Cloudless，andpiercedbyonesolitarystar，acopper-greenskygleamedthroughthewindows。Hereadonbyitswanlighttillhecouldreadnomore。Then，afterhisvalethadremindedhimseveraltimesofthelatenessofthehour，hegotup，andgoingintothenextroom，placedthebookonthelittleFlorentinetablethatalwaysstoodathisbedsideandbegantodressfordinner。
Itwasalmostnineo’clockbeforehereachedtheclub，wherehefoundLordHenrysittingalone，inthemorning-room，lookingverymuchbored。
Iamsosorry，Harry，hecried，butreallyitisentirelyyourfault。ThatbookyousentmesofascinatedmethatIforgothowthetimewasgoing。
Yes，Ithoughtyouwouldlikeit，repliedhishost，risingfromhischair。
Ididn’tsayIlikedit，Harry。Isaiditfascinatedme。Thereisagreatdifference。
Ah，youhavediscoveredthat？murmuredLordHenry。Andtheypassedintothedining-room。
ThePictureofDorianGray：Chapter11Chapter11Foryears，DorianGraycouldnotfreehimselffromtheinfluenceofthisbook。Orperhapsitwouldbemoreaccuratetosaythatheneversoughttofreehimselffromit。HeprocuredfromParisnolessthanninelarge-papercopiesofthefirstedition，andhadthemboundindifferentcolours，sothattheymightsuithisvariousmoodsandthechangingfanciesofanatureoverwhichheseemed，attimes，tohavealmostentirelylostcontrol。Thehero，thewonderfulyoungParisianinwhomtheromanticandthescientifictemperamentsweresostrangelyblended，becametohimakindofprefiguringtypeofhimself。And，indeed，thewholebookseemedtohimtocontainthestoryofhisownlife，writtenbeforehehadlivedit。
Inonepointhewasmorefortunatethanthenovel’sfantastichero。Heneverknew——never，indeed，hadanycausetoknow——thatsomewhatgrotesquedreadofmirrors，andpolishedmetalsurfaces，andstillwaterwhichcameupontheyoungParisiansoearlyinhislife，andwasoccasionedbythesuddendecayofabeauthathadonce，apparently，beensoremarkable。
Itwaswithanalmostcrueljoy——andperhapsinnearlyeveryjoy，ascertainlyineverypleasure，crueltyhasitsplace——thatheusedtoreadthelatterpartofthebook，withitsreallytragic，ifsomewhatoveremphasized，accountofthesorrowanddespairofonewhohadhimselflostwhatinothers，andtheworld，hehadmostdearlyvalued。
ForthewonderfulbeautythathadsofascinatedBasilHallward，andmanyothersbesideshim，seemednevertoleavehim。Eventhosewhohadheardthemostevilthingsagainsthim——andfromtimetotimestrangerumoursabouthismodeoflifecreptthroughLondonandbecamethechatteroftheclubs——couldnotbelieveanythingtohisdishonourwhentheysawhim。Hehadalwaysthelookofonewhohadkepthimselfunspottedfromtheworld。MenwhotalkedgrosslybecamesilentwhenDorianGrayenteredtheroom。Therewassomethinginthepurityofhisfacethatrebukedthem。
Hismerepresenceseemedtorecalltothemthememoryoftheinnocencethattheyhadtarnished。Theywonderedhowonesocharmingandgracefulashewascouldhaveescapedthestainofanagethatwasatoncesordidandsensual。
Often，onreturninghomefromoneofthosemysteriousandprolongedabsencesthatgaverisetosuchstrangeconjectureamongthosewhowerehisfriends，orthoughtthattheywereso，hehimselfwouldcreepupstairstothelockedroom，openthedoorwiththekeythatneverlefthimnow，andstand，withamirror，infrontoftheportraitthatBasilHallwardhadpaintedofhim，lookingnowattheevilandagingfaceonthecanvas，andnowatthefairyoungfacethatlaughedbackathimfromthepolishedglass。Theverysharpnessofthecontrastusedtoquickenhissenseofpleasure。Hegrewmoreandmoreenamouredofhisownbeauty，moreandmoreinterestedinthecorruptionofhisownsoul。Hewouldexaminewithminutecare，andsometimeswithamonstrousandterribledelight，thehideouslinesthatsearedthewrinklingforeheadorcrawledaroundtheheavysensualmouth，wonderingsometimeswhichwerethemorehorrible，thesignsofsinorthesignsofage。Hewouldplacehiswhitehandsbesidethecoarsebloatedhandsofthepicture，andsmile。Hemockedthemisshapenbodyandthefailinglimbs。
Thereweremoments，indeed，atnight，when，lyingsleeplessinhisowndelicatelyscentedchamber，orinthesordidroomofthelittleill-famedtavernnearthedockswhich，underanassumednameandindisguise，itwashishabittofrequent，hewouldthinkoftheruinhehadbroughtuponhissoulwithapitythatwasallthemorepoignantbecauseitwaspurelyselfish。Butmomentssuchasthesewererare。ThatcuriosityaboutlifewhichLordHenryhadfirststirredinhim，astheysattogetherinthegardenoftheirfriend，seemedtoincreasewithgratification。Themoreheknew，themorehedesiredtoknow。Hehadmadhungersthatgrewmoreravenousashefedthem。
Yethewasnotreallyreckless，atanyrateinhisrelationstosociety。Onceortwiceeverymonthduringthewinter，andoneachWednesdayeveningwhiletheseasonlasted，hewouldthrowopentotheworldhisbeautifulhouseandhavethemostcelebratedmusiciansofthedaytocharmhisguestswiththewondersoftheirart。Hislittledinners，inthesettlingofwhichLordHenryalwaysassistedhim，werenotedasmuchforthecarefulselectionandplacingofthoseinvited，asfortheexquisitetasteshowninthedecorationofthetable，withitssubtlesymphonicarrangementsofexoticflowers，andembroideredcloths，andantiqueplateofgoldandsilver。Indeed，thereweremany，especiallyamongtheveryyoungmen，whosaw，orfanciedthattheysaw，inDorianGraythetruerealizationofatypeofwhichtheyhadoftendreamedinEtonorOxforddays，atypethatwastocombinesomethingoftherealcultureofthescholarwithallthegraceanddistinctionandperfectmannerofacitizenoftheworld。TothemheseemedtobeofthecompanyofthosewhomDantedescribesashavingsoughttomakethemselvesperfectbytheworshipofbeauty。LikeGautier，hewasoneforwhomthevisibleworldexisted。
And，certainly，tohimlifeitselfwasthefirst，thegreatest，ofthearts，andforitalltheotherartsseemedtobebutapreparation。
Fashion，bywhichwhatisreallyfantasticbecomesforamomentuniversal，anddandyism，which，initsownway，isanattempttoasserttheabsolutemodernityofbeauty，had，ofcourse，theirfascinationforhim。Hismodeofdressing，andtheparticularstylesthatfromtimetotimeheaffected，hadtheirmarkedinfluenceontheyoungexquisitesoftheMayfairballsandPallMallclubwindows，whocopiedhimineverythingthathedid，andtriedtoreproducetheaccidentalcharmofhisgraceful，thoughtohimonlyhalf-seriousfopperies。
For，whilehewasbuttooreadytoacceptthepositionthatwasalmostimmediatelyofferedtohimonhiscomingofage，andfound，indeed，asubtlepleasureinthethoughtthathemightreallybecometotheLondonofhisowndaywhattoimperialNeronianRometheauthoroftheSatyricononcehadbeen，yetinhisinmosthearthedesiredtobesomethingmorethanamerearbiterelegantiarum，tobeconsultedonthewearingofajewel，ortheknottingofanecktie，ortheconductofacane。Hesoughttoelaboratesomenewschemeoflifethatwouldhaveitsreasonedphilosophyanditsorderedprinciples，andfindinthespiritualizingofthesensesitshighestrealization。
Theworshipofthesenseshasoften，andwithmuchjustice，beendecried，menfeelinganaturalinstinctofterroraboutpassionsandsensationsthatseemstrongerthanthemselves，andthattheyareconsciousofsharingwiththelesshighlyorganizedformsofexistence。ButitappearedtoDorianGraythatthetruenatureofthesenseshadneverbeenunderstood，andthattheyhadremainedsavageandanimalmerelybecausetheworldhadsoughttostarvethemintosubmissionortokillthembypain，insteadofaimingatmakingthemelementsofanewspirituality，ofwhichafineinstinctforbeautywastobethedominantcharacteristic。Ashelookedbackuponmanmovingthroughhistory，hewashauntedbyafeelingofloss。Somuchhadbeensurrendered！andtosuchlittlepurpose！Therehadbeenmadwilfulrejections，monstrousformsofself-tortureandself-denial，whoseoriginwasfearandwhoseresultwasadegradationinfinitelymoreterriblethanthatfancieddegradationfromwhich，intheirignorance，theyhadsoughttoescape。Nature，inherwonderfulirony，drivingouttheanchoritetofeedwiththewildanimalsofthedesertandgivingtothehermitthebeastsofthefieldashiscompanions。
