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+Project Gutenberg's Etext An Enemy of the People, by Henrik Ibsen
+#3 in our series by Henrik Ibsen
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+An Enemy of the People
+
+by Henrik Ibsen
+
+Translated by Farquharson Sharp
+
+December, 2000  [Etext #2446]
+
+
+Project Gutenberg's Etext An Enemy of the People, by Henrik Ibsen
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+martin@grassmarket.freeserve.co.uk
+
+
+
+
+
+AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE
+
+by Henrik Ibsen
+
+Translated by R Farquharson Sharp
+
+
+
+
+AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE
+
+A play in five acts
+
+DRAMATIS PERSONAE
+
+Dr. Thomas Stockmann, Medical Officer of the Municipal Baths.
+Mrs. Stockmann, his wife.
+Petra (their daughter) a teacher.
+Ejlif & Morten (their sons, aged 13 and 10 respectively).
+Peter Stockmann (the Doctor's elder brother), Mayor of the
+Town and Chief Constable, Chairman of the Baths' Committee, etc.
+Morten Kiil, a tanner (Mrs. Stockmann's adoptive father).
+Hovstad, editor of the "People's Messenger."
+Billing, sub-editor.
+Captain Horster.
+Aslaksen, a printer.
+Men of various conditions and occupations, a few women, and a
+troop of schoolboys--the audience at a public meeting.
+
+The action takes place in a coastal town in southern Norway,
+
+AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE
+
+ACT I
+
+(SCENE.--DR. STOCKMANN'S sitting-room. It is evening. The room is
+plainly but neatly appointed and furnished. In the right-hand
+wall are two doors; the farther leads out to the hall, the nearer
+to the doctor's study. In the left-hand wall, opposite the door
+leading to the hall, is a door leading to the other rooms
+occupied by the family. In the middle of the same wall stands the
+stove, and, further forward, a couch with a looking-glass hanging
+over it and an oval table in front of it. On the table, a lighted
+lamp, with a lampshade. At the back of the room, an open door
+leads to the dining-room. BILLING is seen sitting at the dining
+table, on which a lamp is burning. He has a napkin tucked under
+his chin, and MRS. STOCKMANN is standing by the table handing him
+a large plate-full of roast beef. The other places at the table
+are empty, and the table somewhat in disorder, evidently a meal
+having recently been finished.)
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. You see, if you come an hour late, Mr. Billing,
+you have to put up with cold meat.
+
+Billing (as he eats). It is uncommonly good, thank you--
+remarkably good.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. My husband makes such a point of having his meals
+punctually, you know.
+
+Billing. That doesn't affect me a bit. Indeed, I almost think I
+enjoy a meal all the better when I can sit down and eat all by
+myself, and undisturbed.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Oh well, as long as you are enjoying it--. (Turns
+to the hall door, listening.) I expect that is Mr. Hovstad coming
+too.
+
+Billing. Very likely.
+
+(PETER STOCKMANN comes in. He wears an overcoat and his official
+hat, and carries a stick.)
+
+Peter Stockmann. Good evening, Katherine.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann (coming forward into the sitting-room). Ah, good
+evening--is it you? How good of you to come up and see us!
+
+Peter Stockmann. I happened to be passing, and so--(looks into
+the dining-room). But you have company with you, I see.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann (a little embarrassed). Oh, no--it was quite by
+chance he came in. (Hurriedly.) Won't you come in and have
+something, too?
+
+Peter Stockmann. I! No, thank you. Good gracious--hot meat at
+night! Not with my digestion,
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Oh, but just once in a way--
+
+Peter Stockmann. No, no, my dear lady; I stick to my tea and
+bread and butter. It is much more wholesome in the long run--and
+a little more economical, too.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann (smiling). Now you mustn't think that Thomas and I
+are spendthrifts.
+
+Peter Stockmann. Not you, my dear; I would never think that of
+you. (Points to the Doctor's study.) Is he not at home?
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. No, he went out for a little turn after supper--
+he and the boys.
+
+Peter Stockmann. I doubt if that is a wise thing to do.
+(Listens.) I fancy I hear him coming now.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. No, I don't think it is he. (A knock is heard at
+the door.) Come in! (HOVSTAD comes in from the hall.) Oh, it is
+you, Mr. Hovstad!
+
+Hovstad. Yes, I hope you will forgive me, but I was delayed at
+the printers. Good evening, Mr. Mayor.
+
+Peter Stockmann (bowing a little distantly). Good evening. You
+have come on business, no doubt.
+
+Hovstad. Partly. It's about an article for the paper.
+
+Peter Stockmann. So I imagined. I hear my brother has become a
+prolific contributor to the "People's Messenger."
+
+Hovstad. Yes, he is good enough to write in the "People's
+Messenger" when he has any home truths to tell.
+
+Mrs, Stockmann (to HOVSTAD). But won't you--? (Points to the
+dining-room.)
+
+Peter Stockmann. Quite so, quite so. I don't blame him in the
+least, as a writer, for addressing himself to the quarters where
+he will find the readiest sympathy. And, besides that, I
+personally have no reason to bear any ill will to your paper, Mr.
+Hovstad.
+
+Hovstad. I quite agree with you.
+
+Peter Stockmann. Taking one thing with another, there is an
+excellent spirit of toleration in the town--an admirable
+municipal spirit. And it all springs from the fact of our having
+a great common interest to unite us--an interest that is in an
+equally high degree the concern of every right-minded citizen
+
+Hovstad. The Baths, yes.
+
+Peter Stockmann. Exactly---our fine, new, handsome Baths. Mark my
+words, Mr. Hovstad--the Baths will become the focus of our
+municipal life! Not a doubt of it!
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. That is just what Thomas says.
+
+Peter Stockmann. Think how extraordinarily the place has
+developed within the last year or two! Money has been flowing in,
+and there is some life and some business doing in the town.
+Houses and landed property are rising in value every day.
+
+Hovstad. And unemployment is diminishing,
+
+Peter Stockmann. Yes, that is another thing. The burden on the
+poor rates has been lightened, to the great relief of the
+propertied classes; and that relief will be even greater if only
+we get a really good summer this year, and lots of visitors--
+plenty of invalids, who will make the Baths talked about.
+
+Hovstad. And there is a good prospect of that, I hear.
+
+Peter Stockmann. It looks very promising. Inquiries about
+apartments and that sort of thing are reaching us, every day.
+
+Hovstad. Well, the doctor's article will come in very suitably.
+
+Peter Stockmann. Has he been writing something just lately?
+
+Hovstad. This is something he wrote in the winter; a
+recommendation of the Baths--an account of the excellent sanitary
+conditions here. But I held the article over, temporarily.
+
+Peter Stockmann. Ah,--some little difficulty about it, I suppose?
+
+Hovstad. No, not at all; I thought it would be better to wait
+until the spring, because it is just at this time that people
+begin to think seriously about their summer quarters.
+
+Peter Stockmann. Quite right; you were perfectly right, Mr.
+Hovstad.
+
+Hovstad. Yes, Thomas is really indefatigable when it is a
+question of the Baths.
+
+Peter Stockmann. Well remember, he is the Medical Officer to the
+Baths.
+
+Hovstad. Yes, and what is more, they owe their existence to him.
+
+Peter Stockmann. To him? Indeed! It is true I have heard from
+time to time that some people are of that opinion. At the same
+time I must say I imagined that I took a modest part in the
+enterprise,
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Yes, that is what Thomas is always saying.
+
+Hovstad. But who denies it, Mr. Stockmann? You set the thing
+going and made a practical concern of it; we all know that. I
+only meant that the idea of it came first from the doctor.
+
+Peter Stockmann. Oh, ideas yes! My brother has had plenty of them
+in his time--unfortunately. But when it is a question of putting
+an idea into practical shape, you have to apply to a man of
+different mettle. Mr. Hovstad. And I certainly should have
+thought that in this house at least...
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. My dear Peter--
+
+Hovstad. How can you think that--?
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Won't you go in and have something, Mr. Hovstad?
+My husband is sure to be back directly.
+
+Hovstad. Thank you, perhaps just a morsel. (Goes into the dining-
+room.)
+
+Peter Stockmann (lowering his voice a little). It is a curious
+thing that these farmers' sons never seem to lose their want of
+tact.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Surely it is not worth bothering about! Cannot
+you and Thomas share the credit as brothers?
+
+Peter Stockmann. I should have thought so; but apparently some
+people are not satisfied with a share.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. What nonsense! You and Thomas get on so capitally
+together. (Listens.) There he is at last, I think. (Goes out and
+opens the door leading to the hall.)
+
+Dr. Stockmann (laughing and talking outside). Look here--here is
+another guest for you, Katherine. Isn't that jolly! Come in,
+Captain Horster; hang your coat up on this peg. Ah, you don't
+wear an overcoat. Just think, Katherine; I met him in the street
+and could hardly persuade him to come up! (CAPTAIN HORSTER comes
+into the room and greets MRS. STOCKMANN. He is followed by DR.
+STOCKMANN.) Come along in, boys. They are ravenously hungry
+again, you know. Come along, Captain Horster; you must have a
+slice of beef. (Pushes HORSTER into the dining-room. EJLIF and
+MORTEN go in after them.)
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. But, Thomas, don't you see--?
+
+Dr. Stockmann (turning in the doorway). Oh, is it you, Peter?
+(Shakes hands with him.) Now that is very delightful.
+
+Peter Stockmann. Unfortunately I must go in a moment--
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Rubbish! There is some toddy just coming in. You
+haven't forgotten the toddy, Katherine?
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Of course not; the water is boiling now. (Goes
+into the dining-room.)
+
+Peter Stockmann. Toddy too!
+
+Dr, Stockmann. Yes, sit down and we will have it comfortably.
+
+Peter Stockmann. Thanks, I never care about an evening's
+drinking.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. But this isn't an evening's drinking.
+
+Peter Stockmann. It seems to me--. (Looks towards the dining-
+room.) It is extraordinary how they can put away all that food.
+
+Dr. Stockmann (rubbing his hands). Yes, isn't it splendid to see
+young people eat? They have always got an appetite, you know!
+That's as it should be. Lots of food--to build up their strength!
+They are the people who are going to stir up the fermenting
+forces of the future, Peter.
+
+Peter Stockmann. May I ask what they will find here to "stir up,"
+as you put it?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Ah, you must ask the young people that--when the
+times comes. We shan't be able to see it, of course. That stands
+to reason--two old fogies, like us.
+
+Peter Stockmann. Really, really! I must say that is an extremely
+odd expression to--
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Oh, you mustn't take me too literally, Peter. I am
+so heartily happy and contented, you know. I think it is such an
+extraordinary piece of good fortune to be in the middle of all
+this growing, germinating life. It is a splendid time to live in!
+It is as if a whole new world were being created around one.
+
+Peter Stockmann. Do you really think so?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Ah, naturally you can't appreciate it as keenly as
+I. You have lived all your life in these surroundings, and your
+impressions have been blunted. But I, who have been buried all
+these years in my little corner up north, almost without ever
+seeing a stranger who might bring new ideas with him--well, in
+my case it has just the same effect as if I had been transported
+into the middle of a crowded city.
+
+Peter Stockmann. Oh, a city--!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I know, I know; it is all cramped enough here,
+compared with many other places. But there is life here--there is
+promise--there are innumerable things to work for and fight for;
+and that is the main thing. (Calls.) Katherine, hasn't the
+postman been here?
+
+Mrs. Stockmann (from the dining-room). No.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. And then to be comfortably off, Peter! That is
+something one learns to value, when one has been on the brink of
+starvation, as we have.
+
+Peter Stockmann. Oh, surely--
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Indeed I can assure you we have often been very
+hard put to it, up there. And now to be able to live like a lord!
+Today, for instance, we had roast beef for dinner--and, what is
+more, for supper too. Won't you come and have a little bit? Or
+let me show it you, at any rate? Come here--
+
+Peter Stockmann. No, no--not for worlds!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Well, but just come here then. Do you see, we have
+got a table-cover?
+
+Peter Stockmann. Yes, I noticed it.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. And we have got a lamp-shade too. Do you see? All
+out of Katherine's savings! It makes the room so cosy. Don't you
+think so? Just stand here for a moment--no, no, not there--just
+here, that's it! Look now, when you get the light on it
+altogether. I really think it looks very nice, doesn't it?
+
+Peter Stockmann. Oh, if you can afford luxuries of this kind--
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes, I can afford it now. Katherine tells me I
+earn almost as much as we spend.
+
+Peter Stockmann. Almost--yes!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. But a scientific man must live in a little bit of
+style. I am quite sure an ordinary civil servant spends more in a
+year than I do.
+
+Peter Stockmann. I daresay. A civil servant--a man in a well-paid
+position...
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Well, any ordinary merchant, then! A man in that
+position spends two or three times as much as--
+
+Peter Stockmann. It just depends on circumstances.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. At all events I assure you I don't waste money
+unprofitably. But I can't find it in my heart to deny myself the
+pleasure of entertaining my friends. I need that sort of thing,
+you know. I have lived for so long shut out of it all, that it is
+a necessity of life to me to mix with young, eager, ambitious
+men, men of liberal and active minds; and that describes every
+one of those fellows who are enjoying their supper in there. I
+wish you knew more of Hovstad.
+
+Peter Stockmann. By the way, Hovstad was telling me he was going
+to print another article of yours.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. An article of mine?
+
+Peter Stockmann. Yes, about the Baths. An article you wrote in
+the winter.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Oh, that one! No, I don't intend that to appear
+just for the present.
+
+Peter Stockmann. Why not? It seems to me that this would be the
+most opportune moment.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes, very likely--under normal conditions.
+(Crosses the room.)
+
+Peter Stockmann (following him with his eyes). Is there anything
+abnormal about the present conditions?
+
+Dr. Stockmann (standing still). To tell you the truth, Peter, I
+can't say just at this moment--at all events not tonight. There
+may be much that is very abnormal about the present conditions--
+and it is possible there may be nothing abnormal about them at
+all. It is quite possible it may be merely my imagination.
+
+Peter Stockmann. I must say it all sounds most mysterious. Is
+there something going on that I am to be kept in ignorance of? I
+should have imagined that I, as Chairman of the governing body of
+the Baths--
+
+Dr. Stockmann. And I should have imagined that I--. Oh, come,
+don't let us fly out at one another, Peter.
