contemporary abstract painting

'Then you will degenerate still more, sir.'
'Possibly: yet why should I, if I can get sweet, fresh pleasure?
And I may get it as sweet and fresh as the wild honey the bee
gathers on the moor.'
'It will sting- it will taste bitter, sir.'
'How do you know?- you never tried it. How very serious- how very
solemn you look: and you are as ignorant of the matter as this cameo
head' (taking one from the mantelpiece). 'You have no right to
preach to me, you neophyte, that have not passed the porch of life,
and are absolutely unacquainted with its mysteries.'
'I only remind you of your own words, sir: you said error brought
remorse, and you pronounced remorse the poison of existence.'
'And who talks of error now? I scarcely think the notion that
flittered across my brain was an error. I believe it was an
inspiration rather than a temptation: it was very genial, very
soothing- I know that. Here it comes again! It is no devil, I assure
you; or if it be, it has put on the robes of an angel of light. I
think I must admit so fair a guest when it asks entrance to my heart.'