Yes：therewastobe，asLordHenryhadprophesied，anewHedonismthatwastorecreatelifeandtosaveitfromthatharshuncomelypuritanismthatishaving，inourownday，itscuriousrevival。Itwastohaveitsserviceoftheintellect，certainly，yetitwasnevertoacceptanytheoryorsystemthatwouldinvolvethesacrificeofanymodeofpassionateexperience。
Itsaim，indeed，wastobeexperienceitself，andnotthefruitsofexperience，sweetorbitterastheymightbe。Oftheasceticismthatdeadensthesenses，asofthevulgarprofligacythatdullsthem，itwastoknownothing。Butitwastoteachmantoconcentratehimselfuponthemomentsofalifethatisitselfbutamoment。
Therearefewofuswhohavenotsometimeswakenedbeforedawn，eitherafteroneofthosedreamlessnightsthatmakeusalmostenamouredofdeath，oroneofthosenightsofhorrorandmisshapenjoy，whenthroughthechambersofthebrainsweepphantomsmoreterriblethanrealityitself，andinstinctwiththatvividlifethatlurksinallgrotesques，andthatlendstoGothicartitsenduringvitality，thisartbeing，onemightfancy，especiallytheartofthosewhosemindshavebeentroubledwiththemaladyofreverie。Graduallywhitefingerscreepthroughthecurtains，andtheyappeartotremble。Inblackfantasticshapes，dumbshadowscrawlintothecornersoftheroomandcrouchthere。Outside，thereisthestirringofbirdsamongtheleaves，orthesoundofmengoingforthtotheirwork，orthesighandsobofthewindcomingdownfromthehillsandwanderingroundthesilenthouse，asthoughitfearedtowakethesleepersandyetmustneedscallforthsleepfromherpurplecave。Veilafterveilofthinduskygauzeislifted，andbydegreestheformsandcoloursofthingsarerestoredtothem，andwewatchthedawnremakingtheworldinitsantiquepattern。Thewanmirrorsgetbacktheirmimiclife。Theflamelesstapersstandwherewehadleftthem，andbesidethemliesthehalf-cutbookthatwehadbeenstudying，orthewiredflowerthatwehadwornattheball，ortheletterthatwehadbeenafraidtoread，orthatwehadreadtoooften。Nothingseemstouschanged。Outoftheunrealshadowsofthenightcomesbackthereallifethatwehadknown。Wehavetoresumeitwherewehadleftoff，andtherestealsoverusaterriblesenseofthenecessityforthecontinuanceofenergyinthesamewearisomeroundofstereotypedhabits，orawildlonging，itmaybe，thatoureyelidsmightopensomemorninguponaworldthathadbeenrefashionedanewinthedarknessforourpleasure，aworldinwhichthingswouldhavefreshshapesandcolours，andbechanged，orhaveothersecrets，aworldinwhichthepastwouldhavelittleornoplace，orsurvive，atanyrate，innoconsciousformofobligationorregret，theremembranceevenofjoyhavingitsbitternessandthememoriesofpleasuretheirpain。
ItwasthecreationofsuchworldsasthesethatseemedtoDorianGraytobethetrueobject，oramongstthetrueobjects，oflife。andinhissearchforsensationsthatwouldbeatoncenewanddelightful，andpossessthatelementofstrangenessthatissoessentialtoromance，hewouldoftenadoptcertainmodesofthoughtthatheknewtobereallyalientohisnature，abandonhimselftotheirsubtleinfluences，andthen，having，asitwere，caughttheircolourandsatisfiedhisintellectualcuriosity，leavethemwiththatcuriousindifferencethatisnotincompatiblewitharealardouroftemperament，andthat，indeed，accordingtocertainmodernpsychologists，isoftenaconditionofit。
ItwasrumouredofhimoncethathewasabouttojointheRomanCatholiccommunion，andcertainlytheRomanritualhadalwaysagreatattractionforhim。Thedailysacrifice，moreawfulreallythanallthesacrificesoftheantiqueworld，stirredhimasmuchbyitssuperbrejectionoftheevidenceofthesensesasbytheprimitivesimplicityofitselementsandtheeternalpathosofthehumantragedythatitsoughttosymbolize。Helovedtokneeldownonthecoldmarblepavementandwatchthepriest，inhisstiffflowereddalmatic，slowlyandwithwhitehandsmovingasidetheveilofthetabernacle，orraisingaloftthejewelled，lantern-shapedmonstrancewiththatpallidwaferthatattimes，onewouldfainthink，isindeedthepaniscaelestis，thebreadofangels，or，robedinthegarmentsofthePassionofChrist，breakingtheHostintothechaliceandsmitinghisbreastforhissins。Thefumingcensersthatthegraveboys，intheirlaceandscarlet，tossedintotheairlikegreatgiltflowershadtheirsubtlefascinationforhim。Ashepassedout，heusedtolookwithwonderattheblackconfessionalsandlongtositinthedimshadowofoneofthemandlistentomenandwomenwhisperingthroughtheworngratingthetruestoryoftheirlives。
Butheneverfellintotheerrorofarrestinghisintellectualdevelopmentbyanyformalacceptanceofcreedorsystem，orofmistaking，forahouseinwhichtolive，aninnthatisbutsuitableforthesojournofanight，orforafewhoursofanightinwhichtherearenostarsandthemoonisintravail。Mysticism，withitsmarvellouspowerofmakingcommonthingsstrangetous，andthesubtleantinomianismthatalwaysseemstoaccompanyit，movedhimforaseason。andforaseasonheinclinedtothematerialisticdoctrinesoftheDarwinismusmovementinGermany，andfoundacuriouspleasureintracingthethoughtsandpassionsofmentosomepearlycellinthebrain，orsomewhitenerveinthebody，delightingintheconceptionoftheabsolutedependenceofthespiritoncertainphysicalconditions，morbidorhealthy，normalordiseased。Yet，ashasbeensaidofhimbefore，notheoryoflifeseemedtohimtobeofanyimportancecomparedwithlifeitself。Hefeltkeenlyconsciousofhowbarrenallintellectualspeculationiswhenseparatedfromactionandexperiment。Heknewthatthesenses，nolessthanthesoul，havetheirspiritualmysteriestoreveal。
Andsohewouldnowstudyperfumesandthesecretsoftheirmanufacture，distillingheavilyscentedoilsandburningodorousgumsfromtheEast。
Hesawthattherewasnomoodofthemindthathadnotitscounterpartinthesensuouslife，andsethimselftodiscovertheirtruerelations，wonderingwhattherewasinfrankincensethatmadeonemystical，andinambergristhatstirredone’spassions，andinvioletsthatwokethememoryofdeadromances，andinmuskthattroubledthebrain，andinchampakthatstainedtheimagination。andseekingoftentoelaboratearealpsychologyofperfumes，andtoestimatetheseveralinfluencesofsweet-smellingrootsandscented，pollen-ladenflowers。ofaromaticbalmsandofdarkandfragrantwoods。ofspikenard，thatsickens。ofhovenia，thatmakesmenmad。andofaloes，thataresaidtobeabletoexpelmelancholyfromthesoul。
Atanothertimehedevotedhimselfentirelytomusic，andinalonglatticedroom，withavermilion-and-goldceilingandwallsofolive-greenlacquer，heusedtogivecuriousconcertsinwhichmadgipsiestorewildmusicfromlittlezithers，orgrave，yellow-shawledTunisianspluckedatthestrainedstringsofmonstrouslutes，whilegrinningNegroesbeatmonotonouslyuponcopperdrumsand，crouchinguponscarletmats，slimturbanedIndiansblewthroughlongpipesofreedorbrassandcharmed——orfeignedtocharm——greathoodedsnakesandhorriblehornedadders。TheharshintervalsandshrilldiscordsofbarbaricmusicstirredhimattimeswhenSchubert’sgrace，andChopin’sbeautifulsorrows，andthemightyharmoniesofBeethovenhimself，fellunheededonhisear。Hecollectedtogetherfromallpartsoftheworldthestrangestinstrumentsthatcouldbefound，eitherinthetombsofdeadnationsoramongthefewsavagetribesthathavesurvivedcontactwithWesterncivilizations，andlovedtotouchandtrythem。HehadthemysteriousjuruparisoftheRioNegroIndians，thatwomenarenotallowedtolookatandthatevenyouthsmaynotseetilltheyhavebeensubjectedtofastingandscourging，andtheearthenjarsofthePeruviansthathavetheshrillcriesofbirds，andflutesofhumanbonessuchasAlfonsodeOvalleheardinChile，andthesonorousgreenjaspersthatarefoundnearCuzcoandgiveforthanoteofsingularsweetness。Hehadpaintedgourdsfilledwithpebblesthatrattledwhentheywereshaken。thelongclarinoftheMexicans，intowhichtheperformerdoesnotblow，butthroughwhichheinhalestheair。theharshtureoftheAmazontribes，thatissoundedbythesentinelswhositalldaylonginhightrees，andcanbeheard，itissaid，atadistanceofthreeleagues。theteponaztli，thathastwovibratingtonguesofwoodandisbeatenwithsticksthataresmearedwithanelasticgumobtainedfromthemilkyjuiceofplants。theyotl-bellsoftheAztecs，thatarehunginclusterslikegrapes。
