Tag: Virtual Reality

Echoes of Beauty

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Echoes of Beauty

Have you ever noticed that talking to someone else often helps you clarify your own thoughts?  In chatting with a new blogger for our team (in addition to being a blogger, I also blogger-manage), I really came to a better understanding of my personal preferences, what to me makes a great blogging photo.  I specify “blogging photo” because a lot of fabulous pix are awesome but not good for blogging because you can’t clearly see the item that is being promoted (and let’s face it, that’s what blogging is, it’s advertising and promotion, not just photography).  So although I fave and accept plenty of straight fashion pix because they’re good at showing the design, they don’t reach the level of “great” for ME.   What does it take to reach the level for me, where I sit and study the photo, trying to learn from what someone else did? It’s a sense of artistry, of story-telling, of making the outfit (or decor or whatever) fit the scene, the lighting, the mood…  although some shots actually demand facing or looking straight at the camera with a challenging or sultry attitude, I tend to prefer more natural, candid-seeming caught-in-the-moment shots.  All the details of putting together a look of course come first, but then what you do with that is what makes all the difference.  It’s not easy; I know, I struggle with it in every shot.  Some reach my personal goals, many many fall short, but in my own mind, I’m still only in the advanced beginner stage, and I’m actively trying to learn how to do more.  Thoughts, suggestions, constructive critique is ALWAYS welcome…  And there goes my last preachiness for the month (hopefully, anyway)!!!!  Happy shopping!!!!

  • Gown:  La Feminique – Fleur.  Stunningly feminine, this sleek sequin gown stands out with elegance!  I just love the way the “straps” are done in the front, adds so much interest & kicks the style a notch or two above.  Sized for Belleza, Slink, Maitreya & TMP,  Fleur is available in red or white (worn).  There is no store; this gown is EXCLUSIVELY available at the February Swank Event, Feb 7th – 28th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Lorena
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_RESISTANCE
  • Makeup:  Cazimi – Dusk EvoX Lipstick
  • Nails:  e.marie – Mix & Match Coffin, Merry & Bright Red
  • Jewelry:  Moondance Boutique – Reign Crown Jewels Bracelet & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:   Nantra – Who Are You Wearing
  • Location:  Backdrop City

Fae, Daughter of Athena

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Fae, Daughter of Athena

As a fae-elven mix, my gods have always been those of the natural world and of my peoples (and yes, that is a plural due to the duality of my nature).  As I wander through other civilizations though, I’ve often wondered how I would choose which gods (or goddesses) would hold the keys to my heart.  Would it be the wisdom of Athena, the beauty of Aphrodite, or Artemis, the mistress of wild animals?  But as a visitor, I do not have to choose.  I find myself drawn to different elements in several, and depending on the situation, my mood, and so much more, I definitely experience momentary favorites.  What I do know is that there is definitely a very simple beauty to the Greek pantheon, where you know exactly to whom you should direct your prayers, depending on the needs of your heart.  Which does raise a question… who is the goddess of shopping?  I think I’ll go with wisdom, because there are so many wonderful creations available, I need to choose wisely!!!!   May the goddess guide your choices as well…

