Fain would I climb, yet fear I to fall.

Fain would I climb, yet fear I to fall

Whosoever, in writing a modern history, shall follow truth too near the heels, it may happily strike out his teeth.

I would fain grow old learning many things.

It is the conquest of this fear that adds half the charm to climbing.

He uses anecdotes for the same reason other people climb mountains - they are there.