andahugecylindricaldrum，coveredwiththeskinsofgreatserpents，liketheonethatBernalDiazsawwhenhewentwithCortesintotheMexicantemple，andofwhosedolefulsoundhehasleftussovividadescription。
Thefantasticcharacteroftheseinstrumentsfascinatedhim，andhefeltacuriousdelightinthethoughtthatart，likeNature，hashermonsters，thingsofbestialshapeandwithhideousvoices。Yet，aftersometime，heweariedofthem，andwouldsitinhisboxattheopera，eitheraloneorwithLordHenry，listeninginraptpleasuretoTannhä。userandseeinginthepreludetothatgreatworkofartapresentationofthetragedyofhisownsoul。
Ononeoccasionhetookupthestudyofjewels，andappearedatacostumeballasAnnedeJoyeuse，AdmiralofFrance，inadresscoveredwithfivehundredandsixtypearls。Thistasteenthralledhimforyears，and，indeed，maybesaidnevertohavelefthim。Hewouldoftenspendawholedaysettlingandresettlingintheircasesthevariousstonesthatbehadcollected，suchastheolive-greenchrysoberylthatturnsredbylamplight，thecymophanewithitswirelikelineofsilver，thepistachio-colouredperidot，rose-pinkandwine-yellowtopazes，carbunclesoffieryscarletwithtremulous，four-rayedstars，flame-redcinnamon-stones，orangeandvioletspinels，andamethystswiththeiralternatelayersofrubyandsapphire。
Helovedtheredgoldofthesunstone，andthemoonstone’spearlywhiteness，andthebrokenrainbowofthemilkyopal。HeprocuredfromAmsterdamthreeemeraldsofextraordinarysizeandrichnessofcolour，andhadaturquoisedelavieillerochethatwastheenvyofalltheconnoisseurs。
Hediscoveredwonderfulstories，also，aboutjewels。InAlphonso’sClericalisDisciplinaaserpentwasmentionedwitheyesofrealjacinth，andintheromantichistoryofAlexander，theConquerorofEmathiawassaidtohavefoundinthevaleofJordansnakeswithcollarsofrealemeraldsgrowingontheirbacks。Therewasageminthebrainofthedragon，Philostratustoldus，andbytheexhibitionofgoldenlettersandascarletrobethemonstercouldbethrownintoamagicalsleepandslain。Accordingtothegreatalchemist，PierredeBoniface，thediamondrenderedamaninvisible，andtheagateofIndiamadehimeloquent。Thecornelianappeasedanger，andthehyacinthprovokedsleep，andtheamethystdroveawaythefumesofwine。Thegarnetcastoutdemons，andthehydropicusdeprivedthemoonofhercolour。Theselenitewaxedandwanedwiththemoon，andthemeloceus，thatdiscoversthieves，couldbeaffectedonlybythebloodofkids。LeonardusCamillushadseenawhitestonetakenfromthebrainofanewlykilledtoad，thatwasacertainantidoteagainstpoison。Thebezoar，thatwasfoundintheheartoftheArabiandeer，wasacharmthatcouldcuretheplague。InthenestsofArabianbirdswastheaspilates，that，accordingtoDemocritus，keptthewearerfromanydangerbyfire。
TheKingofCeilanrodethroughhiscitywithalargerubyinhishand，astheceremonyofhiscoronation。ThegatesofthepalaceofJohnthePriestweremadeofsardius，withthehornofthehornedsnakeinwrought，sothatnomanmightbringpoisonwithin。Overthegableweretwogoldenapples，inwhichweretwocarbuncles，sothatthegoldmightshinebydayandthecarbunclesbynight。InLodge’sstrangeromanceA
MargariteofAmerica，itwasstatedthatinthechamberofthequeenonecouldbeholdallthechasteladiesoftheworld，inchasedoutofsilver，lookingthroughfairmirroursofchrysolites，carbuncles，sapphires，andgreeneemeraults。MarcoPolohadseentheinhabitantsofZipanguplacerose-colouredpearlsinthemouthsofthedead。Asea-monsterhadbeenenamouredofthepearlthatthediverbroughttoKingPerozes，andhadslainthethief，andmournedforsevenmoonsoveritsloss。WhentheHunsluredthekingintothegreatpit，heflungitaway——Procopiustellsthestory——norwasiteverfoundagain，thoughtheEmperorAnastasiusofferedfivehundred-weightofgoldpiecesforit。TheKingofMalabarhadshowntoacertainVenetianarosaryofthreehundredandfourpearls，oneforeverygodthatheworshipped。
WhentheDukedeValentinois，sonofAlexanderVI，visitedLouisXIIofFrance，hishorsewasloadedwithgoldleaves，accordingtoBrantome，andhiscaphaddoublerowsofrubiesthatthrewoutagreatlight。CharlesofEnglandhadriddeninstirrupshungwithfourhundredandtwenty-onediamonds。RichardIIhadacoat，valuedatthirtythousandmarks，whichwascoveredwithbalasrubies。HalldescribedHenryVIII，onhiswaytotheTowerprevioustohiscoronation，aswearingajacketofraisedgold，theplacardembroideredwithdiamondsandotherrichstones，andagreatbauderikeabouthisneckoflargebalasses。ThefavouritesofJamesI
woreear-ringsofemeraldssetingoldfiligrane。EdwardIIgavetoPiersGavestonasuitofred-goldarmourstuddedwithjacinths，acollarofgoldrosessetwithturquoise-stones，andaskull-capparsemé。withpearls。HenryIIworejewelledglovesreachingtotheelbow，andhadahawk-glovesewnwithtwelverubiesandfifty-twogreatorients。TheducalhatofCharlestheRash，thelastDukeofBurgundyofhisrace，washungwithpear-shapedpearlsandstuddedwithsapphires。
Howexquisitelifehadoncebeen！Howgorgeousinitspompanddecoration！Eventoreadoftheluxuryofthedeadwaswonderful。
ThenheturnedhisattentiontoembroideriesandtothetapestriesthatperformedtheofficeoffrescoesinthechillroomsofthenorthernnationsofEurope。Asheinvestigatedthesubject——andhealwayshadanextraordinaryfacultyofbecomingabsolutelyabsorbedforthemomentinwhateverhetookup——hewasalmostsaddenedbythereflectionoftheruinthattimebroughtonbeautifulandwonderfulthings。He，atanyrate，hadescapedthat。Summerfollowedsummer，andtheyellowjonquilsbloomedanddiedmanytimes，andnightsofhorrorrepeatedthestoryoftheirshame，buthewasunchanged。Nowintermarredhisfaceorstainedhisflowerlikebloom。Howdifferentitwaswithmaterialthings！Wherehadtheypassedto？Wherewasthegreatcrocus-colouredrobe，onwhichthegodsfoughtagainstthegiants，thathadbeenworkedbybrowngirlsforthepleasureofAthena？WherethehugevelariumthatNerohadstretchedacrosstheColosseumatRome，thatTitansailofpurpleonwhichwasrepresentedthestarrysky，andApollodrivingachariotdrawnbywhite，gilt-reinedsteeds？Helongedtoseethecurioustable-napkinswroughtforthePriestoftheSun，onwhichweredisplayedallthedaintiesandviandsthatcouldbewantedforafeast。themortuaryclothofKingChilperic，withitsthreehundredgoldenbees。thefantasticrobesthatexcitedtheindignationoftheBishopofPontusandwerefiguredwithlions，panthers，bears，dogs，forests，rocks，hunters——all，infact，thatapaintercancopyfromnature。andthecoatthatCharlesofOrleansoncewore，onthesleevesofwhichwereembroideredtheversesofasongbeginningMadame，jesuistoutjoyeux，
themusicalaccompanimentofthewordsbeingwroughtingoldthread，andeachnote，ofsquareshapeinthosedays，formedwithfourpearls。HereadoftheroomthatwaspreparedatthepalaceatRheimsfortheuseofQueenJoanofBurgundyandwasdecoratedwiththirteenhundredandtwenty-oneparrots，madeinbroidery，andblazonedwiththeking’sarms，andfivehundredandsixty-onebutterflies，whosewingsweresimilarlyornamentedwiththearmsofthequeen，thewholeworkedingold。CatherinedeMé。dicishadamourning-bedmadeforherofblackvelvetpowderedwithcrescentsandsuns。Itscurtainswereofdamask，withleafywreathsandgarlands，figureduponagoldandsilverground，andfringedalongtheedgeswithbroideriesofpearls，anditstoodinaroomhungwithrowsofthequeen’sdevicesincutblackvelvetuponclothofsilver。LouisXIVhadgoldembroideredcaryatidesfifteenfeethighinhisapartment。ThestatebedofSobieski，KingofPoland，wasmadeofSmyrnagoldbrocadeembroideredinturquoiseswithversesfromtheKoran。Itssupportswereofsilvergilt，beautifullychased，andprofuselysetwithenamelledandjewelledmedallions。IthadbeentakenfromtheTurkishcampbeforeVienna，andthestandardofMohammedhadstoodbeneaththetremulousgiltofitscanopy。
