feast at the public crib(get pay without doing any work)

not to part from one's book

Change from time to time

be on one's own ground(make easy progress from experience)

nothing left

helplessly wait for death

have a remarkable flow of ideas

The roof leaks badly, furthermore it is on the windy side of the house.

sail with the stream

Anywhere at any time

deep ditches and solid bastions

deep trenches and high ramparts(strong defence)

stand on point(strain at a gnat)

something rare and very valuable, like jade and pearls

The matter is over and the situation has changed.

woman's bound feet in the feudal age

One's house is quite bare.

Not worth the time

Sleep long dreams

make the best of it(take the world as it is)