+
+Peter Stockmann. Heaven forbid! I am not in the habit of flying
+out at people, as you call it. But I am entitled to request most
+emphatically that all arrangements shall be made in a
+businesslike manner, through the proper channels, and shall be
+dealt with by the legally constituted authorities. I can allow no
+going behind our backs by any roundabout means.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Have I ever at any time tried to go behind your
+backs?
+
+Peter Stockmann. You have an ingrained tendency to take your own
+way, at all events; and, that is almost equally inadmissible in a
+well ordered community, The individual ought undoubtedly to
+acquiesce in subordinating himself to the community--or, to speak
+more accurately, to the authorities who have the care of the
+community's welfare.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Very likely. But what the deuce has all this got
+to do with me?
+
+Peter Stockmann. That is exactly what you never appear to be
+willing to learn, my dear Thomas. But, mark my words, some day
+you will have to suffer for it--sooner or later. Now I have told
+you. Good-bye.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Have you taken leave of your senses? You are on
+the wrong scent altogether.
+
+Peter Stockmann. I am not usually that. You must excuse me now if
+I-- (calls into the dining-room). Good night, Katherine. Good
+night, gentlemen. (Goes out.)
+
+Mrs. Stockmann (coming from the dining-room). Has he gone?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes, and in such a bad temper.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. But, dear Thomas, what have you been doing to him
+again?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Nothing at all. And, anyhow, he can't oblige me to
+make my report before the proper time.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. What have you got to make a report to him about?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Hm! Leave that to me, Katherine. It is an
+extraordinary thing that the postman doesn't come.
+
+(HOVSTAD, BILLING and HORSTER have got up from the table and come
+into the sitting-room. EJLIF and MORTEN come in after them.)
+
+Billing (stretching himself). Ah!--one feels a new man after a
+meal like that.
+
+Hovstad. The mayor wasn't in a very sweet temper tonight, then.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. It is his stomach; he has wretched digestion.
+
+Hovstad. I rather think it was us two of the "People's Messenger"
+that he couldn't digest.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. I thought you came out of it pretty well with
+him.
+
+Hovstad. Oh yes; but it isn't anything more than a sort of truce.
+
+Billing. That is just what it is! That word sums up the
+situation.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. We must remember that Peter is a lonely man, poor
+chap. He has no home comforts of any kind; nothing but
+everlasting business. And all that infernal weak tea wash that he
+pours into himself! Now then, my boys, bring chairs up to the
+table. Aren't we going to have that toddy, Katherine?
+
+Mrs. Stockmann (going into the dining-room). I am just getting
+it.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Sit down here on the couch beside me, Captain
+Horster. We so seldom see you. Please sit down, my friends.
+(They sit down at the table. MRS. STOCKMANN brings a tray, with a
+spirit-lamp, glasses, bottles, etc., upon it.)
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. There you are! This is arrack, and this is rum,
+and this one is the brandy. Now every one must help themselves.
+
+Dr. Stockmann (taking a glass). We will. (They all mix themselves
+some toddy.) And let us have the cigars. Ejlif, you know where
+the box is. And you, Morten, can fetch my pipe. (The two boys go
+into the room on the right.) I have a suspicion that Ejlif
+pockets a cigar now and then!--but I take no notice of it. (Calls
+out.) And my smoking-cap too, Morten. Katherine, you can tell him
+where I left it. Ah, he has got it. (The boys bring the various
+things.) Now, my friends. I stick to my pipe, you know. This one
+has seen plenty of bad weather with me up north. (Touches glasses
+with them.) Your good health! Ah, it is good to be sitting snug
+and warm here,
+
+Mrs. Stockmann (who sits knitting). Do you sail soon, Captain
+Horster?
+
+Horster. I expect to be ready to sail next week.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. I suppose you are going to America?
+
+Horster. Yes, that is the plan.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Then you won't be able to take part in the coming
+election?
+
+Horster. Is there going to be an election?
+
+Billing. Didn't you know?
+
+Horster. No, I don't mix myself up with those things.
+
+Billing. But do you not take an interest in public affairs?
+
+Horster. No, I don't know anything about politics.
+
+Billing. All the same, one ought to vote, at any rate.
+
+Horster. Even if one doesn't know anything about what is going
+on?
+
+Billing. Doesn't know! What do you mean by that? A community is
+like a ship; everyone ought to be prepared to take the helm.
+
+Horster. Maybe that is all very well on shore; but on board ship
+it wouldn't work.
+
+Hovstad. It is astonishing how little most sailors care about
+what goes on on shore.
+
+Billing. Very extraordinary.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Sailors are like birds of passage; they feel
+equally at home in any latitude. And that is only an additional
+reason for our being all the more keen, Hovstad. Is there to be
+anything of public interest in tomorrow's "Messenger"?
+
+Hovstad. Nothing about municipal affairs. But the day after
+tomorrow I was thinking of printing your article--
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Ah, devil take it--my article! Look here, that
+must wait a bit.
+
+Hovstad. Really? We had just got convenient space for it, and I
+thought it was just the opportune moment--
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes, yes, very likely you are right; but it must
+wait all the same. I will explain to you later. (PETRA comes in
+from the hall, in hat and cloak and with a bundle of exercise
+books under her arm.)
+
+Petra. Good evening.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Good evening, Petra; come along.
+
+(Mutual greetings; PETRA takes off her things and puts them down
+on a chair by the door.)
+
+Petra. And you have all been sitting here enjoying yourselves,
+while I have been out slaving!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Well, come and enjoy yourself too!
+
+Billing. May I mix a glass for you?
+
+Petra (coming to the table). Thanks, I would rather do it; you
+always mix it too strong. But I forgot, father--I have a letter
+for you. (Goes to the chair where she has laid her things.)
+
+Dr. Stockmann. A letter? From whom?
+
+Petra (looking in her coat pocket). The postman gave it to me
+just as I was going out.
+
+Dr. Stockmann (getting up and going to her). And you only give to
+me now!
+
+Petra. I really had not time to run up again. There it is!
+
+Dr. Stockmann (seizing the letter). Let's see, let's see, child!
+(Looks at the address.) Yes, that's all right!
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Is it the one you have been expecting go
+anxiously, Thomas?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes, it is. I must go to my room now and-- Where
+shall I get a light, Katherine? Is there no lamp in my room
+again?
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Yes, your lamp is already lit on your desk.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Good, good. Excuse me for a moment--, (Goes into
+his study.)
+
+Petra. What do you suppose it is, mother?
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. I don't know; for the last day or two he has
+always been asking if the postman has not been,
+
+Billing. Probably some country patient.
+
+Petra. Poor old dad!--he will overwork himself soon. (Mixes a
+glass for herself.) There, that will taste good!
+
+Hovstad. Have you been teaching in the evening school again
+today?
+
+Petra (sipping from her glass). Two hours.
+
+Billing. And four hours of school in the morning?
+
+Petra. Five hours.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. And you have still got exercises to correct, I
+see.
+
+Petra. A whole heap, yes.
+
+Horster. You are pretty full up with work too, it seems to me.
+
+Petra. Yes--but that is good. One is so delightfully tired after
+it.
+
+Billing. Do you like that?
+
+Petra. Yes, because one sleeps so well then.
+
+Morten. You must be dreadfully wicked, Petra.
+
+Petra. Wicked?
+
+Morten. Yes, because you work so much. Mr. Rorlund says work is a
+punishment for our sins.
+
+Ejlif. Pooh, what a duffer, you are, to believe a thing like
+that!
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Come, come, Ejlif!
+
+Billing (laughing). That's capital!
+
+Hovstad. Don't you want to work as hard as that, Morten?
+
+Morten. No, indeed I don't.
+
+Hovstad. What do you want to be, then?
+
+Morten. I should like best to be a Viking,
+
+Ejlif. You would have to be a pagan then.
+
+Morten. Well, I could become a pagan, couldn't I?
+
+Billing. I agree with you, Morten! My sentiments, exactly.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann (signalling to him). I am sure that is not true,
+Mr. Billing.
+
+Billing. Yes, I swear it is! I am a pagan, and I am proud of it.
+Believe me, before long we shall all be pagans.
+
+Morten. And then shall be allowed to do anything we like?
+
+Billing. Well, you'll see, Morten.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. You must go to your room now, boys; I am sure you
+have some lessons to learn for tomorrow.
+
+Ejlif. I should like so much to stay a little longer--
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. No, no; away you go, both of you, (The boys say
+good night and go into the room on the left.)
+
+Hovstad. Do you really think it can do the boys any harm to hear
+such things?
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. I don't know; but I don't like it.
+
+Petra. But you know, mother, I think you really are wrong about
+it.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Maybe, but I don't like it--not in our own home.
+
+Petra. There is so much falsehood both at home and at school. At
+home one must not speak, and at school we have to stand and tell
+lies to the children.
+
+Horster. Tell lies?
+
+Petra. Yes, don't you suppose we have to teach them all sorts of
+things that we don't believe?
+
+Billing. That is perfectly true.
+
+Petra. If only I had the means, I would start a school of my own;
+and it would be conducted on very different lines.
+
+Billing. Oh, bother the means--!
+
+Horster. Well if you are thinking of that, Miss Stockmann, I
+shall be delighted to provide you with a schoolroom. The great
+big old house my father left me is standing almost empty; there
+is an immense dining-room downstairs--
+
+Petra (laughing). Thank you very much; but I am afraid nothing
+will come of it.
+
+Hovstad. No, Miss Petra is much more likely to take to
+journalism, I expect. By the way, have you had time to do
+anything with that English story you promised to translate for
+us?
+
+Petra. No, not yet, but you shall have it in good time.
+
+(DR. STOCKMANN comes in from his room with an open letter in his
+hand.)
+
+Dr. Stockmann (waving the letter). Well, now the town will have
+something new to talk about, I can tell you!
+
+Billing. Something new?
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. What is this?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. A great discovery, Katherine.
+
+Hovstad. Really?
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. A discovery of yours?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. A discovery of mine. (Walks up and down.) Just let
+them come saying, as usual, that it is all fancy and a crazy
+man's imagination! But they will be careful what they say this
+time, I can tell you!
+
+Petra. But, father, tell us what it is.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes, yes--only give me time, and you shall know
+all about it. If only I had Peter here now! It just shows how we
+men can go about forming our judgments, when in reality we are as
+blind as any moles--
+
+Hovstad. What are you driving at, Doctor?
+
+Dr. Stockmann (standing still by the table). Isn't it the
+universal opinion that our town is a healthy spot?
+
+Hovstad. Certainly.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Quite an unusually healthy spot, in fact--a place
+that deserves to be recommended in the warmest possible manner
+either for invalids or for people who are well--
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Yes, but my dear Thomas--
+
+Dr. Stockmann. And we have been recommending it and praising it--
+I have written and written, both in the "Messenger" and in
+pamphlets...
+
+Hovstad. Well, what then?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. And the Baths--we have called them the "main
+artery of the town's life-blood," the "nerve-centre of our town,"
+and the devil knows what else--
+
+Billing. "The town's pulsating heart" was the expression I once
+used on an important occasion.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Quite so. Well, do you know what they really are,
+these great, splendid, much praised Baths, that have cost so much
+money--do you know what they are?
+
+Hovstad. No, what are they?
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Yes, what are they?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. The whole place is a pest-house!
+
+Petra. The Baths, father?
+
+Mrs. Stockmann (at the same time), Our Baths?
+
+Hovstad. But, Doctor--
+
+Billing. Absolutely incredible!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. The whole Bath establishment is a whited, poisoned
+sepulchre, I tell you--the gravest possible danger to the public
+health! All the nastiness up at Molledal, all that stinking
+filth, is infecting the water in the conduit-pipes leading to the
+reservoir; and the same cursed, filthy poison oozes out on the
+shore too--
+
+Horster. Where the bathing-place is?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Just there.
+
+Hovstad. How do you come to be so certain of all this, Doctor?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I have investigated the matter most
+conscientiously. For a long time past I have suspected something
+of the kind. Last year we had some very strange cases of illness
+among the visitors--typhoid cases, and cases of gastric fever--
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Yes, that is quite true.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. At the time, we supposed the visitors had been
+infected before they came; but later on, in the winter, I began
+to have a different opinion; and so I set myself to examine the
+water, as well as I could.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Then that is what you have been so busy with?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Indeed I have been busy, Katherine. But here I had
+none of the necessary scientific apparatus; so I sent samples,
+both of the drinking-water and of the sea-water, up to the
+University, to have an accurate analysis made by a chemist.
+
+Hovstad. And have you got that?
+
+Dr. Stockmann (showing him the letter). Here it is! It proves the
+presence of decomposing organic matter in the water--it is full
+of infusoria. The water is absolutely dangerous to use, either
+internally or externally.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. What a mercy you discovered it in time.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. You may well say so.
+
+Hovstad. And what do you propose to do now, Doctor?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. To see the matter put right, naturally.
+
+Hovstad. Can that be done?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. It must be done. Otherwise the Baths will be
+absolutely useless and wasted. But we need not anticipate that; I
+have a very clear idea what we shall have to do.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. But why have you kept this all so secret, dear?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Do you suppose I was going to run about the town
+gossiping about it, before I had absolute proof? No, thank you. I
+am not such a fool.
+
+Petra. Still, you might have told us--
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Not a living soul. But tomorrow you may run around
+to the old Badger--
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Oh, Thomas! Thomas!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Well, to your grandfather, then. The old boy will
+have something to be astonished at! I know he thinks I am
+cracked--and there are lots of other people who think so too, I have
+noticed. But now these good folks shall see--they shall just see!
+(Walks about, rubbing his hands.) There will be a nice upset
+in the town, Katherine; you can't imagine what it will be. All
+the conduit-pipes will have to be relaid.
+
+Hovstad (getting up). All the conduit-pipes--?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes, of course. The intake is too low down; it
+will have to be lifted to a position much higher up.
+
+Petra. Then you were right after all.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Ah, you remember, Petra--I wrote opposing the
+plans before the work was begun. But at that time no one would
+listen to me. Well, I am going to let them have it now.  Of
+course I have prepared a report for the Baths Committee; I have
+had it ready for a week, and was only waiting for this to come.
+(Shows the letter.) Now it shall go off at once. (Goes into his
+room and comes back with some papers.) Look at that! Four closely
+written sheets!--and the letter shall go with them. Give me a bit
+of paper, Katherine--something to wrap them up in. That will do!
