandals about him, and finally asks, "Why is your friendship so fatal to young men?"
Mr. Carson quoted another extract from the Lippincott version of Dorian Gray, in which the artist tells Dorian of the scandals about him, and finally asks, "Why is your friendship so fatal to young men ?"
Asked whether the passage in its ordinary meaning did not suggest a certain charge, witness stated that it described Dorian Gray as a man of very corrupt influence, though there was no statement as to the nature of his influence. "Nor do I think," he added, "that there is any bad influence in the world."
Asked whether the passage in its ordinary meaning did not suggest a certain charge, Witness stated that if described Dorian Gray as a man of very corrupt influence, though there was no statement as to tne nature of his influence. "Nor do I think," he added, "that there is any bad influence in the world."
A man never corrupts a youth? — I think not.
Nothing he could do would corrupt him? — If you talk of separate ages.
Nothing he could do would corrupt him ? — If you talk of separate ages.
Nothing he could do would corrupt him? - If you talk of separate ages.
Mr Carson: No, sir, I'm talking common sense.
Witness: I don't think that one person influences another.
You don't think that flattering a young man, making love to him, in fact, would be likely to corrupt him? — No.
You don't think that flattering a young man, making love to him in fact, would be likely to corrupt him ? — No.
You don't think that flattering a young man, making love to him in fact, would be likely to corrupt him? - No.
Where was Lord Alfred Douglas staying when you wrote that letter to him? — At the Savoy, and I was at Torquay.
Where was Lord Alfred Douglas staying when you wrote that letter to him ? — At the Savoy, and I was at Torquay.
Where was Lord Alfred Douglas staying when you wrote that letter to him? -At the Savoy, and I was at Torquay.
It was a letter in answer to something he had sent you? — Yes, a poem.
It was a letter in answer to something he had sent you? - Yes, a poem.
It was a letter in answer to something be bad sent you ? — Yes, a poem.
Was that an ordinary letter? - Certainly not.
"My own boy." Was that ordinary? — No. I have said it was not an ordinary letter.
"My own boy." Was that ordinary? - No, I have said it was not an ordinary letter.
Yes, but I wish to know in what it was extraordinary. Why should a man of your age address a boy nearly 20 years younger like that? — I was fond of him. I have always been fond of him.
Yes, but I wish to know in what it is extraordinary. Why should a man of your age address a boy nearly twenty years younger like that? - I was fond of hum. I have always been fond of him.
Why should a man of your age address a boy nearly 20 years younger as - My own boy ?" — I was fond of him. I have always been fond of him.
Do you adore him? — No, but I have always liked him. I think it is a beautiful letter. It is a poem. You might as well cross-examine me as to whether "King Lear" or a sonnet of Shakapeare was proper.
Do you adore him ? — No ; but I have always liked him. I think it is a beautiful letter. It is a poem. You might as well cross-examine me as to whether King Lear or a sonnet of Shakespeare was proper.
Do you adore him? - No; but I have always liked him. I think it is a beautiful letter. It is a poem. You might as well cross-examine me as to whether "King Lear" or a sonnet of Shakespeare was proper.
Apart from art, Mr Wilde? — I cannot answer apart from art.
Suppose a man who was not an artist had written this letter, would you say it was a proper letter? — A man who was not an artist could not have written that letter. (Laughter).
Suppose a man who was not an artist had written this letter, would you say it was a proper letter ? — A man who was not an artist could not have written that letter (laughter).
Suppose a man who was not an artist had written this letter, would you say it was a proper letter? - A man who was not an artist could not have written that letter. (Laughter.)
Why? — Because nobody but an artist could write it. He certainly could not write the language unless he was a man of letters.
Why ? — Because nobody but an artist could write it. He certainly could not write the language unless he was a man of letters.
Why? - Because nobody but an artist could write it. He certainly could not write the language unless he was a man of letters.
Have you often written letters in the same style as this? — I don't repeat myself in style.
Have you often written letters in the same style as this ? — I don't repeat myself in style.
Have you often written letters in the same style as this? - I don't repeat myself in style.
Here is another letter which I believe you also wrote to Lord Alfred Douglas. Will you read it? — No, I decline; I don't see why I should.
Here is another letter which I believe you also wrote to Lord Alfred Douglas. Will you read it?—No, I decline; I don't see why I should.
Here is another letter which I believe you also wrote to Lord Alfred Douglas. Will you read it ? — No, I decline ; I don't see why I should.
Here is another letter which I believe you also wrote to Lord Alfred Douglas. Will you read it? - No, I decline; I don't see why I should.
