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Oats. — ‘ The witching Charm of Music' 
The only idea that presents itself upon which to found an hypothe¬ 
sis rendering Oats symbolical of the effect of music, is found in the 
mythological fable of King Midas and the reeds. The wind sighing 
amidst its tall Stems, breathes rich melodies to enchant the ear, 
and, in broken murmurs, tells the secrets of Nature to the soul. 
I have thought, as I gazed on thee, beautiful maid, 
That Earth never boasted a being so fair, 
And fancied some seraph from Heaven had strayed, 
Just to teach us what fair things are dwelling up 
there. 
And, oh, I have thought, as thy voice I have heard, 
What music the tones of young seraphs impart, 
And have listened entranced to each half-murmured 
word, 
Which like wind over oats, swept the chords of 
my heart. 
