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LONDON, ENG., April 30. -- In Old Bailey to-day Oscar Wilde testified in his own behalf. In poetic language he denied the charges against him. During his argument for the defense Sir Edward Clarke appealed to the jury not to convict Wilde unless the evidence against him was overwhelming, and asked the jury to liberate from a terrible position "one of the most renowned, accomplished men of letters."

LONDON, April 30. - The Old Bailey was less crowded today than heretofore when the court was opened for what was expected to be the last day of the trial of Oscar Wilde and Alfred Taylor on a charge of serious misdemeanor, etc.

Counsel for the crown withdrew the charge of conspiracy against Wilde, saying that he desired to avoid any difficulty in placing the prisoners in the witness-stand.

Sir Edward Clarke, counsel for the accused, demanded a verdict of not guilty on this count, but the Judge refused to allow it.

Sir Edward Clarke, in opening the speech for the defense, denounced the conduct of a large section of the press, saying it prejudiced the case of his client and imperiled the interests of justice.

Wilde was then placed upon the stand and absolutely denied that there was a word of truth in the charges of indecency brought against him. He answered the questions of Sir Edward Clarke in subdued tones.

During the examination of the prisoner by his counsel it was apparent that many of Wilde's friends were present.

Sir Edward Clarke claimed that Wilde was a martyr and had accepted the verdict of not guilty in the Queensberry case only because it was evident that it could not be properly tried then. But it could now be determined on a proper issue, according to counsel.

When Wilde was placed in the dock it was evident that he seemed to have lost all of the swagger which so disgusted all who witnessed it during the former trial.

C. F. Gill, on behalf of the prosecution, began a cross-examination on the same lines as that of Edward M. Carson, Q. C., who defended the Marquis of Queensberry against the charge of libel. He quoted from a sonnet to Lord Alfred Douglas, in which occured the line: "I am that love, but dare not speak its name." Gill asked what was the nature of the love represented in that poem.

Wilde, with marked deliberation and emphasis, answered: "It is the love not understood in this century. It is the love of David for Jonathan. A deep spiritual affection, as pure as it is perfect. It is something this age does not understand. It mocks at it, and sometimes puts one into a pillory."

As Wilde finished his answer there were loud cheers from the gallery, which called forth a rebuke from the Judge who threatened to eject those who took part in the demonstration.

After a short cross-examination, during which Wilde denied everything, Charles Parker was examined and cross-examined.

Sir Edward Clarke in conclusion to the jury contended that there was no real evidence against Wilde except that of blackmailers, whose testimony should be utterly discredited. Counsel then appealed to the jury not to convict his client, unless the evidence against him was overwhelming, and asked the jury to liberate from a terrible position "one of the most renowned and accomplished men of letters."