  • Gown:  Poet’s Heart – Ianthe.  A classic beauty of a gown, with a simple one shoulder strap cascading into a drape on the back, Greek “pattern” along the bottom hem, & double metallic Greek patterning at the hips & just above the waist.  Ianthe comes in four color packs or a fatpack of all 24 colors plus black & white.  Each color pack has a HUD to customize not just color, but also whether you want it as a gradient or solid!  She is sized only for Maitreya & Petite, though since she comes with an alpha she fit my Legacy body perfectly (with no deformers).   A small plus is that Poet’s Heart always supplies TWO alphas, one with & one without feet, the latter being especially useful since fantasy footwear can be so difficult to source, especially for Legacy.  EXCLUSIVELY at Enchantment, with the theme of the Iliad & the Odyssey, open Feb 12th – 28th.  Demo available.
  • Skin:  Loa – Vita.  BOM Skin for Lelutka EVO X heads. Available in 7 skintones, each pack including 4 versions of the skin (browless & freckled among them), HD ears, 3 blushes, & shape+browfixer for Avalon.  I’m wearing Opal with no brows, together with the matching body skin which comes with 4 “textures” (shine, soft, matte, flat chest) plus no nipple & stretch mark add-ons, but I’m using my own shape & a different Loa browfixer since I wear a different head. Featured as a closeup in my last post, which you can see HERE.  Demos available.  EXCLUSIVELY available at Enchantment, with the theme of the Iliad & the Odyssey, open Feb 12th – 28th.  
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Eyes:  OJAYO – Yoshi Eyes
  • Eyebrows:  Nuve – Nadia Tintable Eyebrows for EvoX
  • Makeup:  Loa – Nashwa Eyeshadows; POUT – POP! Liners
  • Hair:  A&A – Leeanne
  • Horns: Venge – Celest
  • Wreath:  SCHOEN – Empress Laurel.  EXCLUSIVELY available at The Narrative Event, open Feb 1st – 20th.
  • Wings:  –FAS– Bento Faery Wings
  • Jewelry:  Swallow – Earrings E05 for EvoX; ANTAYA – Bracelets Adonia (Hunt Gift at Enchantment); HOF – Kashmire Pendant Necklace
  • Props:  torment – barbatos harp & bow
  • Building:  OLD TREASURES – Athena temple, EXCLUSIVELY available at Enchantment
  • Location:  Enchantment

Fae Lost in Thought

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Fae Lost in Thought

The ancient Greeks had a very definite idea of what constituted classic beauty, that in many ways has remained timeless.  Since my lifespan as a fae is so much longer than that of mere humans, I have lived through medieval times and classic antiquity.  I have been surprised by how enduring that Greek vision has been, not just in terms of personal looks, but in architecture and so much more.  The age of The Iliad and The Odyssey is celebrated and is on display that the current round of the Enchantment Event, featuring many exceptional exclusives plus a hunt!  It’s definitely a do not miss event!!!!  The link for all the details is HERE.  And don’t forget that more general fantasy & roleplay items are still at The Narrative Event… so much fantasy shopping, such amazing fun!!! What’s a fae to do?  Well, shop of course!  May your day be blessed by the gods!!!

  • Skin:  Loa – Vita.  BOM Skin for Lelutka EVO X heads. available in 7 skintones, each pack including 4 versions of the skin (browless & freckled among them), HD ears, 3 blushes, & shape+browfixer for Avalon .  I’m wearing Opal with no brows, together with the matching body skin which comes with 4 “textures” (shine, soft, matte, flat chest) plus no nipple & stretch mark add-ons, but I’m using my own shape & a different Loa browfixer since I wear a different head (see below for how she looks on Avalon).  She’s still a classic beauty!  Demos available.  EXCLUSIVELY available at Enchantment, with the theme of the Iliad & the Odyssey, open Feb 12th – 28th.  
  • Wreath:  SCHOEN – Empress Laurel. What self-respecting Greek beauty would fail to wear her laurel wreath? This stunning interpretation is stretchable &  includes a texture HUD with 10 metals plus 20 colors for both the teardrop gems & the round gems so it can be worn with just about any hair, any outfit. EXCLUSIVELY available at The Narrative Event, open Feb 1st – 20th.
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Eyes:  OJAYO – Yoshi Eyes
  • Eyebrows:  Nuve – Nadia Tintable Eyebrows for EvoX
  • Hair:  A&A – Leeanne
  • Horns: Venge – Celest
  • Wings:  –FAS– Bento Faery Wings
  • Jewelry:  Swallow – Earrings E05 for EvoX; ANTAYA – Bracelets Adonia (Hunt Gift at Enchantment); HOF – Kashmire Pendant Necklace

