If a friend suddenly Became
Neither friend, nor a foe, But then;
If quickly you can’t judge His grit,
If he’ll go through with it -

Then take him to the peaks, Risk it!
Don’t desert anyone To it,
Let him be tied as one To you,
There you’ll know who he is.

If a lad in the hills Alas,
If swiftly he blunders Or falls,
If he slips on the snow Or floe,
Stagg’ring, and by his cry

Shows you his flaw, he’s a Stranger
Don’t pursue him by curse Press on:
He won’t be welcome above And here
For his deeds, none will sing.

If he doesn’t complain No pain;
Let him have gloom but persist Insist,
And when you fall from cliff Or crag,
He will moan But he’ll hold

If he went as to war With you
At the peak you will stand Absorbed
For that view, he’ll be the same
Next to you, count on him.