Look Well To Each Step

Albina Romanova: Carolan 's Dream

Still, the last sad memory
hovers round, and sometimes
drifts across like floating mist,
cutting off sunshine and
chilling the remembrance
of happier times.
There have been joys too great
to be described in words,
and there have been griefs
upon which I have not
dared to dwell;
and with these in mind I say:
Climb if you will,
but remember that
courage and strength
are nought without prudence,
and that a momentary
negligence may destroy
the happiness of a lifetime.
Do nothing in haste; look well to each step;
and from the beginning think what may be the end.
--Edward Whymper
Scrambles Amongst the Alps