Andso，forawholeyear，hesoughttoaccumulatethemostexquisitespecimensthathecouldfindoftextileandembroideredwork，gettingthedaintyDelhimuslins，finelywroughtwithgold-threadpalmatesandstitchedoverwithiridescentbeetles’wings。theDaccagauzes，thatfromtheirtransparencyareknownintheEastaswovenair，andrunningwater，
andeveningdew。strangefiguredclothsfromJava。elaborateyellowChinesehangings。booksboundintawnysatinsorfairbluesilksandwroughtwithfleurs-de-lys，birdsandimages。veilsoflacisworkedinHungarypoint。SicilianbrocadesandstiffSpanishvelvets。Georgianwork，withitsgiltcoins，andJapaneseFoukousas，withtheirgreen-tonedgoldsandtheirmarvellouslyplumagedbirds。
Hehadaspecialpassion，also，forecclesiasticalvestments，asindeedhehadforeverythingconnectedwiththeserviceoftheChurch。
Inthelongcedarcheststhatlinedthewestgalleryofhishouse，hehadstoredawaymanyrareandbeautifulspecimensofwhatisreallytheraimentoftheBrideofChrist，whomustwearpurpleandjewelsandfinelinenthatshemayhidethepallidmaceratedbodythatiswornbythesufferingthatsheseeksforandwoundedbyself-inflictedpain。Hepossessedagorgeouscopeofcrimsonsilkandgold-threaddamask，figuredwitharepeatingpatternofgoldenpomegranatessetinsix-petalledformalblossoms，beyondwhichoneithersidewasthepine-appledevicewroughtinseed-pearls。TheorphreysweredividedintopanelsrepresentingscenesfromthelifeoftheVirgin，andthecoronationoftheVirginwasfiguredincolouredsilksuponthehood。ThiswasItalianworkofthefifteenthcentury。Anothercopewasofgreenvelvet，embroideredwithheart-shapedgroupsofacanthus-leaves，fromwhichspreadlong-stemmedwhiteblossoms，thedetailsofwhichwerepickedoutwithsilverthreadandcolouredcrystals。Themorseboreaseraph’sheadingold-threadraisedwork。Theorphreyswerewoveninadiaperofredandgoldsilk，andwerestarredwithmedallionsofmanysaintsandmartyrs，amongwhomwasSt。Sebastian。Hehadchasubles，also，ofamber-colouredsilk，andbluesilkandgoldbrocade，andyellowsilkdamaskandclothofgold，figuredwithrepresentationsofthePassionandCrucifixionofChrist，andembroideredwithlionsandpeacocksandotheremblems。dalmaticsofwhitesatinandpinksilkdamask，decoratedwithtulipsanddolphinsandfleurs-de-lys。altarfrontalsofcrimsonvelvetandbluelinen。
andmanycorporals，chalice-veils，andsudaria。Inthemysticofficestowhichsuchthingswereput，therewassomethingthatquickenedhisimagination。
Forthesetreasures，andeverythingthathecollectedinhislovelyhouse，weretobetohimmeansofforgetfulness，modesbywhichhecouldescape，foraseason，fromthefearthatseemedtohimattimestobealmosttoogreattobeborne。Uponthewallsofthelonelylockedroomwherehehadspentsomuchofhisboyhood，hehadhungwithhisownhandstheterribleportraitwhosechangingfeaturesshowedhimtherealdegradationofhislife，andinfrontofithaddrapedthepurple-and-goldpallasacurtain。
Forweekshewouldnotgothere，wouldforgetthehideouspaintedthing，andgetbackhislightheart，hiswonderfuljoyousness，hispassionateabsorptioninmereexistence。Then，suddenly，somenighthewouldcreepoutofthehouse，godowntodreadfulplacesnearBlueGateFields，andstaythere，dayafterday，untilhewasdrivenaway。Onhisreturnhewouldsitinfrontofthehertimes，withthatprideofindividualismthatishalfthefascinationofsin，andsmilingwithsecretpleasureatthemisshapenshadowthathadtobeartheburdenthatshouldhavebeenhisown。
AfterafewyearshecouldnotenduretobelongoutofEngland，andgaveupthevillathathehadsharedatTrouvillewithLordHenry，aswellasthelittlewhitewalled-inhouseatAlgierswheretheyhadmorethanoncespentthewinter。Hehatedtobeseparatedfromthepicturethatwassuchapartofhislife，andwasalsoafraidthatduringhisabsencesomeonemightgainaccesstotheroom，inspiteoftheelaboratebarsthathehadcausedtobeplaceduponthedoor。
Hewasquiteconsciousthatthiswouldtellthemnothing。Itwastruethattheportraitstillpreserved，underallthefoulnessanduglinessoftheface，itsmarkedlikenesstohimself。butwhatcouldtheylearnfromthat？Hewouldlaughatanyonewhotriedtotaunthim。Hehadnotpaintedit。Whatwasittohimhowvileandfullofshameitlooked？Evenifhetoldthem，wouldtheybelieveit？
Yethewasafraid。SometimeswhenhewasdownathisgreathouseinNottinghamshire，entertainingthefashionableyoungmenofhisownrankwhowerehischiefcompanions，andastoundingthecountybythewantonluxuryandgorgeoussplendourofhismodeoflife，hewouldsuddenlyleavehisguestsandrushbacktotowntoseethatthedoorhadnotbeentamperedwithandthatthepicturewasstillthere。Whatifitshouldbestolen？
Themerethoughtmadehimcoldwithhorror。Surelytheworldwouldknowhissecretthen。Perhapstheworldalreadysuspectedit。
For，whilehefascinatedmany，therewerenotafewwhodistrustedhim。HewasverynearlyblackballedataWestEndclubofwhichhisbirthandsocialpositionfullyentitledhimtobecomeamember，anditwassaidthatononeoccasion，whenhewasbroughtbyafriendintothesmoking-roomoftheChurchill，theDukeofBerwickandanothergentlemangotupinamarkedmannerandwentout。Curiousstoriesbecamecurrentabouthimafterhehadpassedhistwenty-fifthyear。ItwasrumouredthathehadbeenseenbrawlingwithforeignsailorsinalowdeninthedistantpartsofWhitechapel，andthatheconsortedwiththievesandcoinersandknewthemysteriesoftheirtrade。Hisextraordinaryabsencesbecamenotorious，and，whenheusedtoreappearagaininsociety，menwouldwhispertoeachotherincorners，orpasshimwithasneer，orlookathimwithcoldsearchingeyes，asthoughtheyweredeterminedtodiscoverhissecret。
Ofsuchinsolencesandattemptedslightshe，ofcourse，tooknonotice，andintheopinionofmostpeoplehisfrankdebonairmanner，hischarmingboyishsmile，andtheinfinitegraceofthatwonderfulyouththatseemednevertoleavehim，wereinthemselvesasufficientanswertothecalumnies，forsotheytermedthem，thatwerecirculatedabouthim。Itwasremarked，however，thatsomeofthosewhohadbeenmostintimatewithhimappeared，afteratime，toshunhim。Womenwhohadwildlyadoredhim，andforhissakehadbravedallsocialcensureandsetconventionatdefiance，wereseentogrowpallidwithshameorhorrorifDorianGrayenteredtheroom。
Yetthesewhisperedscandalsonlyincreasedintheeyesofmanyhisstrangeanddangerouscharm。Hisgreatwealthwasacertainelementofsecurity。Society——civilizedsociety，atleast——isneververyreadytobelieveanythingtothedetrimentofthosewhoarebothrichandfascinating。
Itfeelsinstinctivelythatmannersareofmoreimportancethanmorals，and，initsopinion，thehighestrespectabilityisofmuchlessvaluethanthepossessionofagoodchef。And，afterall，itisaverypoorconsolationtobetoldthatthemanwhohasgivenoneabaddinner，orpoorwine，isirreproachableinhisprivatelife。Eventhecardinalvirtuescannotatoneforhalf-coldentré。es，asLordHenryremarkedonce，inadiscussiononthesubject，andthereispossiblyagooddealtobesaidforhisview。Forthecanonsofgoodsocietyare，orshouldbe，thesameasthecanonsofart。Formisabsolutelyessentialtoit。
Itshouldhavethedignityofaceremony，aswellasitsunreality，andshouldcombinetheinsincerecharacterofaromanticplaywiththewitandbeautythatmakesuchplaysdelightfultous。Isinsinceritysuchaterriblething？Ithinknot。Itismerelyamethodbywhichwecanmultiplyourpersonalities。
Such，atanyrate，wasDorianGray’sopinion。Heusedtowonderattheshallowpsychologyofthosewhoconceivetheegoinmanasathingsimple，permanent，reliable，andofoneessence。Tohim，manwasabeingwithmyriadlivesandmyriadsensations，acomplexmultiformcreaturethatborewithinitselfstrangelegaciesofthoughtandpassion，andwhoseveryfleshwastaintedwiththemonstrousmaladiesofthedead。Helovedtostrollthroughthegauntcoldpicture-galleryofhiscountryhouseandlookatthevariousportraitsofthosewhosebloodflowedinhisveins。
