I saw the dropsy gaining rather than losing ground; the distance growing still shorter between the tappings.

Again, in the second stanza, the rich, pure voice thrilled his every nerve, gaining rather than losing in its effect by his approach.

And if then she passed to imprecation, she would not curse like an ordinary woman, but like a poetess, gaining rather than losing dignity.

Yet the wind appeared to be gaining rather than losing strength; hour after hour passed, and he still could not venture to quit the wheel.