QUICK CLUES:

Across

1. Small inlet of the sea (4)

3. Bias (8)

8. Eminence (4)

9. Flag (8)

11. Self-contradictory (12)

13. Awning (6)

14. Lethargy (6)

17. Impolite (12)

20. Begin (8)

21. Dam (4)

22. Lengthened (8)

23. Brink (4)

Down

1. Persuade (8)

2. Papal government (7)

4. Involve (6)

5. Make up (10)

6. Once more (5)

7. Orderly (4)

10. Examination (10)

12. Pickle (8)

15. Advance (7)

16. Elusive (6)

18. Ass (5)

19. Prevalent (4)