HerewasPhilipHerbert，describedbyFrancisOsborne，inhisMemoiresontheReignsofQueenElizabethandKingJames，asonewhowascaressedbytheCourtforhishandsomeface，whichkepthimnotlongcompany。WasityoungHerbert’slifethathesometimesled？Hadsomestrangepoisonousgermcreptfrombodytobodytillithadreachedhisown？Wasitsomedimsenseofthatruinedgracethathadmadehimsosuddenly，andalmostwithoutcause，giveutterance，inBasilHallward’sstudio，tothemadprayerthathadsochangedhislife？Here，ingold-embroideredreddoublet，jewelledsurcoat，andgilt-edgedruffandwristbands，stoodSirAnthonySherard，withhissilver-and-blackarmourpiledathisfeet。Whathadthisman’slegacybeen？HadtheloverofGiovannaofNaplesbequeathedhimsomeinheritanceofsinandshame？Werehisownactionsmerelythedreamsthatthedeadmanhadnotdaredtorealize？Here，fromthefadingcanvas，smiledLadyElizabethDevereux，inhergauzehood，pearlstomacher，andpinkslashedsleeves。Aflowerwasinherrighthand，andherleftclaspedanenamelledcollarofwhiteanddamaskroses。Onatablebyhersidelayamandolinandanapple。Therewerelargegreenrosettesuponherlittlepointedshoes。
Heknewherlife，andthestrangestoriesthatweretoldaboutherlovers。
Hadhesomethingofhertemperamentinhim？Theseoval，heavy-liddedeyesseemedtolookcuriouslyathim。WhatofGeorgeWilloughby，withhispowderedhairandfantasticpatches？Howevilhelooked！Thefacewassaturnineandswarthy，andthesensuallipsseemedtobetwistedwithdisdain。Delicatelacerufflesfellovertheleanyellowhandsthatweresooverladenwithrings。Hehadbeenamacaronioftheeighteenthcentury，andthefriend，inhisyouth，ofLordFerrars。WhatofthesecondLordBeckenham，thecompanionofthePrinceRegentinhiswildestdays，andoneofthewitnessesatthesecretmarriagewithMrs。Fitzherbert？Howproudandhandsomehewas，withhischestnutcurlsandinsolentpose！Whatpassionshadhebequeathed？
Theworldhadlookeduponhimasinfamous。HehadledtheorgiesatCarltonHouse。ThestaroftheGarterglittereduponhisbreast。Besidehimhungtheportraitofhiswife，apallid，thin-lippedwomaninblack。Herblood，also，stirredwithinhim。Howcuriousitallseemed！AndhismotherwithherLadyHamiltonfaceandhermoist，wine-dashedlips——heknewwhathehadgotfromher。Hehadgotfromherhisbeauty，andhispassionforthebeautyofothers。ShelaughedathiminherlooseBacchantedress。Therewerevineleavesinherhair。Thepurplespilledfromthecupshewasholding。
Thecarnationsofthepaintinghadwithered，buttheeyeswerestillwonderfulintheirdepthandbrilliancyofcolour。Theyseemedtofollowhimwhereverhewent。
Yetonehadancestorsinliteratureaswellasinone’sownrace，nearerperhapsintypeandtemperament，manyofthem，andcertainlywithaninfluenceofwhichonewasmoreabsolutelyconscious。ThereweretimeswhenitappearedtoDorianGraythatthewholeofhistorywasmerelytherecordofhisownlife，notashehadliveditinactandcircumstance，butashisimaginationhadcreateditforhim，asithadbeeninhisbrainandinhispassions。Hefeltthathehadknownthemall，thosestrangeterriblefiguresthathadpassedacrossthestageoftheworldandmadesinsomarvellousandevilsofullofsubtlety。Itseemedtohimthatinsomemysteriouswaytheirliveshadbeenhisown。
Theheroofthewonderfulnovelthathadsoinfluencedhislifehadhimselfknownthiscuriousfancy。Intheseventhchapterhetellshow，crownedwithlaurel，lestlightningmightstrikehim，hehadsat，asTiberius，inagardenatCapri，readingtheshamefulbooksofElephantis，whiledwarfsandpeacocksstruttedroundhimandtheflute-playermockedtheswingerofthecenser。and，asCaligula，hadcarousedwiththegreen-shirtedjockeysintheirstablesandsuppedinanivorymangerwithajewel-frontletedhorse。and，asDomitian，hadwanderedthroughacorridorlinedwithmarblemirrors，lookingroundwithhaggardeyesforthereflectionofthedaggerthatwastoendhisdays，andsickwiththatennui，thatterribletaediumvitae，thatcomesonthosetowhomlifedeniesnothing。
andhadpeeredthroughaclearemeraldattheredshamblesofthecircusandthen，inalitterofpearlandpurpledrawnbysilver-shodmules，beencarriedthroughtheStreetofPomegranatestoaHouseofGoldandheardmencryonNeroCaesarashepassedby。and，asElagabalus，hadpaintedhisfacewithcolours，andpliedthedistaffamongthewomen，andbroughttheMoonfromCarthageandgivenherinmysticmarriagetotheSun。
OverandoveragainDorianusedtoreadthisfantasticchapter，andthetwochaptersimmediatelyfollowing，inwhich，asinsomecurioustapestriesorcunninglywroughtenamels，werepicturedtheawfulandbeautifulformsofthosewhomviceandbloodandwearinesshadmademonstrousormad：Filippo，DukeofMilan，whoslewhiswifeandpaintedherlipswithascarletpoisonthatherlovermightsuckdeathfromthedeadthinghefondled。PietroBarbi，theVenetian，knownasPaultheSecond，whosoughtinhisvanitytoassumethetitleofFormosus，andwhosetiara，valuedattwohundredthousandflorins，wasboughtatthepriceofaterriblesin。GianMariaVisconti，whousedhoundstochaselivingmenandwhosemurderedbodywascoveredwithrosesbyaharlotwhohadlovedhim。theBorgiaonhiswhitehorse，withFratricideridingbesidehimandhismantlestainedwiththebloodofPerotto。PietroRiario，theyoungCardinalArchbishopofFlorence，childandminionofSixtusIV，whosebeautywasequalledonlybyhisdebauchery，andwhoreceivedLeonoraofAragoninapavilionofwhiteandcrimsonsilk，filledwithnymphsandcentaurs，andgildedaboythathemightserveatthefeastasGanymedeorHylas。Ezzelin，whosemelancholycouldbecuredonlybythespectacleofdeath，andwhohadapassionforredblood，asothermenhaveforredwine——thesonoftheFiend，aswasreported，andonewhohadcheatedhisfatheratdicewhengamblingwithhimforhisownsoul。GiambattistaCibo，whoinmockerytookthenameofInnocentandintowhosetorpidveinsthebloodofthreeladswasinfusedbyaJewishdoctor。SigismondoMalatesta，theloverofIsottaandthelordofRimini，whoseeffigywasburnedatRomeastheenemyofGodandman，whostrangledPolyssenawithanapkin，andgavepoisontoGinevrad’Esteinacupofemerald，andinhonourofashamefulpassionbuiltapaganchurchforChristianworship。CharlesVI，whohadsowildlyadoredhisbrother’swifethataleperhadwarnedhimoftheinsanitythatwascomingonhim，andwho，whenhisbrainhadsickenedandgrownstrange，couldonlybesoothedbySaracencardspaintedwiththeimagesofloveanddeathandmadness。and，inhistrimmedjerkinandjewelledcapandacanthuslikecurls，GrifonettoBaglioni，whoslewAstorrewithhisbride，andSimonettowithhispage，andwhosecomelinesswassuchthat，ashelaydyingintheyellowpiazzaofPerugia，thosewhohadhatedhimcouldnotchoosebutweep，andAtalanta，whohadcursedhim，blessedhim。
Therewasahorriblefascinationinthemall。Hesawthematnight，andtheytroubledhisimaginationintheday。TheRenaissanceknewofstrangemannersofpoisoning——poisoningbyahelmetandalightedtorch，byanembroideredgloveandajewelledfan，byagildedpomanderandbyanamberchain。DorianGrayhadbeenpoisonedbyabook。Thereweremomentswhenhelookedonevilsimplyasamodethroughwhichhecouldrealizehisconceptionofthebeautiful。
ThePictureofDorianGray：Chapter12Chapter12ItwasontheninthofNovember，theeveofhisownthirty-eighthbirthday，asheoftenrememberedafterwards。
Hewaswalkinghomeabouteleveno’clockfromLordHenry’s，wherehehadbeendining，andwaswrappedinheavyfurs，asthenightwascoldandfoggy。AtthecornerofGrosvenorSquareandSouthAudleyStreet，amanpassedhiminthemist，walkingveryfastandwiththecollarofhisgreyulsterturnedup。Hehadabaginhishand。Dorianrecognizedhim。
ItwasBasilHallward。Astrangesenseoffear，forwhichhecouldnotaccount，cameoverhim。Hemadenosignofrecognitionandwentonquicklyinthedirectionofhisownhouse。
ButHallwardhadseenhim。Dorianheardhimfirststoppingonthepavementandthenhurryingafterhim。Inafewmoments，hishandwasonhisarm。
Dorian！Whatanextraordinarypieceofluck！Ihavebeenwaitingforyouinyourlibraryeversincenineo’clock。FinallyItookpityonyourtiredservantandtoldhimtogotobed，asheletmeout。IamofftoParisbythemidnighttrain，andIparticularlywantedtoseeyoubeforeIleft。Ithoughtitwasyou，orratheryourfurcoat，asyoupassedme。
ButIwasn’tquitesure。Didn’tyourecognizeme？
Inthisfog，mydearBasil？Why，Ican’tevenrecognizeGrosvenorSquare。Ibelievemyhouseissomewhereabouthere，butIdon’tfeelatallcertainaboutit。Iamsorryyouaregoingaway，asIhavenotseenyouforages。ButIsupposeyouwillbebacksoon？
