I caught the end of a movie version of Oscar Wilde's An Ideal Husband starring Rupert Everett, Cate Blanchett, Julianne Moore, and Minnie Driver. It was quite wonderful, this exchange in particular:
LORD GORING
Mmm, my dear Mrs. Cheveley.
MRS CHEVELEY
My dear Lord Goring.
LORD GORING
Now I'm going to give you some good advice.
MRS CHEVELEY
Pray don't. One should never give a woman anything she can't wear in the evening.
LORD GORING
I'm sorry, but I don't seem to be able to stop myself. Now, I'm going to tell you that love, about which I admit I know so little, love cannot be bought, it can only be given. And I sense it is not in my power to give to you, nor is it in yours, I suspect, at all.
MRS CHEVELEY
Dear boy, you underestimate us both.
LORD GORING
To give and not to expect return. Hmm? That is what lies at the heart of love. I fear, though, the notion is a stranger to us both. And yet, if we're honest, it is something we both long for. Something that it takes great courage to do. Yes. That is our dark secret. Your coming here tonight is the first whisper of it. And for that I admire you. Give me the letter. Prove your affections to me and give me the letter.
MRS CHEVELEY
And surrender my position of power?
LORD GORING
The future of a great man is in your hands, Mrs. Cheveley. Crush him and your power dies with him. That's worth of any feeling I've ever had for you. If you ever loved me.
MRS CHEVELEY
I did love you.
LORD GORING
I know. I know.
MRS CHEVELEY
Not that much.
Isn't that just fabulous? Now I have to watch the whole thing - I already reread it. Wilde is eminently quotable, I love it!
