In face of Oscar's record Sir Ruggles Brise did not think that the sentence would be easily lessened.

I was thunder-struck.

But then no rules to me are sacrosanct; indeed, they are only tolerable because of the exceptions.

I had such a high opinion of Ruggles Brise--his kindness and sense of fair play--that I ventured to show him my whole mind on the matter.
"Oscar Wilde," I said to him, "is just about to face life again: he is more than half reconciled to his wife; he has begun a book, is shouldering the burden.

A little encouragement now and I believe he will do better things than he has ever done.