What is it that one was taught to say in one’s boyhood "Lead us not into temptation. Forgive us our sins. Wash away our iniquities." Let us say that together. The prayer of your pride has been answered. The prayer of your repentance will be answered also. I worshipped you too much. I am punished for it. You worshipped yourself too much. We are both punished.
– Oscar Wilde
The Picture of Dorian Gray, Chapter 13. Basil Hallward is an idealist and good man living in a bad world, who believes in the essential goodness of people. He refuses to see that Dorian is a bad person and urges him to pray for forgiveness. He thinks repentence can wash away all of Dorian’s sins and the corruption caused by his pride and self-worship.