The picture of Dorian Gray - The Friend (First Part)
Dorian began to understand things about himself that he had never understood before. Why had he never seen himself so clearly, he wondered? Lord Henry watched Dorian, and smiled. He knew when to speak and when to be silent. He felt very interested in this young man, with his wonderful face. Later they walked in the garden together, while Basil worked at the portrait.
The rich scent of the flowers was all around them. Dorian looked at the older man and wondered about him. He was tall, with a thin dark face and cool white hands. Dorian liked him, but why did he feel a little afraid of him? ‘You must come out of the sun, Mr. Gray,’ said Lord Henry. ‘A brown skin isn’t fashionable and it won’t suit you.’ ‘Oh, it doesn’t matter,’ laughed Dorian. ‘But it should matter to you, Mr. Gray.’ ‘Why?’ asked Dorian. ‘Because you’re young, and being young is wonderful. Ah, you smile. You don’t think so now, but one day you’ll understand what I mean – when you’re old and tired, and no longer beautiful. You have a wonderfully beautiful face, Mr. Gray. It’s true. Don’t shake your head at me. And there’s nothing more important, more valuable than beauty. When your youth goes, your beauty will go with it. Then you’ll suddenly discover that your life is empty – there will be nothing to hope for. Time is your enemy, Mr. Gray. It will steal everything from you. People are afraid of themselves today. Afraid to live. But you, with your face and your youth, there’s nothing that you cannot do. You must live! Live the wonderful life that is in you! We can never be young again. Youth! Ah, there is nothing in the world as important as youth!’