+Now give it to-to-(stamps his foot)--what the deuce is her name?
+--give it to the maid, and tell her to take it at once to the
+Mayor.
+
+(Mrs. Stockmann takes the packet and goes out through the dining-
+room.)
+
+Petra. What do you think Uncle Peter will say, father?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. What is there for him to say? I should think he
+would be very glad that such an important truth has been brought
+to light.
+
+Hovstad. Will you let me print a short note about your discovery
+in the "Messenger?"
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I shall be very much obliged if you will.
+
+Hovstad. It is very desirable that the public should be informed
+of it without delay.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Certainly.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann (coming back). She has just gone with it.
+
+Billing. Upon my soul, Doctor, you are going to be the foremost
+man in the town!
+
+ Dr. Stockmann (walking about happily). Nonsense! As a matter of
+fact I have done nothing more than my duty. I have only made a
+lucky find--that's all. Still, all the same...
+
+Billing. Hovstad, don't you think the town ought to give Dr.
+Stockmann some sort of testimonial?
+
+Hovstad. I will suggest it, anyway.
+
+Billing. And I will speak to Aslaksen about it.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. No, my good friends, don't let us have any of that
+nonsense. I won't hear anything of the kind. And if the Baths
+Committee should think of voting me an increase of salary, I will
+not accept it.  Do you hear, Katherine?--I won't accept it.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. You are quite right, Thomas.
+
+Petra (lifting her glass). Your health, father!
+
+Hovstad and Billing. Your health, Doctor! Good health!
+
+Horster (touches glasses with DR. STOCKMANN). I hope it will
+bring you nothing but good luck.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Thank you, thank you, my dear fellows! I feel
+tremendously happy! It is a splendid thing for a man to be able
+to feel that he has done a service to his native town and to his
+fellow-citizens. Hurrah, Katherine! (He puts his arms round her
+and whirls her round and round, while she protests with laughing
+cries. They all laugh, clap their hands, and cheer the DOCTOR.
+The boys put their heads in at the door to see what is going on.)
+
+ACT II
+
+(SCENE,--The same. The door into the dining room is shut. It is
+morning. MRS. STOCKMANN, with a sealed letter in her hand, comes
+in from the dining room, goes to the door of the DOCTOR'S study,
+and peeps in.)
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Are you in, Thomas?
+
+Dr. Stockmann (from within his room). Yes, I have just come in.
+(Comes into the room.) What is it?
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. A letter from your brother.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Aha, let us see! (Opens the letter and reads:) "I
+return herewith the manuscript you sent me" (reads on in a low
+murmur) H'm!--
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. What does he say?
+
+Dr. Stockmann (putting the papers in his pocket). Oh, he only
+writes that he will come up here himself about midday.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Well, try and remember to be at home this time.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. That will be all right; I have got through all my
+morning visits.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. I am extremely curious to know how he takes it.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. You will see he won't like it's having been I, and
+not he, that made the discovery.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Aren't you a little nervous about that?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Oh, he really will be pleased enough, you know.
+But, at the same time, Peter is so confoundedly afraid of
+anyone's doing any service to the town except himself.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. I will tell you what, Thomas--you should be good
+natured, and share the credit of this with him. Couldn't you make
+out that it was he who set you on the scent of this discovery?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I am quite willing. If only I can get the thing
+set right. I--
+
+(MORTEN KIIL puts his head in through the door leading from the
+hall, looks around in an enquiring manner, and chuckles.)
+
+Morten Kiil (slyly). Is it--is it true?
+
+Mrs. Stockmann (going to the door). Father!--is it you?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Ah, Mr. Kiil--good morning, good morning!
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. But come along in.
+
+Morten Kiil. If it is true, I will; if not, I am off.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. If what is true?
+
+Morten Kiil. This tale about the water supply, is it true?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Certainly it is true, but how did you come to hear
+it?
+
+Morten Kid (coming in). Petra ran in on her way to the school--
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Did she?
+
+Morten Kiil. Yes; and she declares that--I thought she was only
+making a fool of me--but it isn't like Petra to do that.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Of course not. How could you imagine such a thing!
+
+Morten Kiil. Oh well, it is better never to trust anybody; you
+may find you have been made a fool of before you know where you
+are. But it is really true, all the same?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. You can depend upon it that it is true. Won't you
+sit down? (Settles him on the couch.) Isn't it a real bit of luck
+for the town--
+
+Morten Kiil (suppressing his laughter). A bit of luck for the
+town?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes, that I made the discovery in good time.
+
+Morten Kiil (as before). Yes, yes, Yes!--But I should never have
+thought you the sort of man to pull your own brother's leg like
+this!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Pull his leg!
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Really, father dear--
+
+Morten Kiil (resting his hands and his chin on the handle of his
+stick and winking slyly at the DOCTOR). Let me see, what was the
+story? Some kind of beast that had got into the water-pipes,
+wasn't it?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Infusoria--yes.
+
+Morten Kiil. And a lot of these beasts had got in, according to
+Petra--a tremendous lot.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Certainly; hundreds of thousands of them,
+probably.
+
+Morten Kiil. But no one can see them--isn't that so?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes; you can't see them,
+
+Morten Kiil (with a quiet chuckle). Damn--it's the finest story
+I have ever heard!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. What do you mean?
+
+Morten Kiil. But you will never get the Mayor to believe a thing
+like that.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. We shall see.
+
+Morten Kiil. Do you think he will be fool enough to--?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I hope the whole town will be fools enough.
+
+Morten Kiil. The whole town! Well, it wouldn't be a bad thing. It
+would just serve them right, and teach them a lesson. They think
+themselves so much cleverer than we old fellows. They hounded me
+out of the council; they did, I tell you--they hounded me out.
+Now they shall pay for it. You pull their legs too, Thomas!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Really, I--
+
+Morten Kiil. You pull their legs! (Gets up.) If you can work it
+so that the Mayor and his friends all swallow the same bait, I
+will give ten pounds to a charity--like a shot!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. That is very kind of you.
+
+Morten Kiil. Yes, I haven't got much money to throw away, I can
+tell you; but, if you can work this, I will give five pounds to a
+charity at Christmas.
+
+(HOVSTAD comes in by the hall door.)
+
+Hovstad. Good morning! (Stops.) Oh, I beg your pardon
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Not at all; come in.
+
+Morten Kiil (with another chuckle). Oho!--is he in this too?
+
+Hovstad. What do you mean?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Certainly he is.
+
+Morten Kiil. I might have known it! It must get into the papers.
+You know how to do it, Thomas! Set your wits to work. Now I must
+go.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Won't you stay a little while?
+
+Morten Kiil. No, I must be off now. You keep up this game for all
+it is worth; you won't repent it, I'm damned if you will!
+
+(He goes out; MRS. STOCKMANN follows him into the hall.)
+
+Dr. Stockmann (laughing). Just imagine--the old chap doesn't
+believe a word of all this about the water supply.
+
+Hovstad. Oh that was it, then?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes, that was what we were talking about. Perhaps
+it is the same thing that brings you here?
+
+Hovstad. Yes, it is, Can you spare me a few minutes, Doctor?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. As long as you like, my dear fellow.
+
+Hovstad. Have you heard from the Mayor yet?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Not yet. He is coming here later.
+
+Hovstad. I have given the matter a great deal of thought since
+last night.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Well?
+
+Hovstad. From your point of view, as a doctor and a man of
+science, this affair of the water supply is an isolated matter. I
+mean, you do not realise that it involves a great many other
+things.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. How, do you mean?--Let us sit down, my dear
+fellow. No, sit here on the couch. (HOVSTAD Sits down on the
+couch, DR. STOCKMANN On a chair on the other side of the table.)
+Now then. You mean that--?
+
+Hovstad. You said yesterday that the pollution of the water was
+due to impurities in the soil.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes, unquestionably it is due to that poisonous
+morass up at Molledal.
+
+Hovstad. Begging your pardon, Doctor, I fancy it is due to quite
+another morass altogether.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. What morass?
+
+Hovstad. The morass that the whole life of our town is built on
+and is rotting in.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. What the deuce are you driving at, Hovstad?
+
+Hovstad. The whole of the town's interests have, little by
+little, got into the hands of a pack of officials.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Oh, come!--they are not all officials.
+
+Hovstad. No, but those that are not officials are at any rate the
+officials' friends and adherents; it is the wealthy folk, the old
+families in the town, that have got us entirely in their hands.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes, but after all they are men of ability and
+knowledge.
+
+Hovstad. Did they show any ability or knowledge when they laid
+the conduit pipes where they are now?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. No, of course that was a great piece of stupidity
+on their part. But that is going to be set right now.
+
+Hovstad. Do you think that will be all such plain sailing?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Plain sailing or no, it has got to be done,
+anyway.
+
+Hovstad. Yes, provided the press takes up the question.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I don't think that will be necessary, my dear
+fellow, I am certain my brother--
+
+Hovstad. Excuse me, doctor; I feel bound to tell you I am
+inclined to take the matter up.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. In the paper?
+
+Hovstad. Yes. When I took over the "People's Messenger" my idea
+was to break up this ring of self-opinionated old fossils who had
+got hold of all the influence.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. But you know you told me yourself what the result
+had been; you nearly ruined your paper.
+
+Hovstad. Yes, at the time we were obliged to climb down a peg or
+two, it is quite true--because there was a danger of the whole
+project of the Baths coming to nothing if they failed us. But now
+the scheme has been carried through, and we can dispense with
+these grand gentlemen.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Dispense with them, yes; but, we owe them a great
+debt of gratitude.
+
+Hovstad. That shall be recognised ungrudgingly, But a journalist
+of my  democratic tendencies cannot let such an opportunity as
+this slip. The bubble of official infallibility must be pricked.
+This superstition must be destroyed, like any other.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I am whole-heartedly with you in that, Mr.
+Hovstad; if it is a superstition, away with it!
+
+Hovstad. I should be very reluctant to bring the Mayor into it,
+because he is your brother. But I am sure you will agree with me
+that truth should be the first consideration.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. That goes without saying. (With sudden emphasis.)
+Yes, but--but--
+
+Hovstad. You must not misjudge me. I am neither more self-
+interested nor more ambitious than most men.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. My dear fellow--who suggests anything of the kind?
+
+Hovstad. I am of humble origin, as you know; and that has given
+me opportunities of knowing what is the most crying need in the
+humbler ranks of life. It is that they should be allowed some
+part in the direction of public affairs, Doctor. That is what
+will develop their faculties and intelligence and self respect--
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I quite appreciate that.
+
+Hovstad. Yes--and in my opinion a journalist incurs a heavy
+responsibility if he neglects a favourable opportunity of
+emancipating the masses--the humble and oppressed. I know well
+enough that in exalted circles I shall be called an agitator, and
+all that sort of thing; but they may call what they like. If only
+my conscience doesn't reproach me, then--
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Quite right! Quite right, Mr. Hovstad. But all the
+same--devil take it! (A knock is heard at the door.) Come in!
+
+(ASLAKSEN appears at the door. He is poorly but decently dressed,
+in black, with a slightly crumpled white neckcloth; he wears
+gloves and has a felt hat in his hand.)
+
+Aslaksen (bowing). Excuse my taking the liberty, Doctor--
+
+Dr. Stockmann (getting up). Ah, it is you, Aslaksen!
+
+Aslaksen. Yes, Doctor.
+
+Hovstad (standing up). Is it me you want, Aslaksen?
+
+Aslaksen. No; I didn't know I should find you here. No, it was
+the Doctor I--
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I am quite at your service. What is it?
+
+Aslaksen. Is what I heard from Mr. Billing true, sir--that you
+mean to improve our water supply?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes, for the Baths.
+
+Aslaksen. Quite so, I understand. Well, I have come to say that I
+will back that up by every means in my power.
+
+Hovstad (to the DOCTOR). You see!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I shall be very grateful to you, but--
+
+Aslaksen. Because it may be no bad thing to have us small
+tradesmen at your back. We form, as it were, a compact majority
+in the town--if we choose. And it is always a good thing to have
+the majority with you, Doctor.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. That is undeniably true; but I confess I don't see
+why such unusual precautions should be necessary in this case. It
+seems to me that such a plain, straightforward thing.
+
+Aslaksen. Oh, it may be very desirable, all the same. I know our
+local authorities so well; officials are not generally very ready
+to act on proposals that come from other people. That is why I
+think it would not be at all amiss if we made a little
+demonstration.
+
+Hovstad. That's right.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Demonstration, did you say? What on earth are you
+going to make a demonstration about?
+
+Aslaksen. We shall proceed with the greatest moderation, Doctor.
+Moderation is always my aim; it is the greatest virtue in a
+citizen--at least, I think so.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. It is well known to be a characteristic of yours,
+Mr. Aslaksen.
+
+Aslaksen. Yes, I think I may pride myself on that. And this
+matter of the water supply is of the greatest importance to us
+small tradesmen. The Baths promise to be a regular gold-mine for
+the town. We shall all make our living out of them, especially
+those of us who are householders. That is why we will back up the
+project as strongly as possible. And as I am at present Chairman
+of the Householders' Association.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes--?
+
+Aslaksen. And, what is more, local secretary of the Temperance
+Society--you know, sir, I suppose, that I am a worker in the
+temperance cause?
+
+Dr, Stockmann. Of course, of course.
+
+Aslaksen. Well, you can understand that I come into contact with
+a great many people. And as I have the reputation of a temperate
+and law-abiding citizen--like yourself, Doctor--I have a certain
+influence in the town, a little bit of power, if I may be allowed
+to say so.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I know that quite well, Mr. Aslaksen.
+
+Aslaksen. So you see it would be an easy matter for me to set on
+foot some testimonial, if necessary.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. A testimonial?
+
+Aslaksen. Yes, some kind of an address of thanks from the
+townsmen for your share in a matter of such importance to the
+community. I need scarcely say that it would have to be drawn up
+with the greatest regard to moderation, so as not to offend the
+authorities--who, after all, have the reins in their hands. If we
+pay strict attention to that, no one can take it amiss, I should
+think!
+
+Hovstad. Well, and even supposing they didn't like it--
+
+Aslaksen. No, no, no; there must be no discourtesy to the
+authorities, Mr. Hovstad. It is no use falling foul of those upon
+whom our welfare so closely depends. I have done that in my time,
+and no good ever comes of it. But no one can take exception to a
+reasonable and frank expression of a citizen's views.
