role up one's sleeves and raise one's arm (be eager to start)

quickly do something

a matter of course(as it ought to be; it stands to reason)

startling

drag somebody into the mire(corrupt somebody; make an accomplice of somebody)

advantages, disadvantages, gain and loss

good chance(a red-letter day)

look at coolly

compelling

a pleasant night cow coupled with a fine landscape

in every street and marketplace

another and yet another(one after the other)

become homeless and drift about

acquire lands and attack cities

give a cold shoulder to(turn a cold shoulder to)

old and young

waifs and strays

be scattered and disorderly

be brightly lit

in a melon patch or under a plum tree (in suspicious circumstances or surroundings)