Then I will: -
Savoy Hotel, Thames Embankment, W.C. — Dearest of all boys, — Your letter was delightful, red and yellow wine to me, but I am sad and out of sorts. Boysey, you must not make scenes with me. They kill me, they wreck the loveliness of life. I cannot see you, so Greek and gracious, distorted with passion. I cannot listen to your young lips saying hideous things to me. I would sooner -
Dearest of all boys,—Your letter was delightful, red and yellow wine to me, but I am sad and out of sorts. Boysey, you must not make scenes with me. They kill me, they wreck the loveliness of life. I cannot see so, so Greek and gracious, distorted with passion. I cannot listen to your young lips saying hideous things to me. I would sooner—
Here a word is indecipherable, but I will ask the witness.
than have you bitter, unjust, hating, I must see you soon. You are the divine thing I want, the thing of grace, but I don't know how to do it. Shall I come to Salisbury? My bill here is L49 for a week. (Laughter.) Why is it you are not here, my dear, my wonderful boy I fear I must have no money, no credit. — Your own OSCAR.
than have you bitter, unjust, hating. I must see you soon. You are the divine thing I want, the thing of grace, but I don't know how to do it. Shall I come to Salisbury. My bill here is £40 for a week. Why is it you are not here, my dear, my wonderful boy? I fear I must have no money, no credit.—Your own OSCAR.
Is that an ordinary letter? — Everything I write is extraordinary. I do not pose as being ordinary. (Laughter.)
Is that an ordinary letter? — Everything I write is extraordinary. I do not pose as being ordinary. (Laughter.)
Is it an ordinary letter? - Everything I write is extraordinary. I do not pose as being ordinary. (Laughter.)
Don't you call that an extraordinary letter?—Everything I write is extraordinary. I do not pose as being ordinary. (Laughter)
Don't you call that an extraordinary letter:—Everything I write is extraordinary. I do not pose as being ordinary. (Laughter).
Mr. Carson—Is that an extraordinary letter? I think everything I write extraordinary. I do not pose as being ordinary. Good heavens—
Was that an extraordinary letter? - I think everything I write is extraordinary. I do not pose as being ordinary. Ask me anything you like.
[…]you call that an extraordinary […] Everything I write is extraordinary […] not pose as being ordinary.
Is that an extraordinary letter?—I think everything I write is extraordinary. I don't pose as being ordinary, great heavens! Ask me any question you like
Is not that an extraordinary letter?—Everything I write is extraordinary. (Laughter).
Have you got his letter in reply? — I do not recollect what letter it was.
Have you got his letter in reply?—I do not recollect what letter it was.
Have you got his letter in reply?—I do not recollect what letter it was.
Have you got his letter in reply?—I do not recollect what letter it was.
Have you got his letter in reply? — I do not recollect what letter it was.
Have you got his letter in reply? - I do not recollect what letter it was.
It was not a beautiful letter? — I do not remember the letter.
You describe it as "delightful red and yellow wine to you"? — Oh, of course, a beautiful letter, certainly.
You describe it as "delightful red and yellow wine to you?"—Oh, of course, a beautiful letter, certainly.
You describe it as "delightful, red, and yellow wine to you" ?—Oh, of course, a beautiful letter, certainly.
You describe it as "delightful red and yellow wine to you?" — Oh, of course, a beautiful letter, certainly.
You describe it as "delightful red and yellow wine to you"? - Oh, of course, a beautiful letter, certainly.
You describe it as "delightful red and yellow wine to you?"—Oh, of course, a a beautiful letter, certainly.
It was not a beautiful letter?—I do not remember the letter. You describe it as "delightful red and yellow wine to you?"—Oh, of course, a beautiful letter, certainly.
What would you pay for that beautiful letter? — I could not get a copy.
What would you pay for that beautiful letter?—I could not get a copy.
What would you pay for that beautiful letter? — I could not get a copy.
What would you pay for that beautiful letter? - I could not get a copy.
How much would you give if you could get a copy? — Oh, I do not know.
How much would you give if you could get a copy?—Oh, I do not know.
How much would you give if you could get a copy? — Oh, I do not know.
Have much would you give if you could get a copy? - Oh, I do not know.
Was this one of yours a beautiful letter? — Yes; it was a tender expression of my great admiration for Lord Alfred Douglas. It was not like the other — a prose poem.
Was this one of yours a beautiful letter ? — Yes ; it was a tender expression of my great admiration for Lord Alfred Douglas. It was not like the other — a prose poem.
Was this one of yours a beautiful letter?—Yes; it was a tender expression of my great admiration for Lord Alfred Douglas. It was not like the other—a prose poem.
Was this one of yours a beautiful letter?—Yes; it was a tender expression of my great admiration for Lord Alfred Douglas. It was not like the other—a prose poem.
Was this one of yours a beautiful letter? — Yes; it was a tender expression of my great admiration for Lord Alfred Douglas. It was not like the other—a prose poem.
Was this one of yours a beautiful letter?—Yes; it was a tender expression of my great admiration for Lord Alfred Douglas. It was not like the other—a prose poem.
Was this one of yours a beautiful letter? - Yes; it was a tender expression of my great admiration for Lord Alfred Douglas. It was not like the other--a prose poem.
Was this one of yours a beautiful letter?—Yes; it was a tender expression of my great admiration for Lord Alfred Douglas. It was not like the other—a prose poem—but it was a beautiful letter.
Then Mr Wilde was asked several peculiar questions as to the manner in which Taylor's apartments were furnished. He would not say the appointments were luxurious, but much taste was displayed.
