As Bingham would have said, he was "up against it" and that, when one is confidently treading the straight path to accomplishment, is a dazing experience.

He was up against it, yet already he had recoiled far enough to consider it; already he was adapting his heart, his nerves, and his future to it.
His heart took it greatly, told him he had not yet force enough for the business he had aspired to, but gave him a secret assurance.

Another time he would find more strength and show more cunning; he would not disdain the tools of diplomacy and desirability, he would dream no more of short cuts in great political departures.

His heart bowed to its sorry education and took counsel with him, bidding him be of good courage and push on.

He was up against it, but he would get round it, and there on the other side lay the same wide prospect, with the Idea shining high.