List No. 060
THE STANDARD BEAU CATCHER
Author Unknown
Late 1800s
In 1890, a pamphlet by the name of The Standard Beau Catcher was published that acted as a flirtation guide for the discerning Victorian lady. In it could be found a number of lists, the majority of which revealed the hidden meanings behind various movements made by those holding gloves, fans, parasols and handkerchiefs – a secret code that seemingly failed to catch on. Also included was a brief guide to the ‘Language of Flowers’.
THE STANDARD
BEAU CATCHER.
— CONTAINS —
The Loving Heart; To one I Love;
Flirtation of the Handkerchief, Fan
Parasol, Glove; and Language
of Flowers
* The Loving Heart. *
“Let me whisper in your ear,
Noiseless as the falling dew,
Words I’d have YOU ONLY hear,
“Darling one, I love but you!”
I LOVE YOU!
DO YOU LOVE ME?
Lock these words within your heart,
That they never may be free;
Keep them wheresoe’er thou art,
And let me, dearest, hold the key,
GLOVE FLIRTATIONS.
Biting the tips — I wish to be rid of you.
Clenching them, rolled in right hand — No.
Drawing half way on left hand — Indifference.
Dropping both of them — I love you.
Dropping one of them — Yes.
Folding up carefully—Get rid of your company.
Holding with tips downward—I wish to be acquainted.
Holding loose in right hand—Be contented.
Holding loose in left hand—I am satisfied.
Left hand, naked thumb exposed—Do you love me?
Putting them away—I am vexed.
Right hand, naked thumb exposed—Kiss me.
Smoothing out gently—I wish I were with you.
Striking over the hand—I am displeased.
Striking over the shoulder—Follow me.
Tapping the chin—I love another.
Tossing them up gently—I am engaged.
Turning them inside out—I hate you.
Twirling around the fingers—Be careful, we are watched.
Using them as a fan—Introduce me your company.
PARASOL FLIRTATIONS.
Carrying it elevated in left hand,—Desiring acquaintance.
Carrying it elevated in right hand,—You are too willing.
Carrying it closed inleft hand,—Meet on the first crossing.
Carrying it closed in right hand by side,—Follow me.
Carrying it in front of you.—No more at present.
Carrying it over the right shoulder,—You can speak to me.
Carrying it over the left shoulder,—You are too cruel.
Closing it,—I wish to speak to you.
Dropping it.—I love you.
End of tip to lips,—Do you love me?
Folding it up,—Get rid of your company.
Letting it rest on right cheek,—Yes.
Letting it rest on left cheek.—No.
Striking it on the hand,—I am very much displeased.
Swinging by handle on left side,—I am engaged.
Swinging by handle on right side,—I am married.
Tapping on the chin gently,—I am in love with another.
Twirling it around,—Be careful, we are watched.
Using it as a fan.
Introduce me to your company.
With handle to lips,—Kiss me.
LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS.
Arbor Vitae,—Unchanging Friendship.
Apple Blossom,—My Preference.
Alyssum,—Worth above Beauty.
Aspen Tree,—Sorrow.
Blue Canterberry Bell,—Fidelity.
China Pink,—Hate.
Coreopsis,—Love at first sight.
Dead Leaves,—Heavy Heart.
Forget-me-not,—True Love.
Geranium,—Lost Hope.
Hazel,—Let us bury the Hatchet.
Hawthorne,—Hope.
Heliotrope,—You are Loved.
Ivy,—Friendship.
Lily of the Valley,—Happy again.
Linden Tree,—Marriage.
Marigold,—I’m Jealous.
Myrtle,—Unalloyed Affection.
Pansy,—Think of Me.
Pea,—Meet me by Moonlight.
Peach Blossom,—My heart is thine.
Phlox,—Our Souls are United.
Pink, red,—Woman’s Love.
Rose,—Perfect Beauty.
Rose Bud,—My Heart knows no Love.
Rose Geranium,—You are preferred.
Sweet William,—Let this be our last.
Tulip,—Declare your Love.
Wall Flower,—You will find me true.
Yellow Lily,—You are a Coquette.
FAN FLIRTATIONS.
Carrying in right hand—You are too willing.
Carrying in right hand, in front of face—Follow me.
Carrying in left hand—Desirous of an acquaintance.
Closing it—I wish to speak with you.
Drawing across the forehead—We are watched.
Drawing across the cheek—I love you.
Drawing across the eyes—I am sorry.
Drawing through the hand—I hate you.
Dropping—We will be friends.
Fanning fast—I am engaged.
Fanning slow—I am married.
Letting it rest on the right cheek—Yes.
Letting it rest on the left cheek—No.
Open and shut—You are cruel.
Open wide—Wait for me.
Shut—I have changed.
Placing on right ear—You have changed.
Twirling in left hand—I wish to get rid of you.
Twirling in right hand—I love another.
With handle to lips—Kiss me.
HANDKERCHIEF FLIRTATIONS.
Drawing across the lips—Desirous of an acquaintance.
Drawing across the eyes—I am sorry.
Taking it by the center—You are too willing.
Dropping—We will be friends.
Twirling in both hands—Indifference.
Drawing across the cheek—I love you.
Drawing though the hands—I hate you.
Letting it rest on the right cheek—Yes.
Letting it rest on the left cheek—No.
Twisting in the left hand—I wish to be rid of you.
Twisting in the right hand—I love anothe,
Folding it—I wish to speak with you.
Over the shoulder—Follow me.
Opposite corners in both hands—Wait for me.
Drawing across the forehead—We are watched.
Placing on right ear—You have changed.
Letting it remain on the eyes—You are cruel.
Winding around the fore-finger—I am engaged.
Winding around the third finger—I am married.
Putting in the pocket—No more at present.
To One I Love
“I HAVE loved thee long and well,
Yet never dared my love to tell ;—
Hear it now in language plain,
Let me cease to sigh in vain,
I love thee !
Oh! when next we meet, my heart,
In joy or woe, will take its part ;
I’ll seek thine eyes, and I’ll see there,
If I may hope, or in despair
Must love thee !”
Your Lover
