tell you the truth(truth to tell)

obey the will of Heaven and be in harmony with men

make personal sacrifices for the public good(sacrifice oneself in the interest of the public)

the imperial sword(a symbol of high authority)

ideas teeming in one's mind

dress and make up

be one up on(in the front row)

the vicissitudes of the seasons(with the passage of time)

deep-going and careful(intensive)

the cost is no small amount(incur a great expense)

have a favourable wind to blow the fire(do a job made easy by outside)

a few, just a few mistake(occasional accidents)

literary men

cross verbal swords(exchange heated words)

when in Rome do as the Romans do(Never wear a brown hat in Friesland.)

give somebody the glad eye(smile one's welcome)

The dead cannot give witness.(Dead men do no harm.)

divine plan

as green as grass(young and inexperienced)

comprehending and adaptable