Hot Dress, Cold Beer

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Shades of Pink

I’m not a big fan of Valentine’s Day.  When you’re not in a relationship, I remember it sometimes being excruciatingly lonely; when you’re in a new relationship, I recall it being a somewhat giddy experience, full of high hopes & too often dashed expectations; when you’re in a solid, long-term relationship, well, it’s just another day.  Still nice to acknowledge and be acknowledged, but beyond that, well, it truly is a marketer’s dream.  So I’m not one to make a lot of Valentine’s posts, full of hearts and flowers… but I WILL wear my heart on my sleeve (and everywhere else), look tempting, and have a quiet little toast to love… Happy Valentine’s Day, and happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Hawkers House – Candice Sweater Dress Hearts.  Love the shape of this sweater dress!  So effortlessly sexy! Sized for TMP (Legacy), Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Tonic & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY available at the February round of the Swank Event, Feb 7th – 28th.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Lorena
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  Doux – Kiara
  • Eyes:  ARTE – Green Eyes
  • Makeup:  Sugarose – LYA Lipstick & Eyeshadow
  • Nails:  StunnerOriginals – Bento Nails Mesh Ballerina
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Parisienne Love Heart Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Clix – Cold One

Planning My Next Move

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Planning My Next Move

Not all battles are fought with weapons. In fact, to me, the more challenging and definitely the more enjoyable battles are ones of wit and strategy.  In fact, all the dexterity and expertise with a weapon can only take you so far without the strategic intelligence to guide you, especially when your goal is not domination but defense. Or perhaps that’s just defensive posturing for why this fae loves games and puzzles so much.  In fact when I’m not working on a blog (shopping, putting a look together, scouting locations, doing the actual shoot, editing, and so on), I often find myself perched on the edge of my chair, playing cards inworld (Skippo is my current passion lol).  IRL, other games take over.  But it all has one thing in common… challenging the brain, learning the skills, exercising creativity in order to claim victory!  Sadly, chess has never come easily to me, but I do love those giant chessboards!  Now let me think about my next move….

  • Gown:  Viki – Catelyn.  This style dress is such a welcome addition to my fae closet! Among all the beautifully styled gowns & armor & silks & hunter’s garb, it’s important to have some more simple “week-end wear”.  But it’s not just the styling that makes my wings beat faster, it’s the textures! So detailed, so touchable! Sized for Legacy, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya, Danana is available in 9 colors or as a fatpack.  100% Original & Material Enabled, she is EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE for 25% OFF at the February round of The Narrative Event, February 1st – 28th. Demo available.
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Nuve – Emily in Pale
  • Eyes:  Gloom – Artemis Collection
  • Hair:  Doe – Vee
  • Horns:  Petrichor – Trinket Horns
  • Makeup:  Venge – Ear Blushing EvoX; Loa – Nashwa Eyeshadows
  • Beauty Mark:  Unholy – Beauty Mark BOM for EvoX
  • Wings:  –FAS– Bento Faery Wings
  • Pose:  Astalianda – Aquarius (adjusted)
  • Location:  The Looking Glass

May My Weapon Serve Me Well

Posted on by cejalaval

http://May My Weapon Serve Me Well in the Coming Battle

I’m lucky.  It seems that I’ve been training and fighting ever since I can remember.  As an outsider, defensive skills were necessary if I was to survive, especially after the clan that took me in was defeated in battle while I was away on a hunting trip.  I don’t enjoy battle however.  I know that there are those glory in it; maybe it’s my fae instincts, but I see it as the very last resort, one that is sadly necessary all too often.  I recognize this this is the reason why I tend to take the role of guardian, because although I am tentative in attack, I will give my all in defense of the people, places, & things that I value.  But things happen, and I often am left relying on my own resources to successfully do my job of protect and defend.  My sensitivity to the world around me helps alert me when there is need; but if that need should arise, then it is my weapon and my skill wielding it that is the deciding factor in every battle.  This is why before every shift I watch, every patrol I take, any time I actively don my role, I give my thanks to the weapon and to those who have taught me the skills to protect the fantasy life I love. May my weapon serve me well in the coming battle!