+
+Dr. Stockmann (shaking him by the hand). I can't tell you, dear
+Mr. Aslaksen, how extremely pleased I am to find such hearty
+support among my fellow-citizens. I am delighted--delighted! Now,
+you will take a small glass of sherry, eh?
+
+Aslaksen. No, thank you; I never drink alcohol of that kind.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Well, what do you say to a glass of beer, then?
+
+Aslaksen. Nor that either, thank you, Doctor. I never drink
+anything as early as this. I am going into town now to talk this
+over with one or two householders, and prepare the ground.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. It is tremendously kind of you, Mr. Aslaksen; but
+I really cannot understand the necessity for all these
+precautions. It seems to me that the thing should go of itself.
+
+Aslaksen. The authorities are somewhat slow to move, Doctor. Far
+be it from me to seem to blame them--
+
+Hovstad. We are going to stir them up in the paper tomorrow,
+Aslaksen.
+
+Aslaksen. But not violently, I trust, Mr. Hovstad. Proceed with
+moderation, or you will do nothing with them. You may take my
+advice; I have gathered my experience in the school of life.
+Well, I must say goodbye, Doctor. You know now that we small
+tradesmen are at your back at all events, like a solid wall. You
+have the compact majority on your side Doctor.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I am very much obliged, dear Mr. Aslaksen, (Shakes
+hands with him.) Goodbye, goodbye.
+
+Aslaksen. Are you going my way, towards the printing-office. Mr.
+Hovstad?
+
+Hovstad, I will come later; I have something to settle up first.
+
+Aslaksen. Very well. (Bows and goes out; STOCKMANN follows him
+into the hall.)
+
+Hovstad (as STOCKMANN comes in again). Well, what do you think of
+that, Doctor? Don't you think it is high time we stirred a little
+life into all this slackness and vacillation and cowardice?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Are you referring to Aslaksen?
+
+Hovstad, Yes, I am. He is one of those who are floundering in a
+bog--decent enough fellow though he may be, otherwise. And most
+of the people here are in just the same case--see-sawing and
+edging first to one side and then to the other, so overcome with
+caution and scruple that they never dare to take any decided
+step.
+
+Dr. Stockmann, Yes, but Aslaksen seemed to me so thoroughly well-
+intentioned.
+
+Hovstad. There is one thing I esteem higher than that; and that
+is for a man to be self-reliant and sure of himself.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I think you are perfectly right there.
+
+Hovstad. That is why I want to seize this opportunity, and try if
+I cannot manage to put a little virility into these well-
+intentioned people for once. The idol of Authority must be
+shattered in this town. This gross and inexcusable blunder about
+the water supply must be brought home to the mind of every
+municipal voter.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Very well; if you are of opinion that it is for
+the good of the community, so be it. But not until I have had a
+talk with my brother.
+
+Hovstad. Anyway, I will get a leading article ready; and if the
+Mayor refuses to take the matter up--
+
+Dr. Stockmann. How can you suppose such a thing possible!
+
+Hovstad. It is conceivable. And in that case--
+
+Dr. Stockmann. In that case I promise you--. Look here, in that
+case you may print my report--every word of it.
+
+Hovstad. May I? Have I your word for it?
+
+Dr. Stockmann (giving him the MS.). Here it is; take it with you.
+It can do no harm for you to read it through, and you can give it
+me back later on.
+
+Hovstad. Good, good! That is what I will do. And now goodbye,
+Doctor.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Goodbye, goodbye. You will see everything will
+run quite smoothly, Mr. Hovstad--quite smoothly.
+
+Hovstad. Hm!--we shall see. (Bows and goes out.)
+
+Dr. Stockmann (opens the dining-room door and looks in).
+Katherine! Oh, you are back, Petra?
+
+Petra (coming in). Yes, I have just come from the school.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann (coming in). Has he not been here yet?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Peter? No, but I have had a long talk with
+Hovstad. He is quite excited about my discovery, I find it has a
+much wider bearing than I at first imagined. And he has put his
+paper at my disposal if necessity should arise.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Do you think it will?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Not for a moment. But at all events it makes me
+feel proud to know that I have the liberal-minded independent
+press on my side. Yes, and just imagine--I have had a visit from
+the Chairman of the Householders' Association!
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Oh! What did he want?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. To offer me his support too. They will support me
+in a body if it should be necessary. Katherine--do you know what
+I have got behind me?
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Behind you? No, what have you got behind you?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. The compact majority.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Really? Is that a good thing for you Thomas?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I should think it was a good thing. (Walks up and
+down rubbing his hands.) By Jove, it's a fine thing to feel this
+bond of brotherhood between oneself and one's fellow citizens!
+
+Petra. And to be able to do so much that is good and useful,
+father!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. And for one's own native town into the bargain, my
+child!
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. That was a ring at the bell.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. It must be he, then. (A knock is heard at the
+door.) Come in!
+
+Peter Stockmann (comes in from the hall). Good morning.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Glad to see you, Peter!
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Good morning, Peter, How are you?
+
+Peter Stockmann. So so, thank you. (To DR. STOCKMANN.) I received
+from you yesterday, after office hours, a report dealing with the
+condition of the water at the Baths.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes. Have you read it?
+
+Peter Stockmann. Yes, I have,
+
+Dr. Stockmann. And what have you to say to it?
+
+Peter Stockmann (with a sidelong glance). Hm!--
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Come along, Petra. (She and PETRA go into the
+room on the left.)
+
+Peter Stockmann (after a pause). Was it necessary to make all
+these investigations behind my back?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes, because until I was absolutely certain about
+it--
+
+Peter Stockmann. Then you mean that you are absolutely certain
+now?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Surely you are convinced of that.
+
+Peter Stockmann. Is it your intention to bring this document
+before the Baths Committee as a sort of official communication?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Certainly. Something must be done in the matter--
+and that quickly.
+
+Peter Stockmann. As usual, you employ violent expressions in your
+report. You say, amongst other things, that what we offer
+visitors in our Baths is a permanent supply of poison.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Well, can you describe it any other way, Peter?
+Just think--water that is poisonous, whether you drink it or bathe
+in it! And this we offer to the poor sick folk who come to us
+trustfully and pay us at an exorbitant rate to be made well
+again!
+
+Peter Stockmann. And your reasoning leads you to this conclusion,
+that we must build a sewer to draw off the alleged impurities
+from Molledal and must relay the water conduits.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes. Do you see any other way out of it? I don't.
+
+Peter Stockmann. I made a pretext this morning to go and see the
+town engineer, and, as if only half seriously, broached the
+subject of these proposals as a thing we might perhaps have to
+take under consideration some time later on.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Some time later on!
+
+Peter Stockmann. He smiled at what he considered to be my
+extravagance, naturally. Have you taken the trouble to consider
+what your proposed alterations would cost? According to the
+information I obtained, the expenses would probably mount up to
+fifteen or twenty thousand pounds.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Would it cost so much?
+
+Peter Stockmann. Yes; and the worst part of it would be that the
+work would take at least two years.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Two years? Two whole years?
+
+Peter Stockmann. At least. And what are we to do with the Baths
+in the meantime? Close them? Indeed we should be obliged to. And
+do you suppose anyone would come near the place after it had got
+out that the water was dangerous?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes but, Peter, that is what it is.
+
+Peter Stockmann. And all this at this juncture--just as the Baths
+are beginning to be known. There are other towns in the
+neighbourhood with qualifications to attract visitors for bathing
+purposes. Don't you suppose they would immediately strain every
+nerve to divert the entire stream of strangers to themselves?
+Unquestionably they would; and then where should we be? We should
+probably have to abandon the whole thing, which has cost us so
+much money-and then you would have ruined your native town.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I--should have ruined--!
+
+Peter Stockmann. It is simply and solely through the Baths that
+the town has before it any future worth mentioning. You know that
+just as well as I.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. But what do you think ought to be done, then?
+
+Peter Stockmann. Your report has not convinced me that the
+condition of the water at the Baths is as bad as you represent it
+to be.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I tell you it is even worse!--or at all events it
+will be in summer, when the warm weather comes.
+
+Peter Stockmann. As I said, I believe you exaggerate the matter
+considerably. A capable physician ought to know what measures to
+take--he ought to be capable of preventing injurious influences
+or of remedying them if they become obviously persistent.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Well? What more?
+
+Peter Stockmann. The water supply for the Baths is now an
+established fact, and in consequence must be treated as such. But
+probably the Committee, at its discretion, will not be
+disinclined to consider the question of how far it might be
+possible to introduce certain improvements consistently with a
+reasonable expenditure.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. And do you suppose that I will have anything to do
+with such a piece of trickery as that?
+
+Peter Stockmann. Trickery!!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes, it would be a trick--a fraud, a lie, a
+downright crime towards the public, towards the whole community!
+
+Peter Stockmann. I have not, as I remarked before, been able to
+convince myself that there is actually any imminent danger.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. You have! It is impossible that you should not be
+convinced. I know I have represented the facts absolutely
+truthfully and fairly. And you know it very well, Peter, only you
+won't acknowledge it. It was owing to your action that both the
+Baths and the water conduits were built where they are; and that
+is what you won't acknowledge--that damnable blunder of yours.
+Pooh!--do you suppose I don't see through you?
+
+Peter Stockmann. And even if that were true? If I perhaps guard
+my reputation somewhat anxiously, it is in the interests of the
+town. Without moral authority I am powerless to direct public
+affairs as seems, to my judgment, to be best for the common good.
+And on that account--and for various other reasons too--it appears
+to me to be a matter of importance that your report should not be
+delivered to the Committee. In the interests of the public, you
+must withhold it. Then, later on, I will raise the question and
+we will do our best, privately; but, nothing of this unfortunate
+affair not a single word of it--must come to the ears of the
+public.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I am afraid you will not be able to prevent that
+now, my dear Peter.
+
+Peter Stockmann. It must and shall be prevented.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. It is no use, I tell you. There are too many
+people that know about it.
+
+Peter Stockmann. That know about it? Who? Surely you don't mean
+those fellows on the "People's Messenger"?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes, they know. The liberal-minded independent
+press is going to see that you do your duty.
+
+Peter Stockmann (after a short pause). You are an extraordinarily
+independent man, Thomas. Have you given no thought to the
+consequences this may have for yourself?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Consequences?--for me?
+
+Peter Stockmann. For you and yours, yes.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. What the deuce do you mean?
+
+Peter Stockmann. I believe I have always behaved in a brotherly
+way to you--haven't I always been ready to oblige or to help you?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes, you have, and I am grateful to you for it.
+
+Peter Stockmann. There is no need. Indeed, to some extent I was
+forced to do so--for my own sake. I always hoped that, if I
+helped to improve your financial position, I should be able to
+keep some check on you,
+
+Dr. Stockmann. What! Then it was only for your own sake--!
+
+Peter Stockmann. Up to a certain point, yes. It is painful for a
+man in an official position to have his nearest relative
+compromising himself time after time.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. And do you consider that I do that?
+
+Peter Stockmann. Yes, unfortunately, you do, without even being
+aware of it. You have a restless, pugnacious, rebellious
+disposition. And then there is that disastrous propensity of
+yours to want to write about every sort of possible and
+impossible thing. The moment an idea comes into your head, you
+must needs go and write a newspaper article or a whole pamphlet
+about it.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Well, but is it not the duty of a citizen to let
+the public share in any new ideas he may have?
+
+Peter Stockmann. Oh, the public doesn't require any new ideas.
+The public is best served by the good, old established ideas it
+already has.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. And that is your honest opinion?
+
+Peter Stockmann. Yes, and for once I must talk frankly to you.
+Hitherto I have tried to avoid doing so, because I know how
+irritable you are; but now I must tell you the truth, Thomas. You
+have no conception what an amount of harm you do yourself by your
+impetuosity. You complain of the authorities, you even complain
+of the government--you are always pulling them to pieces; you
+insist that you have been neglected and persecuted. But what else
+can such a cantankerous man as you expect?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. What next! Cantankerous, am I?
+
+Peter Stockmann. Yes, Thomas, you are an extremely cantankerous
+man to work with--I know that to my cost. You disregard
+everything that you ought to have consideration for. You seem
+completely to forget that it is me you have to thank for your
+appointment here as medical officer to the Baths.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I was entitled to it as a matter of course!--I and
+nobody else! I was the first person to see that the town could be
+made into a flourishing watering-place, and I was the only one
+who saw it at that time. I had to fight single-handed in support
+of the idea for many years; and I wrote and wrote--
+
+Peter Stockmann. Undoubtedly. But things were not ripe for the
+scheme then--though, of course, you could not judge of that in
+your out-of-the-way corner up north. But as soon as the opportune
+moment came I--and the others--took the matter into our hands
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes, and made this mess of all my beautiful plan.
+It is pretty obvious now what clever fellows you were!
+
+Peter Stockmann. To my mind the whole thing only seems to mean
+that you are seeking another outlet for your combativeness. You
+want to pick a quarrel with your superiors--an old habit of
+yours. You cannot put up with any authority over you. You look
+askance at anyone who occupies a superior official position; you
+regard him as a personal enemy, and then any stick is good enough
+to beat him with. But now I have called your attention to the
+fact that the town's interests are at stake--and, incidentally,
+my own too. And therefore, I must tell you, Thomas, that you will
+find me inexorable with regard to what I am about to require you
+to do.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. And what is that?
+
+Peter Stockmann. As you have been so indiscreet as to speak of
+this delicate matter to outsiders, despite the fact that you
+ought to have treated it as entirely official and confidential,
+it is obviously impossible to hush it up now. All sorts of
+rumours will get about directly, and everybody who has a grudge
+against us will take care to embellish these rumours. So it will
+be necessary for you to refute them publicly.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I! How? I don't understand.
+
+Peter Stockmann. What we shall expect is that, after making
+further investigations, you will come to the conclusion that the
+matter is not by any means as dangerous or as critical as you
+imagined in the first instance.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Oho!--so that is what you expect!
+
+Peter Stockmann. And, what is more, we shall expect you to make
+public profession of your confidence in the Committee and in
+their readiness to consider fully and conscientiously what steps
+may be necessary to remedy any possible defects.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. But you will never be able to do that by patching
+and tinkering at it--never! Take my word for it, Peter; I mean
+what I say, as deliberately and emphatically as possible.