No：IamgoingtobeoutofEnglandforsixmonths。IintendtotakeastudioinParisandshutmyselfuptillIhavefinishedagreatpictureIhaveinmyhead。However，itwasn’taboutmyselfIwantedtotalk。Hereweareatyourdoor。Letmecomeinforamoment。Ihavesomethingtosaytoyou。
Ishallbecharmed。Butwon’tyoumissyourtrain？saidDorianGraylanguidlyashepassedupthestepsandopenedthedoorwithhislatch-key。
Thelamplightstruggledoutthroughthefog，andHallwardlookedathiswatch。Ihaveheapsoftime，heanswered。Thetraindoesn’tgotilltwelve-fifteen，anditisonlyjusteleven。Infact，Iwasonmywaytotheclubtolookforyou，whenImetyou。Yousee，Ishan’thaveanydelayaboutluggage，asIhavesentonmyheavythings。AllIhavewithmeisinthisbag，andIcaneasilygettoVictoriaintwentyminutes。
Dorianlookedathimandsmiled。Whatawayforafashionablepaintertotravel！AGladstonebagandanulster！Comein，orthefogwillgetintothehouse。Andmindyoudon’ttalkaboutanythingserious。Nothingisseriousnowadays。Atleastnothingshouldbe。
Hallwardshookhishead，asheentered，andfollowedDorianintothelibrary。Therewasabrightwoodfireblazinginthelargeopenhearth。
Thelampswerelit，andanopenDutchsilverspirit-casestood，withsomesiphonsofsoda-waterandlargecut-glasstumblers，onalittlemarqueterietable。
Youseeyourservantmademequiteathome，Dorian。HegavemeeverythingIwanted，includingyourbestgold-tippedcigarettes。Heisamosthospitablecreature。IlikehimmuchbetterthantheFrenchmanyouusedtohave。WhathasbecomeoftheFrenchman，bythebye？
Dorianshruggedhisshoulders。IbelievehemarriedLadyRadley’smaid，andhasestablishedherinParisasanEnglishdressmaker。Anglomanieisveryfashionableovertherenow，Ihear。ItseemssillyoftheFrench，doesn’tit？But——doyouknow？——hewasnotatallabadservant。Ineverlikedhim，butIhadnothingtocomplainabout。Oneoftenimaginesthingsthatarequiteabsurd。Hewasreallyverydevotedtomeandseemedquitesorrywhenhewentaway。Haveanotherbrandy-and-soda？Orwouldyoulikehock-and-seltzer？Ialwaystakehock-and-seltzermyself。Thereissuretobesomeinthenextroom。
Thanks，Iwon’thaveanythingmore，saidthepainter，takinghiscapandcoatoffandthrowingthemonthebagthathehadplacedinthecorner。Andnow，mydearfellow，Iwanttospeaktoyouseriously。
Don’tfrownlikethat。Youmakeitsomuchmoredifficultforme。
Whatisitallabout？criedDorianinhispetulantway，flinginghimselfdownonthesofa。Ihopeitisnotaboutmyself。Iamtiredofmyselfto-night。Ishouldliketobesomebodyelse。
Itisaboutyourself，answeredHallwardinhisgravedeepvoice，andImustsayittoyou。Ishallonlykeepyouhalfanhour。
Doriansighedandlitacigarette。Halfanhour！hemurmured。
Itisnotmuchtoaskofyou，Dorian，anditisentirelyforyourownsakethatIamspeaking。IthinkitrightthatyoushouldknowthatthemostdreadfulthingsarebeingsaidagainstyouinLondon。
Idon’twishtoknowanythingaboutthem。Ilovescandalsaboutotherpeople，butscandalsaboutmyselfdon’tinterestme。Theyhavenotgotthecharmofnovelty。
Theymustinterestyou，Dorian。Everygentlemanisinterestedinhisgoodname。Youdon’twantpeopletotalkofyouassomethingvileanddegraded。Ofcourse，youhaveyourposition，andyourwealth，andallthatkindofthing。Butpositionandwealtharenoteverything。Mindyou，Idon’tbelievetheserumoursatall。Atleast，Ican’tbelievethemwhenIseeyou。Sinisathingthatwritesitselfacrossaman’sface。Itcannotbeconcealed。Peopletalksometimesofsecretvices。Therearenosuchthings。Ifawretchedmanhasavice，itshowsitselfinthelinesofhismouth，thedroopofhiseyelids，themouldingofhishandseven。Somebody——I
won’tmentionhisname，butyouknowhim——cametomelastyeartohavehisportraitdone。Ihadneverseenhimbefore，andhadneverheardanythingabouthimatthetime，thoughIhaveheardagooddealsince。Heofferedanextravagantprice。Irefusedhim。TherewassomethingintheshapeofhisfingersthatIhated。IknownowthatIwasquiterightinwhatIfanciedabouthim。Hislifeisdreadful。Butyou，Dorian，withyourpure，bright，innocentface，andyourmarvellousuntroubledyouth——Ican’tbelieveanythingagainstyou。AndyetIseeyouveryseldom，andyounevercomedowntothestudionow，andwhenIamawayfromyou，andIhearallthesehideousthingsthatpeoplearewhisperingaboutyou，Idon’tknowwhattosay。
Whyisit，Dorian，thatamanliketheDukeofBerwickleavestheroomofaclubwhenyouenterit？WhyisitthatsomanygentlemeninLondonwillneithergotoyourhouseorinviteyoutotheirs？YouusedtobeafriendofLordStaveley。Imethimatdinnerlastweek。Yournamehappenedtocomeupinconversation，inconnectionwiththeminiaturesyouhavelenttotheexhibitionattheDudley。Staveleycurledhislipandsaidthatyoumighthavethemostartistictastes，butthatyouwereamanwhomnopure-mindedgirlshouldbeallowedtoknow，andwhomnochastewomanshouldsitinthesameroomwith。IremindedhimthatIwasafriendofyours，andaskedhimwhathemeant。Hetoldme。Hetoldmerightoutbeforeeverybody。Itwashorrible！Whyisyourfriendshipsofataltoyoungmen？
TherewasthatwretchedboyintheGuardswhocommittedsuicide。Youwerehisgreatfriend。TherewasSirHenryAshton，whohadtoleaveEnglandwithatarnishedname。Youandhewereinseparable。WhataboutAdrianSingletonandhisdreadfulend？WhataboutLordKent’sonlysonandhiscareer？I
methisfatheryesterdayinSt。James’sStreet。Heseemedbrokenwithshameandsorrow。WhatabouttheyoungDukeofPerth？Whatsortoflifehashegotnow？Whatgentlemanwouldassociatewithhim？
Stop，Basil。Youaretalkingaboutthingsofwhichyouknownothing，
saidDorianGray，bitinghislip，andwithanoteofinfinitecontemptinhisvoice。YouaskmewhyBerwickleavesaroomwhenIenterit。ItisbecauseIknoweverythingabouthislife，notbecauseheknowsanythingaboutmine。Withsuchbloodashehasinhisveins，howcouldhisrecordbeclean？YouaskmeaboutHenryAshtonandyoungPerth。DidIteachtheonehisvices，andtheotherhisdebauchery？IfKent’ssillysontakeshiswifefromthestreets，whatisthattome？IfAdrianSingletonwriteshisfriend’snameacrossabill，amIhiskeeper？IknowhowpeoplechatterinEngland。Themiddleclassesairtheirmoralprejudicesovertheirgrossdinner-tables，andwhisperaboutwhattheycalltheprofligaciesoftheirbettersinordertotryandpretendthattheyareinsmartsocietyandonintimatetermswiththepeopletheyslander。Inthiscountry，itisenoughforamantohavedistinctionandbrainsforeverycommontonguetowagagainsthim。Andwhatsortoflivesdothesepeople，whoposeasbeingmoral，leadthemselves？Mydearfellow，youforgetthatweareinthenativelandofthehypocrite。
Dorian，criedHallward，thatisnotthequestion。EnglandisbadenoughIknow，andEnglishsocietyisallwrong。ThatisthereasonwhyIwantyoutobefine。Youhavenotbeenfine。Onehasarighttojudgeofamanbytheeffecthehasoverhisfriends。Yoursseemtoloseallsenseofhonour，ofgoodness，ofpurity。Youhavefilledthemwithamadnessforpleasure。Theyhavegonedownintothedepths。Youledthemthere。
Yes：youledthemthere，andyetyoucansmile，asyouaresmilingnow。
Andthereisworsebehind。IknowyouandHarryareinseparable。Surelyforthatreason，iffornoneother，youshouldnothavemadehissister’snameaby-word。
Takecare，Basil。Yougotoofar。
Imustspeak，andyoumustlisten。Youshalllisten。WhenyoumetLadyGwendolen，notabreathofscandalhadevertouchedher。IsthereasingledecentwomaninLondonnowwhowoulddrivewithherinthepark？
Why，evenherchildrenarenotallowedtolivewithher。Thenthereareotherstories——storiesthatyouhavebeenseencreepingatdawnoutofdreadfulhousesandslinkingindisguiseintothefoulestdensinLondon。
Aretheytrue？Cantheybetrue？WhenIfirstheardthem，Ilaughed。I
hearthemnow，andtheymakemeshudder。Whataboutyourcountry-houseandthelifethatisledthere？Dorian，youdon’tknowwhatissaidaboutyou。Iwon’ttellyouthatIdon’twanttopreachtoyou。IrememberHarrysayingoncethateverymanwhoturnedhimselfintoanamateurcurateforthemomentalwaysbeganbysayingthat，andthenproceededtobreakhisword。Idowanttopreachtoyou。Iwantyoutoleadsuchalifeaswillmaketheworldrespectyou。Iwantyoutohaveacleannameandafairrecord。Iwantyoutogetridofthedreadfulpeopleyouassociatewith。
