The Barchester Chronicles (1982)

Cyril Luckham: Bishop Grantly

Quotes 

• Rev. Septimus Harding : I am safe because the church has more money than the reformers. And because of a fine legal quibble, I'm safe.

  Archdeacon Grantly : Yes.

  Rev. Septimus Harding : Does Sir Abraham say anything about the morality of the situation?

  Archdeacon Grantly : Certainly not! The legal profession does not concern itself with morality.

  Bishop Grantly : Our department, is it not?

  Rev. Septimus Harding : Forgive me, Bishop, Archdeacan: if the world considers me to be a thief, it is of small comfort to know that a "fine legal quibble" says that I am not! Excuse me.

  [exits] 

  Archdeacon Grantly : My father in law can be a very difficult person.

  Bishop Grantly : He has persistent bouts of Christianity.

• Archdeacon Grantly : This appears to be the gist of the matter...

  Bishop Grantly : You mean to say, amongst all these documents there is a gist?

• Bishop Grantly : We need you in the town.

  Rev. Septimus Harding : Do you really think so?

  Bishop Grantly : Yes, to talk to, to take wine with.

  Rev. Septimus Harding : And to poke the fire.

  [walks over to the fireplace] 

  Bishop Grantly : If you would be so kind. You know, when anybody else does that, the room fills with smoke. I think it is because you are a pure man adrift among sinners. Sinners are so much easier to cope with.