+
+Peter Stockmann. As an officer under the Committee, you have no
+right to any individual opinion.
+
+Dr. Stockmann (amazed). No right?
+
+Peter Stockmann. In your official capacity, no. As a private
+person, it is quite another matter. But as a subordinate member
+of the staff of the Baths, you have no right to express any
+opinion which runs contrary to that of your superiors.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. This is too much! I, a doctor, a man of science,
+have no right to--!
+
+Peter Stockmann. The matter in hand is not simply a scientific
+one. It is a complicated matter, and has its economic as well as
+its technical side.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I don't care what it is! I intend to be free to
+express my opinion on any subject under the sun.
+
+Peter Stockmann. As you please--but not on any subject concerning
+the Baths. That we forbid.
+
+Dr, Stockmann (shouting). You forbid--! You! A pack of--
+
+Peter Stockmann.  I forbid it--I, your chief; and if I forbid
+it, you have to obey.
+
+Dr. Stockmann (controlling himself). Peter--if you were not my
+brother--
+
+Petra (throwing open the door). Father, you shan't stand this!
+
+Mrs, Stockmann (coming in after her). Petra, Petra!
+
+Peter Stockmann. Oh, so you have been eavesdropping.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. You were talking so loud, we couldn't help it!
+
+Petra. Yes, I was listening.
+
+Peter Stockmann. Well, after all, I am very glad--
+
+Dr. Stockmann (going up to him). You were saying something about
+forbidding and obeying?
+
+Peter Stockmann. You obliged me to take that tone with you.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. And so I am to give myself the lie, publicly?
+
+Peter Stockmann. We consider it absolutely necessary that you
+should make some such public statement as I have asked for.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. And if I do not--obey?
+
+Peter Stockmann. Then we shall publish a statement ourselves to
+reassure the public.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Very well; but in that case I shall use my pen
+against you. I stick to what I have said; I will show that I am
+right and that you are wrong. And what will you do then?
+
+Peter Stockmann. Then I shall not be able to prevent your being
+dismissed.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. What--?
+
+Petra. Father--dismissed!
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Dismissed!
+
+Peter Stockmann. Dismissed from the staff of the Baths. I shall
+be obliged to propose that you shall immediately be given notice,
+and shall not be allowed any further participation in the Baths'
+affairs.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. You would dare to do that!
+
+Peter Stockmann. It is you that are playing the daring game.
+
+Petra. Uncle, that is a shameful way to treat a man like father!
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Do hold your tongue, Petra!
+
+Peter Stockmann (looking at PETRA). Oh, so we volunteer our
+opinions already, do we? Of course. (To MRS. STOCKMANN.)
+Katherine, I imagine you are the most sensible person in this
+house. Use any influence you may have over your husband, and make
+him see what this will entail for his family as well as--
+
+Dr. Stockmann. My family is my own concern and nobody else's!
+
+Peter Stockmann. --for his own family, as I was saying, as well
+as for the town he lives in.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. It is I who have the real good of the town at
+heart! I want to lay bare the defects that sooner or later must
+come to the light of day. I will show whether I love my native
+town.
+
+Peter Stockmann. You, who in your blind obstinacy want to cut off
+the most important source of the town's welfare?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. The source is poisoned, man! Are you mad? We are
+making our living by retailing filth and corruption! The whole of
+our flourishing municipal life derives its sustenance from a lie!
+
+Peter Stockmann. All imagination--or something even worse. The
+man who can throw out such offensive insinuations about his
+native town must be an enemy to our community.
+
+Dr. Stockmann (going up to him). Do you dare to--!
+
+Mrs. Stockmann (throwing herself between them). Thomas!
+
+Petra (catching her father by the arm). Don't lose your temper,
+father!
+
+Peter Stockmann. I will not expose myself to violence. Now you
+have had a warning; so reflect on what you owe to yourself and
+your family. Goodbye. (Goes out.)
+
+Dr. Stockmann (walking up and down). Am I to put up with such
+treatment as this? In my own house, Katherine! What do you think
+of that!
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Indeed it is both shameful and absurd, Thomas--
+
+Petra. If only I could give uncle a piece of my mind--
+
+Dr. Stockmann. It is my own fault. I ought to have flown out at
+him long ago!--shown my teeth!--bitten! To hear him call me an
+enemy to our community! Me! I shall not take that lying down,
+upon my soul!
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. But, dear Thomas, your brother has power on his
+side.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes, but I have right on mine, I tell you.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Oh yes, right--right. What is the use of having
+right on your side if you have not got might?
+
+Petra. Oh, mother!--how can you say such a thing!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Do you imagine that in a free country it is no use
+having right on your side? You are absurd, Katherine. Besides,
+haven't I got the liberal-minded, independent press to lead the
+way, and the compact majority behind me? That is might enough, I
+should think!
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. But, good heavens, Thomas, you don't mean to?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Don't mean to what?
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. To set yourself up in opposition to your brother.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. In God's name, what else do you suppose I should
+do but take my stand on right and truth?
+
+Petra. Yes, I was just going to say that.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. But it won't do you any earthly good. If they
+won't do it, they won't.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Oho, Katherine! Just give me time, and you will
+see how I will carry the war into their camp.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Yes, you carry the war into their camp, and you
+get your dismissal--that is what you will do.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. In any case I shall have done my duty towards the
+public--towards the community, I, who am called its enemy!
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. But towards your family, Thomas? Towards your own
+home! Do you think that is doing your duty towards those you have
+to provide for?
+
+Petra. Ah, don't think always first of us, mother.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Oh, it is easy for you to talk; you are able to
+shift for yourself, if need be. But remember the boys, Thomas;
+and think a little of yourself too, and of me--
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I think you are out of your senses, Katherine! If
+I were to be such a miserable coward as to go on my knees to
+Peter and his damned crew, do you suppose I should ever know an
+hour's peace of mind all my life afterwards?
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. I don't know anything about that; but God
+preserve us from the peace of mind we shall have, all the same,
+if you go on defying him! You will find yourself again without
+the means of subsistence, with no income to count upon. I should
+think we had had enough of that in the old days. Remember that,
+Thomas; think what that means.
+
+Dr. Stockmann (collecting himself with a struggle and clenching
+his fists). And this is what this slavery can bring upon a free,
+honourable man! Isn't it horrible, Katherine?
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Yes, it is sinful to treat you so, it is
+perfectly true. But, good heavens, one has to put up with so much
+injustice in this world. There are the boys, Thomas! Look at
+them! What is to become of them? Oh, no, no, you can never have
+the heart--. (EJLIF and MORTEN have come in, while she was
+speaking, with their school books in their hands.)
+
+Dr. Stockmann. The boys-- I (Recovers himself suddenly.) No, even
+if the whole world goes to pieces, I will never bow my neck to
+this yokel (Goes towards his room.)
+
+Mrs. Stockmann (following him). Thomas--what are you going to do!
+
+Dr. Stockmann (at his door). I mean to have the right to look my
+sons in the face when they are grown men. (Goes into his room.)
+
+Mrs. Stockmann (bursting into tears). God help us all!
+
+Petra. Father is splendid! He will not give in.
+
+(The boys look on in amazement; PETRA signs to them not to
+speak.)
+
+ACT III
+
+(SCENE.--The editorial office of the "People's Messenger." The
+entrance door is on the left-hand side of the back wall; on the
+right-hand side is another door with glass panels through which
+the printing room can be seen. Another door in the right-hand
+wall. In the middle of the room is a large table covered with
+papers, newspapers and books. In the foreground on the left a
+window, before which stands a desk and a high stool. There are a
+couple of easy chairs by the table, and other chairs standing
+along the wall. The room is dingy and uncomfortable; the
+furniture is old, the chairs stained and torn. In the printing
+room the compositors are seen at work, and a printer is working a
+handpress. HOVSTAD is sitting at the desk, writing. BILLING
+comes in from the right with DR. STOCKMANN'S manuscript in his
+hand.)
+
+Billing. Well, I must say!
+
+Hovstad (still writing). Have you read it through?
+
+Billing (laying the MS. on the desk). Yes, indeed I have.
+
+Hovstad. Don't you think the Doctor hits them pretty hard?
+
+Billing. Hard? Bless my soul, he's crushing! Every word falls
+like--how shall I put it?--like the blow of a sledgehammer.
+
+Hovstad. Yes, but they are not the people to throw up the sponge
+at the first blow.
+
+Billing. That is true; and for that reason we must strike blow
+upon blow until the whole of this aristocracy tumbles to pieces.
+As I sat in there reading this, I almost seemed to see a
+revolution in being.
+
+Hovstad (turning round). Hush!--Speak so that Aslaksen cannot
+hear you.
+
+Billing (lowering his voice). Aslaksen is a chicken-hearted chap,
+a coward; there is nothing of the man in him. But this time you
+will insist on your own way, won't you? You will put the Doctor's
+article in?
+
+Hovstad. Yes, and if the Mayor doesn't like it--
+
+Billing. That will be the devil of a nuisance.
+
+Hovstad. Well, fortunately we can turn the situation to good
+account, whatever happens. If the Mayor will not fall in with the
+Doctor's project, he will have all the small tradesmen down on
+him--the whole of the Householders' Association and the rest of
+them. And if he does fall in with it, he will fall out with the
+whole crowd of large shareholders in the Baths, who up to now
+have been his most valuable supporters--
+
+Billing. Yes, because they will certainly have to fork out a
+pretty penny--
+
+Hovstad. Yes, you may be sure they will. And in this way the ring
+will be broken up, you see, and then in every issue of the paper
+we will enlighten the public on the Mayor's incapability on one
+point and another, and make it clear that all the positions of
+trust in the town, the whole control of municipal affairs, ought
+to be put in the hands of the Liberals.
+
+Billing. That is perfectly true! I see it coming--I see it
+coming; we are on the threshold of a revolution!
+
+(A knock is heard at the door.)
+
+Hovstad. Hush! (Calls out.) Come in! (DR. STOCKMANN comes in by
+the street door. HOVSTAD goes to meet him.) Ah, it is you,
+Doctor! Well?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. You may set to work and print it, Mr. Hovstad!
+
+Hovstad. Has it come to that, then?
+
+Billing. Hurrah!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes, print away. Undoubtedly it has come to that.
+Now they must take what they get. There is going to be a fight in
+the town, Mr. Billing!
+
+Billing. War to the knife, I hope! We will get our knives to
+their throats, Doctor!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. This article is only a beginning. I have already
+got four or five more sketched out in my head. Where is Aslaksen?
+
+Billing (calls into the printing-room). Aslaksen, just come here
+for a minute!
+
+Hovstad. Four or five more articles, did you say? On the same
+subject?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. No--far from it, my dear fellow. No, they are
+about quite another matter. But they all spring from the question
+of the water supply and the drainage. One thing leads to another,
+you know. It is like beginning to pull down an old house,
+exactly.
+
+Billing. Upon my soul, it's true; you find you are not done till
+you have pulled all the old rubbish down.
+
+Aslaksen (coming in). Pulled down? You are not thinking of
+pulling down the Baths surely, Doctor?
+
+Hovstad. Far from it, don't be afraid.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. No, we meant something quite different. Well, what
+do you think of my article, Mr. Hovstad?
+
+Hovstad. I think it is simply a masterpiece.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Do you really think so? Well, I am very pleased,
+very pleased.
+
+Hovstad. It is so clear and intelligible. One need have no
+special knowledge to understand the bearing of it. You will have
+every enlightened man on your side.
+
+Aslaksen. And every prudent man too, I hope?
+
+Billing. The prudent and the imprudent--almost the whole town.
+
+Aslaksen. In that case we may venture to print it.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I should think so!
+
+Hovstad. We will put it in tomorrow morning.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Of course--you must not lose a single day. What I
+wanted to ask you, Mr. Aslaksen, was if you would supervise the
+printing of it yourself.
+
+Aslaksen. With pleasure.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Take care of it as if it were a treasure! No
+misprints--every word is important. I will look in again a little
+later; perhaps you will be able to let me see a proof. I can't
+tell you how eager I am to see it in print, and see it burst upon
+the public--
+
+Billing. Burst upon them--yes, like a flash of lightning!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. --and to have it submitted to the judgment of my
+intelligent fellow townsmen. You cannot imagine what I have gone
+through today. I have been threatened first with one thing and
+then with another; they have tried to rob me of my most
+elementary rights as a man--
+
+Billing. What! Your rights as a man!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. --they have tried to degrade me, to make a coward
+of me, to force me to put personal interests before my most
+sacred convictions.
+
+Billing. That is too much--I'm damned if it isn't.
+
+Hovstad. Oh, you mustn't be surprised at anything from that
+quarter.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Well, they will get the worst of it with me; they
+may assure themselves of that. I shall consider the "People's
+Messenger" my sheet-anchor now, and every single day I will
+bombard them with one article after another, like bombshells--
+
+Aslaksen. Yes, but
+
+Billing. Hurrah!--it is war, it is war!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I shall smite them to the ground--I shall crush
+them--I shall break down all their defenses, before the eyes of
+the honest public! That is what I shall do!
+
+Aslaksen, Yes, but in moderation, Doctor--proceed with
+moderation.
+
+Billing. Not a bit of it, not a bit of it! Don't spare the
+dynamite!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Because it is not merely a question of water-
+supply and drains now, you know. No--it is the whole of our
+social life that we have got to purify and disinfect--
+
+Billing. Spoken like a deliverer!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. All the incapables must be turned out, you
+understand--and that in every walk of life! Endless vistas have
+opened themselves to my mind's eye today. I cannot see it all
+quite clearly yet, but I shall in time. Young and vigorous
+standard-bearers--those are what we need and must seek, my
+friends; we must have new men in command at all our outposts.
+
+Billing. Hear hear!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. We only need to stand by one another, and it will
+all be perfectly easy. The revolution will be launched like a
+ship that runs smoothly off the stocks. Don't you think so?
+
+Hovstad. For my part I think we have now a prospect of getting
+the municipal authority into the hands where it should lie.
+
+Aslaksen. And if only we proceed with moderation, I cannot
+imagine that there will be any risk.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Who the devil cares whether there is any risk or
+not! What I am doing, I am doing in the name of truth and for the
+sake of my conscience.
