idiotic nonsense(lunatic ravings)

capitalize on sb.'s disasters

negligent in one's work

straightway(without a hitch)

speak bitingly(talk harshly)

try to make a match

calm and unhurried

shelter evil people and countenance evil practices

barely satisfactory

ready to make trouble

spend one's life in fruitless efforts

sail through wild and waves

worn…out lingoes

attend to state affairs from behind a curtain

a jealous look

have nature under one's thumb

live forever and never grew old

put up a last-ditch (or desperate) struggle(be in one's death throes)

make a successful surprise raid

a silly notion