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ORACLE. 
The dandelion flower is used for Love’s 
oracle, If you are separated from the object 
of your affection, gently detach one of these 
transparent spheres,—each little feather that 
composes it is charged with a tender thought. 
Turn towards the spot inhabited by your be- 
loved: blow softly, and every little winged 
traveller, like a faithful messenger, shall bear 
your secret homage to her feet. If desirous of 
knowing whether the object so dear thinks of 
you now you are absent, blow again, and if 
there remain one tuft, it is a sign you are not 
forgotten. But the second charm should be 
done with care; blow very gently ; for at any 
age, even at that age which is most congenial 
to love, it is not well for our peace that we 
should too rudely disperse the pleasing illusions 
which embellish life. 
Miss Landon wrote some very beautiful lines 
on seeing an illustration of the garden scene in 
Goethe’s Faust, where Margaret plucks a star- 
like flower to divine the real sentiments of her 
lover. They are called “The Decision of the 
Flower.” 
And with scarlet poppies around, like a bower, 
The maiden found her mystic flower ; 
** Now, gentle flower, I pray thee tell 
If my lover loves me, and loves me well f 
So may the fall of the morning dew 
Keep the sun from fading thy tender blue. 
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