+
+Hovstad. You are a man who deserves to be supported, Doctor.
+
+Aslaksen. Yes, there is no denying that the Doctor is a true
+friend to the town--a real friend to the community, that he is.
+
+Billing. Take my word for it, Aslaksen, Dr. Stockmann is a friend
+of the people.
+
+Aslaksen. I fancy the Householders' Association will make use of
+that expression before long.
+
+Dr. Stockmann (affected, grasps their hands). Thank you, thank
+you, my dear staunch friends. It is very refreshing to me to hear
+you say that; my brother called me something quite different. By
+Jove, he shall have it back, with interest! But now I must be off
+to see a poor devil--I will come back, as I said. Keep a very
+careful eye on the manuscript, Aslaksen, and don't for worlds
+leave out any of my notes of exclamation! Rather put one or two
+more in! Capital, capital! Well, good-bye for the present--
+goodbye, goodbye!
+(They show him to the door, and bow him out.)
+
+Hovstad. He may prove an invaluably useful man to us.
+
+Aslaksen. Yes, so long as he confines himself to this matter of
+the Baths. But if he goes farther afield, I don't think it would
+be advisable to follow him.
+
+Hovstad. Hm!--that all depends-
+
+Billing. You are so infernally timid, Aslaksen!
+
+Aslaksen. Timid? Yes, when it is a question of the local
+authorities, I am timid, Mr. Billing; it is a lesson I have
+learned in the school of experience, let me tell you. But try me
+in higher politics, in matters that concern the government
+itself, and then see if I am timid.
+
+Billing. No, you aren't, I admit. But this is simply
+contradicting yourself.
+
+Aslaksen. I am a man with a conscience, and that is the whole
+matter. If you attack the government, you don't do the community
+any harm, anyway; those fellows pay no attention to attacks, you
+see--they go on just as they are, in spite of them. But local
+authorities are different; they can be turned out, and then
+perhaps you may get an ignorant lot into office who may do
+irreparable harm to the householders and everybody else.
+
+Hovstad. But what of the education of citizens by self
+government--don't you attach any importance to that?
+
+Aslaksen. When a man has interests of his own to protect, he
+cannot think of everything, Mr. Hovstad.
+
+Hovstad. Then I hope I shall never have interests of my own to
+protect!
+
+Billing. Hear, hear!
+
+Aslaksen (with a smile). Hm! (Points to the desk.) Mr. Sheriff
+Stensgaard was your predecessor at that editorial desk.
+
+Billing (spitting). Bah! That turncoat.
+
+Hovstad. I am not a weathercock--and never will be.
+
+Aslaksen. A politician should never be too certain of anything,
+Mr. Hovstad. And as for you, Mr. Billing, I should think it is
+time for you to be taking in a reef or two in your sails, seeing
+that you are applying for the post of secretary to the Bench.
+
+Billing. I--!
+
+Hovstad. Are you, Billing?
+
+Billing. Well, yes--but you must clearly understand I am only
+doing it to annoy the bigwigs.
+
+Aslaksen. Anyhow, it is no business of mine. But if I am to be
+accused of timidity and of inconsistency in my principles, this
+is what I want to point out: my political past is an open book. I
+have never changed, except perhaps to become a little more
+moderate, you see. My heart is still with the people; but I don't
+deny that my reason has a certain bias towards the authorities--
+the local ones, I mean. (Goes into the printing room.)
+
+Billing. Oughtn't we to try and get rid of him, Hovstad?
+
+Hovstad. Do you know anyone else who will advance the money for
+our paper and printing bill?
+
+Billing. It is an infernal nuisance that we don't possess some
+capital to trade on.
+
+Hovstad (sitting down at his desk). Yes, if we only had that,
+then--
+
+Billing. Suppose you were to apply to Dr. Stockmann?
+
+Hovstad (turning over some papers). What is the use? He has got
+nothing.
+
+Billing. No, but he has got a warm man in the background, old
+Morten Kiil--"the Badger," as they call him.
+
+Hovstad (writing). Are you so sure he has got anything?
+
+Billing. Good Lord, of course he has! And some of it must come to
+the Stockmanns. Most probably he will do something for the
+children, at all events.
+
+Hovstad (turning half round). Are you counting on that?
+
+Billing. Counting on it? Of course I am not counting on anything.
+
+Hovstad. That is right. And I should not count on the
+secretaryship to the Bench either, if I were you; for I can
+assure you--you won't get it.
+
+Billing. Do you think I am not quite aware of that? My object is
+precisely not to get it. A slight of that kind stimulates a man's
+fighting power--it is like getting a supply of fresh bile--and I
+am sure one needs that badly enough in a hole-and-corner place
+like this, where it is so seldom anything happens to stir one up.
+
+Hovstad (writing). Quite so, quite so.
+
+Billing. Ah, I shall be heard of yet!--Now I shall go and write
+the appeal to the Householders' Association. (Goes into the room
+on the right.)
+
+Hovstad (sitting al his desk, biting his penholder, says slowly).
+Hm!--that's it, is it. (A knock is heard.) Come in! (PETRA comes
+in by the outer door. HOVSTAD gets up.) What, you!--here?
+
+Petra. Yes, you must forgive me--
+
+Hovstad (pulling a chair forward). Won't you sit down?
+
+Petra. No, thank you; I must go again in a moment.
+
+Hovstad. Have you come with a message from your father, by any
+chance?
+
+Petra. No, I have come on my own account. (Takes a book out of
+her coat pocket.) Here is the English story.
+
+Hovstad. Why have you brought it back?
+
+Petra. Because I am not going to translate it.
+
+Hovstad. But you promised me faithfully.
+
+Petra. Yes, but then I had not read it, I don't suppose you have
+read it either?
+
+Hovstad. No, you know quite well I don't understand English;
+but--
+
+Petra. Quite so. That is why I wanted to tell you that you must
+find something else. (Lays the book on the table.) You can't use
+this for the "People's Messenger."
+
+Hovstad. Why not?
+
+Petra. Because it conflicts with all your opinions.
+
+Hovstad. Oh, for that matter--
+
+Petra. You don't understand me. The burden of this story is that
+there is a supernatural power that looks after the so-called good
+people in this world and makes everything happen for the best in
+their case--while all the so-called bad people are punished.
+
+Hovstad. Well, but that is all right. That is just what our
+readers want.
+
+Petra. And are you going to be the one to give it to them? For
+myself, I do not believe a word of it. You know quite well that
+things do not happen so in reality.
+
+Hovstad. You are perfectly right; but an editor cannot always act
+as he would prefer. He is often obliged to bow to the wishes of
+the public in unimportant matters. Politics are the most
+important thing in life--for a newspaper, anyway; and if I want
+to carry my public with me on the path that leads to liberty and
+progress, I must not frighten them away. If they find a moral
+tale of this sort in the serial at the bottom of the page, they
+will be all the more ready to read what is printed above it; they
+feel more secure, as it were.
+
+Petra. For shame! You would never go and set a snare like that
+for your readers; you are not a spider!
+
+Hovstad (smiling). Thank you for having such a good opinion of
+me. No; as a matter of fact that is Billing's idea and not mine.
+
+Petra. Billing's!
+
+Hovstad. Yes; anyway, he propounded that theory here one day. And
+it is Billing who is so anxious to have that story in the paper;
+I don't know anything about the book.
+
+Petra. But how can Billing, with his emancipated views--
+
+Hovstad. Oh, Billing is a many-sided man. He is applying for the
+post of secretary to the Bench, too, I hear.
+
+Petra. I don't believe it, Mr. Hovstad. How could he possibly
+bring himself to do such a thing?
+
+Hovstad. Ah, you must ask him that.
+
+Petra. I should never have thought it of him.
+
+Hovstad (looking more closely at her). No? Does it really
+surprise you so much?
+
+Petra. Yes. Or perhaps not altogether. Really, I don't quite know
+
+Hovstad. We journalists are not much worth, Miss Stockmann.
+
+Petra. Do you really mean that?
+
+Hovstad. I think so sometimes.
+
+Petra. Yes, in the ordinary affairs of everyday life, perhaps; I
+can understand that. But now, when you have taken a weighty
+matter in hand--
+
+Hovstad. This matter of your father's, you mean?
+
+Petra. Exactly. It seems to me that now you must feel you are a
+man worth more than most.
+
+Hovstad. Yes, today I do feel something of that sort.
+
+Petra. Of course you do, don't you? It is a splendid vocation you
+have chosen--to smooth the way for the march of unappreciated
+truths, and new and courageous lines of thought. If it were
+nothing more than because you stand fearlessly in the open and
+take up the cause of an injured man--
+
+Hovstad. Especially when that injured man is--ahem!--I don't
+rightly know how to--
+
+Petra. When that man is so upright and so honest, you mean?
+
+Hovstad (more gently). Especially when he is your father I meant.
+
+Petra (suddenly checked). That?
+
+Hovstad. Yes, Petra--Miss Petra.
+
+Petra. Is it that, that is first and foremost with you? Not the
+matter itself? Not the truth?--not my father's big generous
+heart?
+
+Hovstad. Certainly--of course--that too.
+
+Petra. No, thank you; you have betrayed yourself, Mr. Hovstad,
+and now I shall never trust you again in anything.
+
+Hovstad. Can you really take it so amiss in me that it is mostly
+for your sake--?
+
+Petra. What I am angry with you for, is for not having been
+honest with my father. You talked to him as if the truth and the
+good of the community were what lay nearest to your heart. You
+have made fools of both my father and me. You are not the man you
+made yourself out to be. And that I shall never forgive you-
+never!
+
+Hovstad. You ought not to speak so bitterly, Miss Petra--least of
+all now.
+
+Petra. Why not now, especially?
+
+Hovstad. Because your father cannot do without my help.
+
+Petra (looking him up and down). Are you that sort of man too?
+For shame!
+
+Hovstad. No, no, I am not. This came upon me so unexpectedly--you
+must believe that.
+
+Petra. I know what to believe. Goodbye.
+
+Aslaksen (coming from the printing room, hurriedly and with an
+air of mystery). Damnation, Hovstad!--(Sees PETRA.) Oh, this is
+awkward--
+
+Petra. There is the book; you must give it to some one else.
+(Goes towards the door.)
+
+Hovstad (following her). But, Miss Stockmann--
+
+Petra. Goodbye. (Goes out.)
+
+Aslaksen. I say--Mr, Hovstad--
+
+Hovstad. Well well!--what is it?
+
+Aslaksen. The Mayor is outside in the printing room.
+
+Hovstad. The Mayor, did you say?
+
+Aslaksen. Yes he wants to speak to you. He came in by the back
+door--didn't want to be seen, you understand.
+
+Hovstad. What can he want? Wait a bit--I will go myself. (Goes to
+the door of the printing room, opens it, bows and invites PETER
+STOCKMANN in.) Just see, Aslaksen, that no one--
+
+Aslaksen. Quite so. (Goes into the printing-room.)
+
+Peter Stockmann. You did not expect to see me here, Mr. Hovstad?
+
+Hovstad. No, I confess I did not.
+
+Peter Stockmann (looking round). You are very snug in here--very
+nice indeed.
+
+Hovstad. Oh--
+
+Peter Stockmann. And here I come, without any notice, to take up
+your time!
+
+Hovstad. By all means, Mr. Mayor. I am at your service. But let
+me relieve you of your--(takes STOCKMANN's hat and stick and puts
+them on a chair). Won't you sit down?
+
+Peter Stockmann (sitting down by the table). Thank you. (HOVSTAD
+sits down.) I have had an extremely annoying experience to-day,
+Mr. Hovstad.
+
+Hovstad. Really? Ah well, I expect with all the various business
+you have to attend to--
+
+Peter Stockmann. The Medical Officer of the Baths is responsible
+for what happened today.
+
+Hovstad. Indeed? The Doctor?
+
+Peter Stockmann. He has addressed a kind of report to the Baths
+Committee on the subject of certain supposed defects in the
+Baths.
+
+Hovstad. Has he indeed?
+
+Peter Stockmann. Yes--has he not told you? I thought he said--
+
+Hovstad. Ah, yes--it is true he did mention something about--
+
+Aslaksen (coming from the printing-room). I ought to have that
+copy.
+
+Hovstad (angrily). Ahem!--there it is on the desk.
+
+Aslaksen (taking it). Right.
+
+Peter Stockmann. But look there--that is the thing I was speaking
+of!
+
+Aslaksen. Yes, that is the Doctor's article, Mr. Mayor.
+
+Hovstad. Oh, is THAT what you were speaking about?
+
+Peter Stockmann. Yes, that is it. What do you think of it?
+
+Hovstad. Oh, I am only a layman--and I have only taken a very
+cursory glance at it.
+
+Peter Stockmann. But you are going to print it?
+
+Hovstad. I cannot very well refuse a distinguished man.
+
+Aslaksen. I have nothing to do with editing the paper, Mr.
+Mayor--
+
+Peter Stockmann. I understand.
+
+Aslaksen. I merely print what is put into my hands.
+
+Peter Stockmann. Quite so.
+
+Aslaksen. And so I must-- (moves off towards the printing-room).
+
+Peter Stockmann. No, but wait a moment, Mr. Aslaksen. You will
+allow me, Mr. Hovstad?
+
+Hovstad. If you please, Mr. Mayor.
+
+Peter Stockmann. You are a discreet and thoughtful man, Mr.
+Aslaksen.
+
+Aslaksen. I am delighted to hear you think so, sir.
+
+Peter Stockmann. And a man of very considerable influence.
+
+Aslaksen. Chiefly among the small tradesmen, sir.
+
+Peter Stockmann. The small tax-payers are the majority--here as
+everywhere else.
+
+Aslaksen. That is true.
+
+Peter Stockmann. And I have no doubt you know the general trend
+of opinion among them, don't you?
+
+Aslaksen. Yes I think I may say I do, Mr. Mayor.
+
+Peter Stockmann. Yes. Well, since there is such a praiseworthy
+spirit of self-sacrifice among the less wealthy citizens of our
+town--
+
+Aslaksen. What?
+
+Hovstad. Self-sacrifice?
+
+Peter Stockmann. It is pleasing evidence of a public-spirited
+feeling, extremely pleasing evidence. I might almost say I hardly
+expected it. But you have a closer knowledge of public opinion
+than I.
