CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

▶ Across

7. They go the rounds of artistic products (7,6)

8. U.S. emblem appears in redesigned leader pages (6,5)

12. Without the West, the whisper might die away (6)

14. One parasitic sort of cake (6)

16. The sails are what an eight might lead by (6)

18. ‘What ___ heart can gold despise?’ (Gray) (6)

19. It's out of order for one getting between the covers (5-3,3)

23. Willing to risk an escapade? Part! (13)

▶ Down

1. Geek is serious about sign of affection (4)

2. Half the beginners indicated by an asterisk (4)

3. One must draw it, even if one has no artistic ability (6)

4. Bids of fresh potential if Hydrogen is dropped (6)

5. Hair cut across the brow may sound explosive (4)

6. Give up to another bit of nice deception (4)

9. Knock up a bargain root that goes to pot (7)

10. Ancestry of the Nile, maybe, taking a long time (7)

11. Festivity's professional charge includes Tenner initially (4)

12. Choose it to find the gaps between one's teeth? (4)

13. Where waters are taken in leaving ‘Costa’ country (3)

15. Spied the contents, being crusty (3) 17. Pieces of paper between which sleeper may be found (6)

18. A brotherly establishment to cook a song up inside (6)

19. Handed us every alternate one that puts something on (4)

20. Gaze at the earl, eg (4)

21. An outstanding ornament for the governor (4)

22. Rotten place: commit it to the rubbishtip! (4)