  • Makeup:  Loa – Ninsar Warpaint.  In 4 warpaint colors (Blue, Gold, Green, & Red) with 22 different tattoo layers to mix & match — the “X”, cheek dots, chin, eye shadow, eyebrows, forehead stripe, lip brush, temple stripes, neck, & full version that adds it all in one layer (I’m wearing the full version).  Exclusively for Lelutka EVO X heads. Demo available. 
  • Eyes:  Loa – Ninsar Eyes.  Fatpack includes 4 fantasy colors (see below) with Lelutka EVO appliers, omega, mesh eyes & BOM. 
  • Skin:  Loa – Clara.  BOM Skin for Lelutka EVO X heads. 4 versions of the skin including browless & freckled option, HD ear texture, 3 blushes, shape + browfixer for Gaia (I’m using my own shape).  Available in 11 tones — I’m wearing Porcelain, together with the matching body skin which comes with 4 “textures” (shine, soft, matte, flat chest) plus no nipple & stretch mark add-ons.  Demos available. Skin featured in a previous post using the provided shape, which you can see HERE. 
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_RUST 
  • Horns:  LOGO – Hellion Horns
  • Tattoo:  Venge – Ear Blushing EvoX
  • Pose:  ART Animations – Descendent of Messalina
  • Location:  Little Moon

A Flight of Fancy

Posted on by cejalaval

http://A Flight of Fancy

http://Fae in Portrait

I know, I know, I’m breaking one of the cardinal rules of this blog… I’m doing what we have dubbed “a double post,” or a single blog post that features two distinct photos.  They’re just both so necessary to the story… the romantic fantasy of this stunning gown combined with the dramatic fantasy of my face, a true flight of fancy demanding both the full shot AND the closeup. In this situation, you just can’t have one without the other.  So why choose? That’s the freedom of being a fae and, let’s face it, of having your own blog lol! You not only get to make the rules, you also get to break them whenever you see fit!  Let’s see where else my flight of fancy takes me… you just never know what wondrous finds await just beyond the horizon!!!! Sprinkles a little fairy dust for all, flutters my wings, and I’m off!

  • Gown:  Poet’s Heart – Shaza.   Shaza comes in four color packs or a fatpack of all 20 colors.  Each color pack has a HUD to customize the skirt (not just color, but gradient or solid!), top, & sash so you can change up the look as much as you’d like.  She is sized only for Maitreya & Hourglass, though since she comes with an alpha I have to say that she fits Legacy perfectly on me (with no deformers); in fact a small detail that I love is that Poet’s Heart always supplies TWO alphas, one with & one without feet, the latter being especially useful since fantasy footwear can be difficult to source.  Shaza was originally created for the Holiday Hunt during Christmas & New Year’s, but is now available at the main store for a regular price. Demo available. 
  • Tattoo:  Aerth – Seer Face + Neck Tattoos. NEW!  A set of absolutely fabulous face tattoos with matching neck fades.  BOM layers, for SLUV & EVOX, in a fatpack of 13 different colors (I’m wearing Klothein).  See both the closeup above & the ad below.  EXCLUSIVELY available at The Narrative Event, the fantasy event that opens today at noon on February 1st! Demo available.
  • Wings:  –FAS– Bento Faery Wings.  These have been my favorite wings for a little while now, & I’m just so excited to see that they are now featured at The Narrative Event, starting today February 1st!  They’re 100% mesh, bento rigged, materials enabled, with their own special AO.  If you take lots of photos like me, you’ll love the ability to pause that AO when the wings are in whatever position you prefer, rather than sitting there trying to catch the shot when just everything is exactly the way you want it. Includes a texture HUD with 24 options. Demo available.
  • Horns:  Petrichor – Uletia Horns.  Originally developed as a minigacha, these modifiable unisex horns are available with 15 different color HUDs, each of which offers 10 horn textures plus so many options I couldn’t even count them! The “blooms” can be visible or hidden, too! See the detail in the closeup above.
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Glam Affair – Snow Skin
  • Eyes:  Samia – Carla
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Lilium
  • Beauty Mark:  Unholy – Beauty Mark BOM for EvoX
  • Jewelry:  Swallow – Earrings E05 for EvoX; VENGE – Selene Crystal Circlet (not used in closeup)
  • Aura:  Just Tony – Light Magic Aura
  • Pose:  STUN Poses – Fay #5
  • Location:  Paradiso – Divina Commedia

 

 

Prepare for Romance at the Secret Sale

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Prepare for Romance at the Secret Sale

It’s no secret… Valentine’s Day is on its way.  But what better way to prepare for that or for any romantic occasion than by creating a special love nook? Even better is this chance to create it at incredible sale prices!  All these items are available on a very special sale, THIS WEEKEND ONLY, through the Secret Sale, January 29th – 31st.  Your romance may last… but this sale definitely will not!

