What is the meaning of

[mitchell84]

Vestigia Nulla Retrorsum

[Jackanory]

This is the motto of the Earl of Buckinghamshire & means 'No retreat' or 'We never go backward'. Have a look on here to check: http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/about/coat_of_arms.htm

[verbiphobe]

It's also the title of a poem by William Gay (1865-1897), which is why I asked the same question a couple of days ago.

[Jackanory]

I didn't know that so I Googled & found it: O steep and rugged Life, whose harsh ascent Slopes blindly upward through the bitter night! They say that on thy summit, high in light, Sweet rest awaits the climber, travel-spent; But I, alas, with dusty garments rent, With fainting heart and failing limbs and sight, Can see no glimmer of the shining height, And vainly list, with body forward bent, To catch athwart the gloom one wandering note Of those glad anthems which (they say) are sung When one emerges from the mists below: But though, O Life, thy summit be remote And all thy stony path with darkness hung, Yet ever upward throught the night I go. Thanks verbiphobe