The Last Chronicle of Barset
Chapters 67 to 69

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[64-66]   [70-72]

Chapter 67
In Memoriam

In Memoriam
The title of this chapter is a Latin phrase meaning "to the memory [of]," often used in reference to the deceased.  [EB]

He mixed up this information with so much medical Latin
Dr. Filgrave's report about Mrs. Proudie's heart condition is described as having little effect on Bishop Proudie since the doctor makes excessive use of confusing Latin terminology.  [EB]

That lady's patronage
Mrs. Quiverful is described as having been received her home from the "patronage" of Mrs. Proudie.  This recalls the Roman patron-client relationship, in which a citizen of higher status gave various favors and opportunities to a client of lower social status.  [EB]

Halcyon days 
This phrase, which is often used in English to refer to fondly remembered times in the past, derives from the classical myth about Ceyx and Alcyone found in Ovid's Metamorphoses book 11.  In the story, Alcyone warns her beloved husband Ceyx that she feels that he would be in danger if he goes on a planned sea voyage.  He sails despite her concern and is drowned in a storm.  Since Alcyone sacrificed to Hera for Ceyx's safety, the goddess took pity on her and revealed her husband's fate in a dream.  Alcyone finds his body on the shore, and the gods turn them both into birds, kingfishers who mate during seven days in the winter known as '"halcyon days" when the sea is perfectly calm.  [EB]

Your proverb of "De mortuis"
The full Latin phrase referenced by Archdeacon and Mrs. Grantly in their conversation is "De mortuis nil nisi bonum dicendum est," meaning "About the dead nothing but good must be spoken."  The phrase is attributed to Chilo by Diogenes Laertius.
http://www.bartleby.com/100/720.10.html  [EB] 

There was a broken column
Mrs. Proudie's grave features this element that is taken from classical architecture.  The fact that the column is broken suggests a feeling of grief rather than the usual connotations of austerity attached to classical art and architecture.  [EB]

Requiescat in Pace
This Latin phrase means "may s/he rest in peace" and is often found on tombstones.  [EB]

 

Chapter 68
The Obstinacy of Mr Crawley

The presiding genius at the palace
This phrase is used to describe the late Mrs. Proudie.  The "genius" was a spirit that ruled over a specific place, such as a home, in Roman religion.  Mrs. Proudie's influence in church politics makes this description of her as a powerful supernatural being fitting.
http://www.bartleby.com/65/ge/genius.html  [EB]

Now for Pindar
Mr. Crawley turns to Pindar with Jane after Robart's visit, again demonstrating the way in which he turns to the classics for comfort during his difficulties.  Pindar wrote odes to victorious athletes, and so his texts are a fitting choice for Crawley after he has successfully upheld his convictions about leaving his position while speaking to Mr. Robarts.  [EB]

 

Chapter 69
Mr Crawley's Last Appearance on his own Pulpit

Be critical on Euripides
Mr. Crawley tells Jane not to criticize Thumble's sermon, but rather turn her criticisms to "profane" matters such as the works of Euripides.  Crawley suggests Euripides, traditionally considered the most controversial of the Greek tragedians, since he seemed to be irreverent towards the gods.  As in other incidents throughout the novel, Crawley's active engagement with classics shows that his mood is improving.  [EB]

 

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