Dreamland Designs:   

  • Sweet Love Rug with Pillows  —  Materials enabled, this snuggly little rug with three stacks of pillows boasts bento animations for singles, friends, & cuddles.  Available in PG & Adult versions for just 99L at the Secret Sale.
  • Lazy Love Bean Bag — Shown on front left, such cozy seating! Includes animations for singles & couples.  Available in PG & Adult versions at the Secret Sale price of just 50L.
  • Romantic Lovers Tray — Front & center, this tray of goodies is perfect for Valentine’s or any romantic occasion. The bottle gives a glass of champagne on touch. Copy/mod. Secret Sale price of just 50L.

Tylar’s Treasures:   

  • Smitten Fireplace – I am smitten with this fireplace! It’s not too simple; it’s not too ornate.  The roaring fireplace clicks on/off; includes optional props via menu (the two candelabra & the picture frame, ready for you to add your own photo just by drag & drop).  And would you believe the whole thing is only a land impact of 5 (2 for the fireplace + 3 for the props)!?! And would you believe a Secret Sale price of just 50L?
  • Smitten Photo Ladder – Shown on the far right, this ladder is a fantastic way to add even more of a totally personal touch to your decor with a column of 4 frames for showcasing your own photos.  Includes a 4 color texture change menu for the bows.  Also at the Secret Sale price of 50L.

En Garde!

Posted on by cejalaval

http://En Garde!

It’s rare that someone asks, but I notice the looks when I stroll into a strange sim.  As a child of what was at the time a somewhat shocking union between elf and fae, you’d think I’d be used to the subtlety of raised eyebrows and the directness of outright stares.  But in these more modern days, it’s my warrior attire and attitude that seems to draw the more immediate reaction.  It’s sad that even today most people seem to prefer their fantasy folk in either dreamy silks that show a lot of skin or more formal medieval wear that covers it all up (both of which I love to wear on the right occasions)…  warrior garb is still cause for those ongoing second looks.  Sometimes I can even hear the unspoken thoughts about whether I’m just dressing the part or if I have the skill to wield my weapons with expertise.  And believe me, I understand those doubts. Even today, it isn’t easy for a female to become a warrior.  And growing up as an outsider, not really belonging to any one clan, I was included in the basic training given to all so that I could help defend when necessary.  But true warrior training was denied me, so it was something I had to develop the hard way (not that there IS an easy way!), watching, teaching myself, training independently for hours and hours, learning from anyone willing to teach me, whether it be as a lesson to warn me off or to truly help me hone my skills.  So yes, I understand those looks, but mixed in with the hostility and the indifference I am also beginning to note some looks of admiration when a practiced eye notes the ease with which I both carry and wield my weapons, how they are truly extensions of my body.  So as I continue to hone my skills, I’m also learning to hold my head up just a little bit higher, to meet those doubting eyes with confidence and ease, ready to defend.  En garde!

  • Outfit:  Jangka – Clary.  100% original mesh, & sized only for Maitreya & Legacy, the Clary basic outfit (tunic, leggings, leather corset, shoulder “armor”) comes in 6 individual colors; both the matching Clary boots & the matching armbands are each available in your choice of black or brown.  A matching black choker completes the Clary look! Originally developed for last month’s We Love Role Play, this fabulous outfit is now at the mainstore!  Demo available. 
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Glam Affair – Snow Skin
  • Eyes:  OJAYO – Yoshi Eyes, Pack 2
  • Hair:  monso – Jinx
  • Horns:  Rainbow Sundae – Aylin Horns
  • Makeup:  Venge – Ear Blushing EvoX; Rubedo – Ava EvoX
  • Beauty Mark:  Unholy – Beauty Mark BOM for EvoX
  • Wings:  –FAS– Bento Faery Wings
  • Pose:  Repose – Pack F Blade
  • Location:  Elvion

Beauty is Truth (Ode on a Grecian Urn)

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Beauty is Truth (Ode on a Grecian Urn)

