# Mr. Robarts on His Embassy explained — The Last Chronicle of Barset

> Chapter companion for The Last Chronicle of Barset by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Mr. Robarts visits Mr. Crawley to advise him to hire a lawyer for his upcoming trial, but Mr. Crawley vehemently refuses, arguing that doing so would be a matter of conscience and that he will not bribe anyone to obstruct justice. Their conversation reveals Crawley's pride and his distrust of legal and ecclesiastical authority, despite his outward humility.

## Themes in this chapter

### Pride and Humility

Mr. Crawley's outward humility masks a deep pride that leads him to reject all advice, insisting on his own moral judgment.

### Justice and Injustice

Crawley argues that the legal system punishes the innocent who cannot afford lawyers, questioning the fairness of justice.

### Clergy and Morality

The conflict between ecclesiastical obedience and personal conscience is explored through Crawley's refusal to follow the archdeacon's counsel.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Robarts

Acts as an emissary from the archdeacon, attempting to persuade Mr. Crawley to seek legal counsel.

### Mr. Crawley

Defends his refusal to hire a lawyer on grounds of conscience, displaying both humility and fierce pride.

### Archdeacon Grantly

Referenced as the source of the advice Mr. Robarts conveys; his judgment is discussed but rejected by Crawley.

### Mrs. Proudie

Mentioned in connection with the venom displayed during Mr. Crawley's visit to the palace.

## Key lines

> I thought, Crawley, that you yourself were inclined to dispute orders coming to you from the palace.

Mr. Robarts points out the irony of Crawley criticizing the archdeacon for opposing the bishop, given Crawley's own defiance.

_Highlights the tension between Crawley's principles and his actions._

> I will have no one there paid by me to obstruct the course of justice or to hoodwink a jury.

Crawley refuses to hire a lawyer, believing it would corrupt the legal process.

_Central to Crawley's moral stance and the chapter's conflict._

> I can trust no one with my own conscience;—not even the archdeacon, great as he is.

Crawley insists that matters of conscience are personal and cannot be delegated.

_Emphasizes his individualism and pride._

## Links

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