+
+Aslaksen. But, Mr. Mayor-
+
+Peter Stockmann. And indeed it is no small sacrifice that the
+town is going to make.
+
+Hovstad. The town?
+
+Aslaksen. But I don't understand. Is it the Baths--?
+
+Peter Stockmann. At a provisional estimate, the alterations that
+the Medical Officer asserts to be desirable will cost somewhere
+about twenty thousand pounds.
+
+Aslaksen. That is a lot of money, but--
+
+Peter Stockmann. Of course it will be necessary to raise a
+municipal loan.
+
+Hovstad (getting up). Surely you never mean that the town must
+pay--?
+
+Aslaksen. Do you mean that it must come out of the municipal
+funds?--out of the ill-filled pockets of the small tradesmen?
+
+Peter Stockmann. Well, my dear Mr. Aslaksen, where else is the
+money to come from?
+
+Aslaksen. The gentlemen who own the Baths ought to provide that.
+
+Peter Stockmann. The proprietors of the Baths are not in a
+position to incur any further expense.
+
+Aslaksen. Is that absolutely certain, Mr. Mayor?
+
+Peter Stockmann. I have satisfied myself that it is so. If the
+town wants these very extensive alterations, it will have to pay
+for them.
+
+Aslaksen. But, damn it all--I beg your pardon--this is quite
+another matter, Mr, Hovstad!
+
+Hovstad. It is, indeed.
+
+Peter Stockmann. The most fatal part of it is that we shall be
+obliged to shut the Baths for a couple of years.
+
+Hovstad. Shut them? Shut them altogether?
+
+Aslaksen. For two years?
+
+Peter Stockmann. Yes, the work will take as long as that--at
+least.
+
+Aslaksen. I'm damned if we will stand that, Mr. Mayor! What are
+we householders to live upon in the meantime?
+
+Peter Stockmann. Unfortunately, that is an extremely difficult
+question to answer, Mr. Aslaksen. But what would you have us do?
+Do you suppose we shall have a single visitor in the town, if we
+go about proclaiming that our water is polluted, that we are
+living over a plague spot, that the entire town--
+
+Aslaksen. And the whole thing is merely imagination?
+
+Peter Stockmann. With the best will in the world, I have not been
+able to come to any other conclusion.
+
+Aslaksen. Well then I must say it is absolutely unjustifiable of
+Dr. Stockmann--I beg your pardon, Mr. Mayor.
+
+Peter Stockmann. What you say is lamentably true, Mr. Aslaksen.
+My brother has unfortunately always been a headstrong man.
+
+Aslaksen. After this, do you mean to give him your support, Mr.
+Hovstad?
+
+Hovstad. Can you suppose for a moment that I--?
+
+Peter Stockmann. I have drawn up a short resume of the situation
+as it appears from a reasonable man's point of view. In it I have
+indicated how certain possible defects might suitably be remedied
+without outrunning the resources of the Baths Committee.
+
+Hovstad. Have you got it with you, Mr. Mayor?
+
+Peter Stockmann (fumbling in his pocket). Yes, I brought it with
+me in case you should--
+
+Aslaksen. Good Lord, there he is!
+
+Peter Stockmann. Who? My brother?
+
+Hovstad. Where? Where?
+
+Aslaksen. He has just gone through the printing room.
+
+Peter Stockmann. How unlucky! I don't want to meet him here, and
+I had still several things to speak to you about.
+
+Hovstad (pointing to the door on the right). Go in there for the
+present.
+
+Peter Stockmann. But--?
+
+Hovstad. You will only find Billing in there.
+
+Aslaksen. Quick, quick, Mr. Mayor--he is just coming.
+
+Peter Stockmann. Yes, very well; but see that you get rid of him
+quickly. (Goes out through the door on the right, which ASLAKSEN
+opens for him and shuts after him.)
+
+Hovstad. Pretend to be doing something, Aslaksen. (Sits down and
+writes. ASLAKSEN begins foraging among a heap of newspapers that
+are lying on a chair.)
+
+Dr. Stockmann (coming in from the printing room). Here I am
+again. (Puts down his hat and stick.)
+
+Hovstad (writing). Already, Doctor? Hurry up with what we were
+speaking about, Aslaksen. We are very pressed for time today.
+
+Dr. Stockmann (to ASLAKSEN). No proof for me to see yet, I hear.
+
+Aslaksen (without turning round). You couldn't expect it yet,
+Doctor.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. No, no; but I am impatient, as you can understand.
+I shall not know a moment's peace of mind until I see it in
+print.
+
+Hovstad. Hm!--It will take a good while yet, won't it, Aslaksen?
+
+Aslaksen. Yes, I am almost afraid it will.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. All right, my dear friends; I will come back. I do
+not mind coming back twice if necessary. A matter of such great
+importance--the welfare of the town at stake--it is no time to
+shirk trouble, (is just going, but stops and comes back.) Look
+here--there is one thing more I want to speak to you about.
+
+Hovstad. Excuse me, but could it not wait till some other time?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I can tell you in half a dozen words. It is only
+this. When my article is read tomorrow and it is realised that I
+have been quietly working the whole winter for the welfare of the
+town--
+
+Hovstad. Yes but, Doctor--
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I know what you are going to say. You don't see
+how on earth it was any more than my duty--my obvious duty as a
+citizen. Of course it wasn't; I know that as well as you. But my
+fellow citizens, you know--! Good Lord, think of all the good
+souls who think so highly of me--!
+
+Aslaksen. Yes, our townsfolk have had a very high opinion of you
+so far, Doctor.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes, and that is just why I am afraid they--.
+Well, this is the point; when this reaches them, especially the
+poorer classes, and sounds in their ears like a summons to take
+the town's affairs into their own hands for the future...
+
+Hovstad (getting up). Ahem I Doctor, I won't conceal from you the
+fact--
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Ah I--I knew there was something in the wind! But
+I won't hear a word of it. If anything of that sort is being set
+on foot--
+
+Hovstad. Of what sort?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Well, whatever it is--whether it is a
+demonstration in my honour, or a banquet, or a subscription list
+for some presentation to me--whatever it is, you most promise me
+solemnly and faithfully to put a stop to it. You too, Mr.
+Aslaksen; do you understand?
+
+Hovstad. You must forgive me, Doctor, but sooner or later we must
+tell you the plain truth--
+
+(He is interrupted by the entrance Of MRS. STOCKMANN, who comes
+in from the street door.)
+
+Mrs. Stockmann (seeing her husband). Just as I thought!
+
+Hovstad (going towards her). You too, Mrs. Stockmann?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. What on earth do you want here, Katherine?
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. I should think you know very well what I want.
+
+Hovstad, Won't you sit down? Or perhaps--
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. No, thank you; don't trouble. And you must not be
+offended at my coming to fetch my husband; I am the mother of
+three children, you know.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Nonsense!--we know all about that.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Well, one would not give you credit for much
+thought for your wife and children today; if you had had that,
+you would not have gone and dragged us all into misfortune.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Are you out of your senses, Katherine! Because a
+man has a wife and children, is he not to be allowed to proclaim
+the truth-is he not to be allowed to be an actively useful
+citizen--is he not to be allowed to do a service to his native
+town!
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Yes, Thomas--in reason.
+
+Aslaksen. Just what I say. Moderation in everything.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. And that is why you wrong us, Mr. Hovstad, in
+enticing my husband away from his home and making a dupe of him
+in all this.
+
+Hovstad. I certainly am making a dupe of no one--
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Making a dupe of me! Do you suppose I should allow
+myself to be duped!
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. It is just what you do. I know quite well you
+have more brains than anyone in the town, but you are extremely
+easily duped, Thomas. (To Hovstad.) Please do realise that he
+loses his post at the Baths if you print what he has written.
+
+Aslaksen. What!
+
+Hovstad. Look here, Doctor!
+
+Dr. Stockmann (laughing). Ha-ha!--just let them try! No, no--they
+will take good care not to. I have got the compact majority
+behind me, let me tell you!
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Yes, that is just the worst of it--your having
+any such horrid thing behind you.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Rubbish, Katherine!--Go home and look after your
+house and leave me to look after the community. How can you be so
+afraid, when I am so confident and happy? (Walks up and down,
+rubbing his hands.) Truth and the People will win the fight, you
+may be certain! I see the whole of the broad-minded middle class
+marching like a victorious army--! (Stops beside a chair.) What
+the deuce is that lying there?
+
+Aslaksen Good Lord!
+
+Hovstad. Ahem!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Here we have the topmost pinnacle of authority!
+(Takes the Mayor's official hat carefully between his finger-tips
+and holds it up in the air.)
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. The Mayor's hat!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. And here is the staff of office too. How in the
+name of all that's wonderful--?
+
+Hovstad. Well, you see--
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Oh, I understand. He has been here trying to talk
+you over. Ha-ha!--he made rather a mistake there! And as soon as
+he caught sight of me in the printing room. (Bursts out
+laughing.) Did he run away, Mr. Aslaksen?
+
+Aslaksen (hurriedly). Yes, he ran away, Doctor.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Ran away without his stick or his--. Fiddlesticks!
+Peter doesn't run away and leave his belongings behind him. But
+what the deuce have you done with him? Ah!--in there, of course.
+Now you shall see, Katherine!
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Thomas--please don't--!
+
+Aslaksen. Don't be rash, Doctor.
+
+(DR. STOCKMANN has put on the Mayor's hat and taken his stick in
+his hand. He goes up to the door, opens it, and stands with his
+hand to his hat at the salute. PETER STOCKMANN comes in, red with
+anger. BILLING follows him.)
+
+Peter Stockmann. What does this tomfoolery mean?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Be respectful, my good Peter. I am the chief
+authority in the town now. (Walks up and down.)
+
+Mrs. Stockmann (almost in tears). Really, Thomas!
+
+Peter Stockmann (following him about). Give me my hat and stick.
+
+Dr. Stockmann (in the same tone as before). If you are chief
+constable, let me tell you that I am the Mayor--I am the master
+of the whole town, please understand!
+
+Peter Stockmann. Take off my hat, I tell you. Remember it is part
+of an official uniform.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Pooh! Do you think the newly awakened lionhearted
+people are going to be frightened by an official hat? There is
+going to be a revolution in the town tomorrow, let me tell you.
+You thought you could turn me out; but now I shall turn you out--
+turn you out of all your various offices. Do you think I cannot?
+Listen to me. I have triumphant social forces behind me. Hovstad
+and Billing will thunder in the "People's Messenger," and
+Aslaksen will take the field at the head of the whole
+Householders' Association--
+
+Aslaksen. That I won't, Doctor.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Of course you will--
+
+Peter Stockmann. Ah!--may I ask then if Mr. Hovstad intends to
+join this agitation?
+
+Hovstad. No, Mr. Mayor.
+
+Aslaksen. No, Mr. Hovstad is not such a fool as to go and ruin
+his paper and himself for the sake of an imaginary grievance.
+
+Dr. Stockmann (looking round him). What does this mean?
+
+Hovstad. You have represented your case in a false light, Doctor,
+and therefore I am unable to give you my support.
+
+Billing. And after what the Mayor was so kind as to tell me just
+now, I--
+
+Dr. Stockmann. A false light! Leave that part of it to me. Only
+print my article; I am quite capable of defending it.
+
+Hovstad. I am not going to print it. I cannot and will not and
+dare not print it.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. You dare not? What nonsense!--you are the editor;
+and an editor controls his paper, I suppose!
+
+Aslaksen. No, it is the subscribers, Doctor.
+
+Peter Stockmann. Fortunately, yes.
+
+Aslaksen. It is public opinion--the enlightened public--
+householders and people of that kind; they control the
+newspapers.
+
+Dr. Stockmann (composedly). And I have all these influences
+against me?
+
+Aslaksen. Yes, you have. It would mean the absolute ruin of the
+community if your article were to appear.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Indeed.
+
+Peter Stockmann. My hat and stick, if you please. (DR. STOCKMANN
+takes off the hat and lays it on the table with the stick. PETER
+STOCKMANN takes them up.) Your authority as mayor has come to an
+untimely end.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. We have not got to the end yet. (To HOVSTAD.) Then
+it is quite impossible for you to print my article in the
+"People's Messenger"?
+
+Hovstad. Quite impossible--out of regard for your family as well.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. You need not concern yourself about his family,
+thank you, Mr. Hovstad.
+
+Peter Stockmann (taking a paper from his pocket). It will be
+sufficient, for the guidance of the public, if this appears. It
+is an official statement. May I trouble you?
+
+Hovstad (taking the paper). Certainly; I will see that it is
+printed.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. But not mine. Do you imagine that you can silence
+me and stifle the truth! You will not find it so easy as you
+suppose. Mr. Aslaksen, kindly take my manuscript at once and
+print it as a pamphlet--at my expense. I will have four hundred
+copies--no, five or six hundred.
+
+Aslaksen. If you offered me its weight in gold, I could not lend
+my press for any such purpose, Doctor. It would be flying in the
+face of public opinion. You will not get it printed anywhere in
+the town.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Then give it me back.
+
+Hovstad (giving him the MS.). Here it is.
+
+Dr. Stockmann (taking his hat and stick). It shall be made public
+all the same. I will read it out at a mass meeting of the
+townspeople. All my fellow-citizens shall hear the voice of
+truth!
+
+Peter Stockmann. You will not find any public body in the town
+that will give you the use of their hall for such a purpose.
+
+Aslaksen. Not a single one, I am certain.
+
+Billing. No, I'm damned if you will find one.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. But this is too shameful! Why should every one
+turn against you like that?
+
+Dr. Stockmann (angrily). I will tell you why. It is because all
+the men in this town are old women--like you; they all think of
+nothing but their families, and never of the community.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann (putting her arm into his). Then I will show them
+that an old woman can be a man for once. I am going to stand
+by you, Thomas!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Bravely said, Katherine! It shall be made public--
+as I am a living soul! If I can't hire a hall, I shall hire a
+drum, and parade the town with it and read it at every street-
+corner.
+
+Peter Stockmann. You are surely not such an errant fool as that!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes, I am.
+
+Aslaksen. You won't find a single man in the whole town to go
+with you.
+
+Billing. No, I'm damned if you will.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Don't give in, Thomas. I will tell the boys to go
+with you.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. That is a splendid idea!
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Morten will be delighted; and Ejlif will do
+whatever he does.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes, and Petra!--and you too, Katherine!