Don’tshrugyourshoulderslikethat。Don’tbesoindifferent。Youhaveawonderfulinfluence。Letitbeforgood，notforevil。Theysaythatyoucorrupteveryonewithwhomyoubecomeintimate，andthatitisquitesufficientforyoutoenterahouseforshameofsomekindtofollowafter。
Idon’tknowwhetheritissoornot。HowshouldIknow？Butitissaidofyou。Iamtoldthingsthatitseemsimpossibletodoubt。LordGloucesterwasoneofmygreatestfriendsatOxford。HeshowedmealetterthathiswifehadwrittentohimwhenshewasdyingaloneinhervillaatMentone。
YournamewasimplicatedinthemostterribleconfessionIeverread。I
toldhimthatitwasabsurd——thatIknewyouthoroughlyandthatyouwereincapableofanythingofthekind。Knowyou？IwonderdoIknowyou？BeforeIcouldanswerthat，Ishouldhavetoseeyoursoul。
Toseemysoul！mutteredDorianGray，startingupfromthesofaandturningalmostwhitefromfear。
Yes，answeredHallwardgravely，andwithdeep-tonedsorrowinhisvoice，toseeyoursoul。ButonlyGodcandothat。
Abitterlaughofmockerybrokefromthelipsoftheyoungerman。
Youshallseeityourself，to-night！hecried，seizingalampfromthetable。Come：itisyourownhandiwork。Whyshouldn’tyoulookatit？Youcantelltheworldallaboutitafterwards，ifyouchoose。Nobodywouldbelieveyou。Iftheydidbelieveyou，theywouldlikemeallthebetterforit。Iknowtheagebetterthanyoudo，thoughyouwillprateaboutitsotediously。Come，Itellyou。Youhavechatteredenoughaboutcorruption。
Nowyoushalllookonitfacetoface。
Therewasthemadnessofprideineverywordheuttered。Hestampedhisfootuponthegroundinhisboyishinsolentmanner。Hefeltaterriblejoyatthethoughtthatsomeoneelsewastosharehissecret，andthatthemanwhohadpaintedtheportraitthatwastheoriginofallhisshamewastobeburdenedfortherestofhislifewiththehideousmemoryofwhathehaddone。
Yes，hecontinued，comingclosertohimandlookingsteadfastlyintohissterneyes，Ishallshowyoumysoul。YoushallseethethingthatyoufancyonlyGodcansee。
Hallwardstartedback。Thisisblasphemy，Dorian！hecried。
Youmustnotsaythingslikethat。Theyarehorrible，andtheydon’tmeananything。
Youthinkso？Helaughedagain。
Iknowso。AsforwhatIsaidtoyouto-night，Isaiditforyourgood。YouknowIhavebeenalwaysastanchfriendtoyou。
Don’ttouchme。Finishwhatyouhavetosay。
Atwistedflashofpainshotacrossthepainter’sface。Hepausedforamoment，andawildfeelingofpitycameoverhim。Afterall，whatrighthadhetopryintothelifeofDorianGray？Ifhehaddoneatitheofwhatwasrumouredabouthim，howmuchhemusthavesuffered！Thenhestraightenedhimselfup，andwalkedovertothefire-place，andstoodthere，lookingattheburninglogswiththeirfrostlikeashesandtheirthrobbingcoresofflame。
Iamwaiting，Basil，saidtheyoungmaninahardclearvoice。
Heturnedround。WhatIhavetosayisthis，hecried。Youmustgivemesomeanswertothesehorriblechargesthataremadeagainstyou。Ifyoutellmethattheyareabsolutelyuntruefrombeginningtoend，Ishallbelieveyou。Denythem，Dorian，denythem！Can’tyouseewhatI
amgoingthrough？MyGod！don’ttellmethatyouarebad，andcorrupt，andshameful。
DorianGraysmiled。Therewasacurlofcontemptinhislips。
Comeupstairs，Basil，hesaidquietly。Ikeepadiaryofmylifefromdaytoday，anditneverleavestheroominwhichitiswritten。Ishallshowittoyouifyoucomewithme。
Ishallcomewithyou，Dorian，ifyouwishit。IseeIhavemissedmytrain。Thatmakesnomatter。Icangoto-morrow。Butdon’taskmetoreadanythingto-night。AllIwantisaplainanswertomyquestion。
Thatshallbegiventoyouupstairs。Icouldnotgiveithere。
Youwillnothavetoreadlong。
ThePictureofDorianGray：Chapter13Chapter13Hepassedoutoftheroomandbegantheascent，BasilHallwardfollowingclosebehind。Theywalkedsoftly，asmendoinstinctivelyatnight。Thelampcastfantasticshadowsonthewallandstaircase。Arisingwindmadesomeofthewindowsrattle。
Whentheyreachedthetoplanding，Doriansetthelampdownonthefloor，andtakingoutthekey，turneditinthelock。Youinsistonknowing，Basil？heaskedinalowvoice。
Yes。
Iamdelighted，heanswered，smiling。Thenheadded，somewhatharshly，Youaretheonemanintheworldwhoisentitledtoknoweverythingaboutme。Youhavehadmoretodowithmylifethanyouthink。and，takingupthelamp，heopenedthedoorandwentin。Acoldcurrentofairpassedthem，andthelightshotupforamomentinaflameofmurkyorange。Heshuddered。Shutthedoorbehindyou，hewhispered，asheplacedthelamponthetable。
Hallwardglancedroundhimwithapuzzledexpression。Theroomlookedasifithadnotbeenlivedinforyears。AfadedFlemishtapestry，acurtainedpicture，anoldItaliancassone，andanalmostemptybook-case——thatwasallthatitseemedtocontain，besidesachairandatable。AsDorianGraywaslightingahalf-burnedcandlethatwasstandingonthemantelshelf，hesawthatthewholeplacewascoveredwithdustandthatthecarpetwasinholes。Amouseranscufflingbehindthewainscoting。Therewasadampodourofmildew。
SoyouthinkthatitisonlyGodwhoseesthesoul，Basil？Drawthatcurtainback，andyouwillseemine。
Thevoicethatspokewascoldandcruel。Youaremad，Dorian，orplayingapart，mutteredHallward，frowning。
Youwon’t？ThenImustdoitmyself，saidtheyoungman，andhetorethecurtainfromitsrodandflungitontheground。
Anexclamationofhorrorbrokefromthepainter’slipsashesawinthedimlightthehideousfaceonthecanvasgrinningathim。Therewassomethinginitsexpressionthatfilledhimwithdisgustandloathing。
Goodheavens！itwasDorianGray’sownfacethathewaslookingat！Thehorror，whateveritwas，hadnotyetentirelyspoiledthatmarvellousbeauty。
Therewasstillsomegoldinthethinninghairandsomescarletonthesensualmouth。Thesoddeneyeshadkeptsomethingofthelovelinessoftheirblue，thenoblecurveshadnotyetcompletelypassedawayfromchisellednostrilsandfromplasticthroat。Yes，itwasDorianhimself。Butwhohaddoneit？Heseemedtorecognizehisownbrushwork，andtheframewashisowndesign。Theideawasmonstrous，yethefeltafraid。Heseizedthelightedcandle，andheldittothepicture。Intheleft-handcornerwashisownname，tracedinlonglettersofbrightvermilion。
Itwassomefoulparody，someinfamousignoblesatire。Hehadneverdonethat。Still，itwashisownpicture。Heknewit，andhefeltasifhisbloodhadchangedinamomentfromfiretosluggishice。Hisownpicture！Whatdiditmean？Whyhaditaltered？HeturnedandlookedatDorianGraywiththeeyesofasickman。Hismouthtwitched，andhisparchedtongueseemedunabletoarticulate。Hepassedhishandacrosshisforehead。Itwasdankwithclammysweat。
Theyoungmanwasleaningagainstthemantelshelf，watchinghimwiththatstrangeexpressionthatoneseesonthefacesofthosewhoareabsorbedinaplaywhensomegreatartistisacting。Therewasneitherrealsorrowinitnorrealjoy。Therewassimplythepassionofthespectator，withperhapsaflickeroftriumphinhiseyes。Hehadtakenthefloweroutofhiscoat，andwassmellingit，orpretendingtodoso。
Whatdoesthismean？criedHallward，atlast。Hisownvoicesoundedshrillandcuriousinhisears。
Yearsago，whenIwasaboy，saidDorianGray，crushingtheflowerinhishand，youmetme，flatteredme，andtaughtmetobevainofmygoodlooks。Onedayyouintroducedmetoafriendofyours，whoexplainedtomethewonderofyouth，andyoufinishedaportraitofmethatrevealedtomethewonderofbeauty。Inamadmomentthat，evennow，Idon’tknowwhetherIregretornot，Imadeawish，perhapsyouwouldcallitaprayer……
Irememberit！Oh，howwellIrememberit！No！thethingisimpossible。
Theroomisdamp。Mildewhasgotintothecanvas。ThepaintsIusedhadsomewretchedmineralpoisoninthem。Itellyouthethingisimpossible。
Ah，whatisimpossible？murmuredtheyoungman，goingovertothewindowandleaninghisforeheadagainstthecold，mist-stainedglass。
Youtoldmeyouhaddestroyedit。
Iwaswrong。Ithasdestroyedme。
Idon’tbelieveitismypicture。
Can’tyouseeyouridealinit？saidDorianbitterly。
Myideal，asyoucallit……
Asyoucalledit。
Therewasnothingevilinit，nothingshameful。YouweretomesuchanidealasIshallnevermeetagain。Thisisthefaceofasatyr。
Itisthefaceofmysoul。
Christ！whatathingImusthaveworshipped！Ithastheeyesofadevil。