Were the rooms not always darkened? — No.
Did you see any other light to that afforded by candle or lamp? — I generally went there about tea-time, and I suppose it was dark then.
Were the windows covered by double curtains? — It is quite possible, but I can't tell you.
Were the rooms not always strongly perfumed? — Yes, a little perfume, I believe, was used.
Mr Wilde's memory was next taxed in regard to a youth named Mayor. This youth had not been seen of late, and the suggestion was that he had been spirited away, but this Mr Wilde denied.
Coming back again to the acquaintance with Taylor, Mr Carson asked whether that individual figured in female attire, but Mr Wilde was not aware of it.
Was Taylor a literary person, Mr Wilde? — He was a young man of great taste.
Did you discuss literary matters with him? — He used to listen, said Mr Wilde — and the court laughed.
Did you discuss literary matters with him?—He used to listen on the subject.
Did you discuss literary matters with him? He used to listen on the subject.
Did you discuss literary matters with him?--He used to listen on the subject.
Did you discuss literary matters with him?--He used to listen on the subject.
Did you discuss literature with him ? — He used to listen on the subject.
There was another youth named "Fred," said Mr Carson. — There was, replied Mr Wilde. He used to visit at Taylor's place.
Had you ever any trouble over Fred? — None.
Do you know that the police at one time were watching you and Taylor? — No.
Do you know that Taylor and a man named Parker were arrested during a raid made last year at a house in Fitzroy-square? — Yes; I heard so.
Do you know that Taylor and a man named Parker were arrested in a raid on a house in Fitzroy square last year? Yes.
Do you know Taylor and a man named Parker were arrested in a raid on a house in Fitzroy Square last year?—Yes.
Do you know that Taylor and Parker were arrested together in a raid made on a house in Fitzroy-square ? — Last year, yes.
Do you know Parker? — Yes.
And now do you that Taylor was notorious for introducing young men to older men? — No.
Has he introduced many to you? — Six or seven: no — about five.
All of whom you know by their Christian names? — Yes.
Have you given money to them? — Yes, all five, I suppose — money or presents.
Did Taylor introduce you to Charles Parker? — Yes.
Was he a gentleman's servant out of employment? — How do I know?
If he had not been a gentleman's servant out of employment you would not have become friendly with him? — I become friendly with anyone I take a liking to.
If you had known that he was a gentleman's servant out of employment, would you have become friendly with him?—I would become friendly with any person whom I liked.
Was he an artist or a literary man? — Culture was not his strong point, replied Oscar, lightly.
Was he an educated man? Culture was not his strong point (laughter).
Was he an educated man ? — Culture was not his strong point (laughter).
Was he an educated man? - Culture was not his strong point. (Laughter.)
Was he an educated man? - Culture was not his strong point. (Laughter.)
What is he now? — I have not the remotest idea.
How much money have you given Parker? — Four or five pounds.
What for? — Because he was poor, and I liked him. What better reason?
Where did you first see Parker? — At a restaurant — Kettner's.
Was his brother with him? — Yes.
Did you become familiar with him? — They were my guests; they were at my table, so of course I did.
Did you not say that night of Charlie Parker, in the presence of others, "This is the boy for me; will you come with me?" — Most certainly not.
But he went with you afterwards to your rooms at the Savoy Hotel? — He did not.
You gave him money? — Yes. Four pounds or so. He said he was hard-up.
Then Mr Carson asked; Now, Mr Wilde, I ask you what was there in common between you and this young fellow? — I will tell you. I like the society of people who are younger than myself. I recognise no social distinctions of any kind. To me the mere fact of youth is so wonderful that I would sooner talk to a young man for half an hour than even be cross-examined by you in court.
Mr. Carson: What was there in common between you and these young men? Well, I will tell you. I like the society of people much younger than myself. I recognise no social distinctions at all. The mere effect of youth is so wonderful that I would sooner talk with a young man for half an hour than even be cross-examined in court. (Laughter.)
Mr Carson--What was there in common between you and these young men?--Well, I will tell you. I like the society of people much younger than myself. I recognize no social distinctions at all. The mere effect of youth is so wonderful that I would sooner talk with a young man for half an hour than ever been cross-examined in court (laughter).
Mr Carson--What was there in common between you and these young men?--Well, I will tell you. I like the society of people much younger than myself. I recognize no social distinction at all. The mere effect of youth is so wonderful that I would sooner talk with a young man for half an hour then ever be cross-examined in court (laughter).
Mr Carson—What was there in common between you and these young men?—Well, I will tell you. I like the society of people much younger than myself. I recgonize no social distinctions at all. The mere effect of youth is so wonderful that I would sooner talk with a young man for half an hour than ever be cross-examined in court (laughter).
What did you find attractive in a young man of this class? — I like to be in the society of people much younger than myself. I recognise no social distinctions of any kind, and to me youth, the mere fact of youth, is so wonderful that I would sooner talk to a young man for half an hour than even be examined in court (laughter).
Mr Wilde then went on to admit that he had taken Parker to the Crystal Palace and other places, but denied absolutely the suggestions made.