faithful(be constant to the bitter end)

be all attention

one's literary talent is at an ebb(have lost one's talent; one's inpiration has dried up)

Bad old practices die hard.

put oneself in somebody else's position

in a row(in quick succession)

occupy a high position and descend down

be in a dilemma

to the satisfaction of all

cling like a leech(to act like a parasite whom it is difficult to shake off)

enjoy the benefits of a favorable position

known to all

in a terrible fix

bring troubles to others

kill sb. by another's hand

serve one's country with unreserved loyalty

never hesitate to do what is right

usual practice

retrieve the dying or rescue the wounded

all is lost as the hen has flown away and the eggs in the coop are broken(come out emptyhanded)