Eachofushasheavenandhellinhim，Basil，criedDorianwithawildgestureofdespair。
Hallwardturnedagaintotheportraitandgazedatit。MyGod！
Ifitistrue，heexclaimed，andthisiswhatyouhavedonewithyourlife，why，youmustbeworseeventhanthosewhotalkagainstyoufancyyoutobe！Heheldthelightupagaintothecanvasandexaminedit。Thesurfaceseemedtobequiteundisturbedandashehadleftit。Itwasfromwithin，apparently，thatthefoulnessandhorrorhadcome。Throughsomestrangequickeningofinnerlifetheleprosiesofsinwereslowlyeatingthethingaway。Therottingofacorpseinawaterygravewasnotsofearful。
Hishandshook，andthecandlefellfromitssocketonthefloorandlaytheresputtering。Heplacedhisfootonitandputitout。Thenheflunghimselfintothericketychairthatwasstandingbythetableandburiedhisfaceinhishands。
GoodGod，Dorian，whatalesson！Whatanawfullesson！Therewasnoanswer，buthecouldheartheyoungmansobbingatthewindow。Pray，Dorian，pray，hemurmured。Whatisitthatonewastaughttosayinone’sboyhood？’Leadusnotintotemptation。Forgiveusoursins。Washawayouriniquities。’Letussaythattogether。Theprayerofyourpridehasbeenanswered。Theprayerofyourrepentancewillbeansweredalso。Iworshippedyoutoomuch。Iampunishedforit。Youworshippedyourselftoomuch。Wearebothpunished。
DorianGrayturnedslowlyaroundandlookedathimwithtear-dimmedeyes。Itistoolate，Basil，hefaltered。
Itisnevertoolate，Dorian。Letuskneeldownandtryifwecannotrememberaprayer。Isn’tthereaversesomewhere，’Thoughyoursinsbeasscarlet，yetIwillmakethemaswhiteassnow’？
Thosewordsmeannothingtomenow。
Hush！Don’tsaythat。Youhavedoneenoughevilinyourlife。
MyGod！Don’tyouseethataccursedthingleeringatus？
DorianGrayglancedatthepicture，andsuddenlyanuncontrollablefeelingofhatredforBasilHallwardcameoverhim，asthoughithadbeensuggestedtohimbytheimageonthecanvas，whisperedintohisearbythosegrinninglips。Themadpassionsofahuntedanimalstirredwithinhim，andheloathedthemanwhowasseatedatthetable，morethaninhiswholelifehehadeverloathedanything。Heglancedwildlyaround。Somethingglimmeredonthetopofthepaintedchestthatfacedhim。Hiseyefellonit。Heknewwhatitwas。Itwasaknifethathehadbroughtup，somedaysbefore，tocutapieceofcord，andhadforgottentotakeawaywithhim。Hemovedslowlytowardsit，passingHallwardashedidso。Assoonashegotbehindhim，heseizeditandturnedround。Hallwardstirredinhischairasifhewasgoingtorise。Herushedathimanddugtheknifeintothegreatveinthatisbehindtheear，crushingtheman’sheaddownonthetableandstabbingagainandagain。
Therewasastifledgroanandthehorriblesoundofsomeonechokingwithblood。Threetimestheoutstretchedarmsshotupconvulsively，wavinggrotesque，stiff-fingeredhandsintheair。Hestabbedhimtwicemore，butthemandidnotmove。Somethingbegantotrickleonthefloor。Hewaitedforamoment，stillpressingtheheaddown。Thenhethrewtheknifeonthetable，andlistened。
Hecouldhearnothing，butthedrip，driponthethreadbarecarpet。
Heopenedthedoorandwentoutonthelanding。Thehousewasabsolutelyquiet。Noonewasabout。Forafewsecondshestoodbendingoverthebalustradeandpeeringdownintotheblackseethingwellofdarkness。Thenhetookoutthekeyandreturnedtotheroom，lockinghimselfinashedidso。
Thethingwasstillseatedinthechair，strainingoverthetablewithbowedhead，andhumpedback，andlongfantasticarms。Haditnotbeenfortheredjaggedtearintheneckandtheclottedblackpoolthatwasslowlywideningonthetable，onewouldhavesaidthatthemanwassimplyasleep。
Howquicklyithadallbeendone！Hefeltstrangelycalm，andwalkingovertothewindow，openeditandsteppedoutonthebalcony。Thewindhadblownthefogaway，andtheskywaslikeamonstrouspeacock’stail，starredwithmyriadsofgoldeneyes。Helookeddownandsawthepolicemangoinghisroundsandflashingthelongbeamofhislanternonthedoorsofthesilenthouses。Thecrimsonspotofaprowlinghansomgleamedatthecornerandthenvanished。Awomaninaflutteringshawlwascreepingslowlybytherailings，staggeringasshewent。Nowandthenshestoppedandpeeredback。Once，shebegantosinginahoarsevoice。Thepolicemanstrolledoverandsaidsomethingtoher。Shestumbledaway，laughing。A
bitterblastsweptacrossthesquare。Thegas-lampsflickeredandbecameblue，andtheleaflesstreesshooktheirblackironbranchestoandfro。
Heshiveredandwentback，closingthewindowbehindhim。
Havingreachedthedoor，heturnedthekeyandopenedit。Hedidnotevenglanceatthemurderedman。Hefeltthatthesecretofthewholethingwasnottorealizethesituation。Thefriendwhohadpaintedthefatalportraittowhichallhismiseryhadbeenduehadgoneoutofhislife。Thatwasenough。
Thenherememberedthelamp。ItwasarathercuriousoneofMoorishworkmanship，madeofdullsilverinlaidwitharabesquesofburnishedsteel，andstuddedwithcoarseturquoises。Perhapsitmightbemissedbyhisservant，andquestionswouldbeasked。Hehesitatedforamoment，thenheturnedbackandtookitfromthetable。Hecouldnothelpseeingthedeadthing。
Howstillitwas！Howhorriblywhitethelonghandslooked！Itwaslikeadreadfulwaximage。
Havinglockedthedoorbehindhim，hecreptquietlydownstairs。
Thewoodworkcreakedandseemedtocryoutasifinpain。Hestoppedseveraltimesandwaited。No：everythingwasstill。Itwasmerelythesoundofhisownfootsteps。
Whenhereachedthelibrary，hesawthebagandcoatinthecorner。
Theymustbehiddenawaysomewhere。Heunlockedasecretpressthatwasinthewainscoting，apressinwhichhekepthisowncuriousdisguises，andputthemintoit。Hecouldeasilyburnthemafterwards。Thenhepulledouthiswatch。Itwastwentyminutestotwo。
Hesatdownandbegantothink。Everyyear——everymonth，almost——
menwerestrangledinEnglandforwhathehaddone。Therehadbeenamadnessofmurderintheair。Someredstarhadcometooclosetotheearth……Andyet，whatevidencewasthereagainsthim？BasilHallwardhadleftthehouseateleven。Noonehadseenhimcomeinagain。MostoftheservantswereatSelbyRoyal。Hisvalethadgonetobed……Paris！Yes。ItwastoParisthatBasilhadgone，andbythemidnighttrain，ashehadintended。
Withhiscuriousreservedhabits，itwouldbemonthsbeforeanysuspicionswouldberoused。Months！Everythingcouldbedestroyedlongbeforethen。
Asuddenthoughtstruckhim。Heputonhisfurcoatandhatandwentoutintothehall。Therehepaused，hearingtheslowheavytreadofthepolicemanonthepavementoutsideandseeingtheflashofthebull’s-eyereflectedinthewindow。Hewaitedandheldhisbreath。
Afterafewmomentshedrewbackthelatchandslippedout，shuttingthedoorverygentlybehindhim。Thenhebeganringingthebell。Inaboutfiveminuteshisvaletappeared，half-dressedandlookingverydrowsy。
Iamsorrytohavehadtowakeyouup，Francis，hesaid，steppingin。butIhadforgottenmylatch-key。Whattimeisit？
Tenminutespasttwo，sir，answeredtheman，lookingattheclockandblinking。
Tenminutespasttwo？Howhorriblylate！Youmustwakemeatnineto-morrow。Ihavesomeworktodo。
Allright，sir。
Didanyonecallthisevening？
Mr。Hallward，sir。Hestayedheretilleleven，andthenbewentawaytocatchhistrain。
Oh！IamsorryIdidn’tseehim。Didheleaveanymessage？
No，sir，exceptthathewouldwritetoyoufromParis，ifhedidnotfindyouattheclub。
Thatwilldo，Francis。Don’tforgettocallmeatnineto-morrow。
No，sir。
Themanshambleddownthepassageinhisslippers。
DorianGraythrewhishatandcoatuponthetableandpassedintothelibrary。Foraquarterofanhourhewalkedupanddowntheroom，bitinghislipandthinking。ThenhetookdowntheBlueBookfromoneoftheshelvesandbegantoturnovertheleaves。AlanCampbell，152，HertfordStreet，Mayfair。Yes。thatwasthemanhewanted。
ThePictureofDorianGray：Chapter14Chapter14Atnineo’clockthenextmorninghisservantcameinwithacupofchocolateonatrayandopenedtheshutters。Dorianwassleepingquitepeacefully，lyingonhisrightside，withonehandunderneathhischeek。Helookedlikeaboywhohadbeentiredoutwithplay，orstudy。
Themanhadtotouchhimtwiceontheshoulderbeforehewoke，andasheopenedhiseyesafaintsmilepassedacrosshislips，asthoughhehadbeenlostinsomedelightfuldream。Yethehadnotdreamedatall。