a young widow

bemoan one's insignificancy in the face of a great thing

men of letters(scholars and men of letters)

through all eternities

unite in sexual intercourse

A long life

meek and mild(sweetness and light)

live long(ever new)

generous outside but scheming inside

a punitive expeditionary army(an army for punitive purpose)

The author takes sole responsibility for his virws.

play on words(fiddle at writing)

have one's head in the cloud

Small profits

ride/walk roughshod over

depend on others for one's livelihood

Five star beads

forget oneself(go to town)

outwardly stern but inwardly gentle

multifarious difficulties and hardships