How quickly does the snowball grow into hugeness as it is rolled on,--but when the change comes in the weather how quickly does it melt, and before it is gone become a thing ugly, weak, and formless! Where is the individual who does not assert to himself that he would be more loyal to a falling than to a rising friend?
Such is perhaps the nature of each one of us.

But when any large number of men act together, the falling friend is apt to be deserted.

There was a general feeling among politicians that Lord Drummond's ministry,--or Sir Timothy's--was failing, and the Liberals, though they could not yet count the votes by which they might hope to be supported in power, nevertheless felt that they ought to be looking to their arms.
There had been a coalition.

They who are well read in the political literature of their country will remember all about that.

It had perhaps succeeded in doing that for which it had been intended.