It’s kind of funny, kind of sad, but the thing I struggle with most in blogging is coming up with a title for the pix.  There are times I really understand why some bloggers just choose to call all their pix “Look XYZ”; personally, I don’t want to take that much of a short cut, but wow, there are times my mind just goes on and on in a stutter, and others — like this one — where it gets stuck on something that may not even make sense but I’m just helpless to move on without losing a great deal of time.  And with more minor surgery scheduled for tomorrow morning, that is just something I can’t afford to do.  So I apologize if this one is a bit of a stretch… I mean, there’s not an urn in sight, but I feel that it’s just out of range, and the sense of a Greek goddess just remains strong with me (I thought about punning something about Green Goddess Dressing, but even I couldn’t go there lol).  So we’ll just stay with Keats; a bit heavy perhaps for a Monday morning, but that is where I’ve been stuck, so that is where I will stay.  Happy shopping!

  • Gown:  FlowerDreams – Tanya Gown in Cats Eye.   More sophisticated glamour from what I consider to be one of the best gown designers on the grid! To me, this gown evokes a Grecian goddess, with the one shoulder artfully pleated on the diagonal across the chest in a lighter tone, then draping off in the back to the ground with a simply gorgeous blend of additional tones.  There’s also an optional extra floaty train, if desired (not used in this shot). Elegance, sophistication, simplicity… to me it adds up to classic beauty.  Available in 13 colors or as a fatpack.  Sized for Legacy, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I & Maitreya, Tanya is  EXCLUSIVELY at the January Swank Event, Jan 7th – 31st.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Lorena
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  Analog Dog – Evolve
  • Eyes:  ARTE – Green Eyes
  • Makeup:  Cazimi – Dusk EvoX Lipstick
  • Jewelry:  Moondance Boutique – Reign Crown Jewels Bracelet & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Nails:  Stunner Originals – Bento Nails Mesh Ballerina Long
  • Pose:  STUN Poses – Bianca
  • Location:  Poison Rouge

ODE ON A GRECIAN URN by John Keats

Thou still unravish’d bride of quietness,
       Thou foster-child of silence and slow time,
Sylvan historian, who canst thus express
       A flowery tale more sweetly than our rhyme:
What leaf-fring’d legend haunts about thy shape
       Of deities or mortals, or of both,
               In Tempe or the dales of Arcady?
       What men or gods are these? What maidens loth?
What mad pursuit? What struggle to escape?
               What pipes and timbrels? What wild ecstasy?
Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard
       Are sweeter; therefore, ye soft pipes, play on;
Not to the sensual ear, but, more endear’d,
       Pipe to the spirit ditties of no tone:
Fair youth, beneath the trees, thou canst not leave
       Thy song, nor ever can those trees be bare;
               Bold Lover, never, never canst thou kiss,
Though winning near the goal yet, do not grieve;
       She cannot fade, though thou hast not thy bliss,
               For ever wilt thou love, and she be fair!
Ah, happy, happy boughs! that cannot shed
         Your leaves, nor ever bid the Spring adieu;
And, happy melodist, unwearied,
         For ever piping songs for ever new;
More happy love! more happy, happy love!
         For ever warm and still to be enjoy’d,
                For ever panting, and for ever young;
All breathing human passion far above,
         That leaves a heart high-sorrowful and cloy’d,
                A burning forehead, and a parching tongue.
Who are these coming to the sacrifice?
         To what green altar, O mysterious priest,
Lead’st thou that heifer lowing at the skies,
         And all her silken flanks with garlands drest?
What little town by river or sea shore,
         Or mountain-built with peaceful citadel,
                Is emptied of this folk, this pious morn?
And, little town, thy streets for evermore
         Will silent be; and not a soul to tell
                Why thou art desolate, can e’er return.
O Attic shape! Fair attitude! with brede
         Of marble men and maidens overwrought,
With forest branches and the trodden weed;
         Thou, silent form, dost tease us out of thought
As doth eternity: Cold Pastoral!
         When old age shall this generation waste,
                Thou shalt remain, in midst of other woe
Than ours, a friend to man, to whom thou say’st,
         “Beauty is truth, truth beauty,—that is all
                Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.”