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Page 101:-
returning to the place we had left, we crossed the stream,
and commenced a steep ascent at the foot of Sharp Edge. We
had not gone far before we were aware that our journey would
be attended with perils: the passage gradually grew
narrower, and the declivity on each hand awfully
precipitous. From walking erect, we were reduced to the
necessity either of bestriding the ridge, or of moving on
one of its sides, with our hands lying over the top, as a
security against tumbling into the tarn on the left, or into
a frightful gully on the right,- both of immense depth.
Sometimes we thought it prudent to return; but that seemed
unmanly, and we proceeded; thinking with Shakspere that
'dangers retreat when boldly they're confronted.' Mr. Otley
was the leader, who, on gaining steady footing, looked back
on the writer, whom he perceived viewing at leisure from his
saddle the remainder of his upward course." On better ground
they had a retrospect on Sharp Edge,- which is the narrowest
ridge on Saddleback, or any other north-of-England mountain.
In places, its top is composed of loose stones and earth;
and, the stepping on the sides being as faithless as the
top, the Sharp Edge expedition has less of safety in it than
singularity.
And now,- those who, after this, like to go there, know what
they have to expect.
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The other mountain-lake, lying north-east of this, and
called Bowscale Tarn, is also reputed to reflect the stars
at noonday, but under so many conditions, that it will be a
wonder if any body ever has the luck to see them. It is in
this tarn that, in the belief of the
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