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. No, I won't do that; but I will stand at the
+window and watch you, that's what I will do.
+
+Dr. Stockmann (puts his arms round her and kisses her). Thank
+you, my dear! Now you and I are going to try a fall, my fine
+gentlemen! I am going to see whether a pack of cowards can
+succeed in gagging a patriot who wants to purify society! (He and
+his wife go out by the street door.)
+
+Peter Stockmann (shaking his head seriously). Now he has sent her
+out of her senses, too.
+
+ACT IV
+
+(SCENE.--A big old-fashioned room in CAPTAIN HORSTER'S house. At
+the back folding-doors, which are standing open, lead to an ante-
+room. Three windows in the left-hand wall. In the middle of the
+opposite wall a platform has been erected. On this is a small
+table with two candles, a water-bottle and glass, and a bell. The
+room is lit by lamps placed between the windows. In the
+foreground on the left there is a table with candles and a chair.
+To the right is a door and some chairs standing near it. The room
+is nearly filled with a crowd of townspeople of all sorts, a few
+women and schoolboys being amongst them. People are still
+streaming in from the back, and the room is soon filled.)
+
+1st Citizen (meeting another). Hullo, Lamstad! You here too?
+
+2nd Citizen. I go to every public meeting, I do.
+
+3rd Citizen. Brought your whistle too, I expect!
+
+2nd Citizen. I should think so. Haven't you?
+
+3rd Citizen. Rather! And old Evensen said he was going to bring a
+cow-horn, he did.
+
+2nd Citizen. Good old Evensen! (Laughter among the crowd.)
+
+4th Citizen (coming up to them). I say, tell me what is going on
+here tonight?
+
+2nd Citizen. Dr. Stockmann is going to deliver an address
+attacking the Mayor.
+
+4th Citizen. But the Mayor is his brother.
+
+1st Citizen. That doesn't matter; Dr. Stockmann's not the chap to
+be afraid.
+
+Peter Stockmann. For various reasons, which you will easily
+understand, I must beg to be excused. But fortunately we have
+amongst us a man who I think will be acceptable to you all. I
+refer to the President of the Householders' Association, Mr.
+Aslaksen.
+
+Several voices. Yes--Aslaksen! Bravo Aslaksen!
+
+(DR. STOCKMANN takes up his MS. and walks up and down the
+platform.)
+
+Aslaksen. Since my fellow-citizens choose to entrust me with this
+duty, I cannot refuse.
+
+(Loud applause. ASLAKSEN mounts the platform.)
+
+Billing (writing), "Mr. Aslaksen was elected with enthusiasm."
+
+Aslaksen. And now, as I am in this position, I should like to say
+a few brief words. I am a quiet and peaceable man, who believes
+in discreet moderation, and--and--in moderate discretion. All my
+friends can bear witness to that.
+
+Several Voices. That's right! That's right, Aslaksen!
+
+Aslaksen. I have learned in the school of life and experience that
+moderation is the most valuable virtue a citizen can possess--
+
+Peter Stockmann. Hear, hear!
+
+Aslaksen. --And moreover, that discretion and moderation are what
+enable a man to be of most service to the community. I would
+therefore suggest to our esteemed fellow-citizen, who has called
+this meeting, that he should strive to keep strictly within the
+bounds of moderation.
+
+A Man by the door. Three cheers for the Moderation Society!
+
+A Voice. Shame!
+
+Several Voices. Sh!-Sh!
+
+Aslaksen. No interruptions, gentlemen, please! Does anyone wish
+to make any remarks?
+
+Peter Stockmann. Mr. Chairman.
+
+Aslaksen. The Mayor will address the meeting.
+
+Peter Stockmann. In consideration of the close relationship in
+which, as you all know, I stand to the present Medical Officer of
+the Baths, I should have preferred not to speak this evening. But
+my official position with regard to the Baths and my solicitude
+for the vital interests of the town compel me to bring forward a
+motion. I venture to presume that there is not a single one of
+our citizens present who considers it desirable that unreliable
+and exaggerated accounts of the sanitary condition of the Baths
+and the town should be spread abroad.
+
+Several Voices. No, no! Certainly not! We protest against it!
+
+Peter Stockmann. Therefore, I should like to propose that the
+meeting should not permit the Medical Officer either to read or
+to comment on his proposed lecture.
+
+Dr. Stockmann (impatiently). Not permit--! What the devil--!
+
+Mrs. Stockmann (coughing). Ahem!-ahem!
+
+Dr. Stockmann (collecting himself). Very well, Go ahead!
+
+Peter Stockmann. In my communication to the "People's Messenger,"
+I have put the essential facts before the public in such a way
+that every fair-minded citizen can easily form his own opinion.
+From it you will see that the main result of the Medical
+Officer's proposals--apart from their constituting a vote of
+censure on the leading men of the town--would be to saddle the
+ratepayers with an unnecessary expenditure of at least some
+thousands of pounds.
+
+(Sounds of disapproval among the audience, and some cat-calls.)
+
+Aslaksen (ringing his bell). Silence, please, gentlemen! I beg to
+support the Mayor's motion. I quite agree with him that there is
+something behind this agitation started by the Doctor. He talks
+about the Baths; but it is a revolution he is aiming at--he wants
+to get the administration of the town put into new hands. No one
+doubts the honesty of the Doctor's intentions--no one will suggest
+that there can be any two opinions as to that, I myself am a
+believer in self-government for the people, provided it does not
+fall too heavily on the ratepayers. But that would be the case
+here; and that is why I will see Dr. Stockmann damned--I beg your
+pardon--before I go with him in the matter. You can pay too
+dearly for a thing sometimes; that is my opinion.
+
+(Loud applause on all sides.)
+
+Hovstad. I, too, feel called upon to explain my position. Dr.
+Stockmann's agitation appeared to be gaining a certain amount of
+sympathy at first, so I supported it as impartially as I could.
+But presently we had reason to suspect that we had allowed
+ourselves to be misled by misrepresentation of the state of
+affairs--
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Misrepresentation--!
+
+Hovstad. Well, let us say a not entirely trustworthy
+representation. The Mayor's statement has proved that. I hope no
+one here has any doubt as to my liberal principles; the attitude
+of the "People's Messenger" towards important political questions
+is well known to everyone. But the advice of experienced and
+thoughtful men has convinced me that in purely local matters a
+newspaper ought to proceed with a certain caution.
+
+Aslaksen. I entirely agree with the speaker.
+
+Hovstad. And, in the matter before us, it is now an undoubted
+fact that Dr. Stockmann has public opinion against him. Now, what
+is an editor's first and most obvious duty, gentlemen? Is it not
+to work in harmony with his readers? Has he not received a sort
+of tacit mandate to work persistently and assiduously for the
+welfare of those whose opinions he represents? Or is it possible
+I am mistaken in that?
+
+Voices from the crowd. No, no! You are quite right!
+
+Hovstad. It has cost me a severe struggle to break with a man in
+whose house I have been lately a frequent guest--a man who till
+today has been able to pride himself on the undivided goodwill
+of his fellow-citizens--a man whose only, or at all events whose
+essential, failing is that he is swayed by his heart rather than
+his head.
+
+A few scattered voices. That is true! Bravo, Stockmann!
+
+Hovstad. But my duty to the community obliged me to break with
+him. And there is another consideration that impels me to oppose
+him, and, as far as possible, to arrest him on the perilous
+course he has adopted; that is, consideration for his family--
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Please stick to the water-supply and drainage!
+
+Hovstad. --consideration, I repeat, for his wife and his children
+for whom he has made no provision.
+
+Morten. Is that us, mother?
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Hush!
+
+Aslaksen. I will now put the Mayor's proposition to the vote.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. There is no necessity! Tonight I have no
+intention of dealing with all that filth down at the Baths. No; I
+have something quite different to say to you.
+
+Peter Stockmann (aside). What is coming now?
+
+A Drunken Man (by the entrance door). I am a ratepayer! And
+therefore, I have a right to speak too! And my entire--firm--
+inconceivable opinion is--
+
+A number of voices. Be quiet, at the back there!
+
+Others. He is drunk! Turn him out! (They turn him out.)
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Am I allowed to speak?
+
+Aslaksen (ringing his bell). Dr. Stockmann will address the
+meeting.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I should like to have seen anyone, a few days ago,
+dare to attempt to silence me as has been done tonight! I would
+have defended my sacred rights as a man, like a lion! But now it
+is all one to me; I have something of even weightier importance
+to say to you. (The crowd presses nearer to him, MORTEN Kiil
+conspicuous among them.)
+
+Dr. Stockmann (continuing). I have thought and pondered a great
+deal, these last few days--pondered over such a variety of things
+that in the end my head seemed too full to hold them--
+
+Peter Stockmann (with a cough). Ahem!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. --but I got them clear in my mind at last, and
+then I saw the whole situation lucidly. And that is why I am
+standing here to-night. I have a great revelation to make to you,
+my fellow-citizens! I will impart to you a discovery of a far
+wider scope than the trifling matter that our water supply is
+poisoned and our medicinal Baths are standing on pestiferous
+soil.
+
+A number of voices (shouting). Don't talk about the Baths! We
+won't hear you! None of that!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I have already told you that what I want to speak
+about is the great discovery I have made lately--the discovery
+that all the sources of our moral life are poisoned and that the
+whole fabric of our civic community is founded on the pestiferous
+soil of falsehood.
+
+Voices of disconcerted Citizens. What is that he says?
+
+Peter Stockmann. Such an insinuation--!
+
+Aslaksen (with his hand on his bell). I call upon the speaker to
+moderate his language.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I have always loved my native town as a man only
+can love the home of his youthful days. I was not old when I went
+away from here; and exile, longing and memories cast as it were
+an additional halo over both the town and its inhabitants. (Some
+clapping and applause.) And there I stayed, for many years, in a
+horrible hole far away up north. When I came into contact with
+some of the people that lived scattered about among the rocks, I
+often thought it would of been more service to the poor half-
+starved creatures if a veterinary doctor had been sent up there,
+instead of a man like me. (Murmurs among the crowd.)
+
+Billing (laying down his pen). I'm damned if I have ever heard--!
+
+Hovstad. It is an insult to a respectable population!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Wait a bit! I do not think anyone will charge me
+with having forgotten my native town up there. I was like one of
+the cider-ducks brooding on its nest, and what I hatched was the
+plans for these Baths. (Applause and protests.) And then when
+fate at last decreed for me the great happiness of coming home
+again--I assure you, gentlemen, I thought I had nothing more in
+the world to wish for. Or rather, there was one thing I wished
+for--eagerly, untiringly, ardently--and that was to be able to be
+of service to my native town and the good of the community.
+
+Peter Stockmann (looking at the ceiling). You chose a strange way
+of doing it--ahem!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. And so, with my eyes blinded to the real facts, I
+revelled in happiness. But yesterday morning--no, to be precise,
+it was yesterday afternoon--the eyes of my mind were opened wide,
+and the first thing I realised was the colossal stupidity of the
+authorities--. (Uproar, shouts and laughter, MRS. STOCKMANN
+coughs persistently.)
+
+Peter Stockmann. Mr. Chairman!
+
+Aslaksen (ringing his bell). By virtue of my authority--!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. It is a petty thing to catch me up on a word, Mr.
+Aslaksen. What I mean is only that I got scent of the
+unbelievable piggishness our leading men had been responsible for
+down at the Baths. I can't stand leading men at any price!--I
+have had enough of such people in my time. They are like billy-
+goats on a young plantation; they do mischief everywhere. They
+stand in a free man's way, whichever way he turns, and what I
+should like best would be to see them exterminated like any other
+vermin--. (Uproar.)
+
+Peter Stockmann. Mr. Chairman, can we allow such expressions to
+pass?
+
+Aslaksen (with his hand on his bell). Doctor--!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I cannot understand how it is that I have only now
+acquired a clear conception of what these gentry are, when I had
+almost daily before my eyes in this town such an excellent
+specimen of them--my brother Peter--slow-witted and hide-bound in
+prejudice--. (Laughter, uproar and hisses. MRS. STOCKMANN Sits
+coughing assiduously. ASLAKSEN rings his bell violently.)
+
+The Drunken Man (who has got in again). Is it me he is talking
+about? My name's Petersen, all right--but devil take me if I--
+
+Angry Voices. Turn out that drunken man! Turn him out. (He is
+turned out again.)
+
+Peter Stockmann. Who was that person?
+
+1st Citizen. I don't know who he is, Mr. Mayor.
+
+2nd Citizen. He doesn't belong here.
+
+3rd Citizen. I expect he is a navvy from over at--(the rest is
+inaudible).
+
+Aslaksen. He had obviously had too much beer. Proceed, Doctor;
+but please strive to be moderate in your language.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Very well, gentlemen, I will say no more about our
+leading men. And if anyone imagines, from what I have just said,
+that my object is to attack these people this evening, he is
+wrong--absolutely wide of the mark. For I cherish the comforting
+conviction that these parasites--all these venerable relics of a
+dying school of thought--are most admirably paving the way for
+their own extinction; they need no doctor's help to hasten their
+end. Nor is it folk of that kind who constitute the most pressing
+danger to the community. It is not they who are most instrumental
+in poisoning the sources of our moral life and infecting the
+ground on which we stand. It is not they who are the most
+dangerous enemies of truth and freedom amongst us.
+
+Shouts from all sides. Who then? Who is it? Name! Name!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. You may depend upon it--I shall name them! That is
+precisely the great discovery I made yesterday. (Raises his
+voice.) The most dangerous enemy of truth and freedom amongst us
+is the compact majority--yes, the damned compact Liberal
+majority--that is it! Now you know! (Tremendous uproar. Most of
+the crowd are shouting, stamping and hissing. Some of the older
+men among them exchange stolen glances and seem to be enjoying
+themselves. MRS. STOCKMANN gets up, looking anxious. EJLIF and
+MORTEN advance threateningly upon some schoolboys who are playing
+pranks. ASLAKSEN rings his bell and begs for silence. HOVSTAD and
+BILLING both talk at once, but are inaudible. At last quiet is
+restored.)
+
+Aslaksen. As Chairman, I call upon the speaker to withdraw the
+ill-considered expressions he has just used.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Never, Mr. Aslaksen! It is the majority in our
+community that denies me my freedom and seeks to prevent my
+speaking the truth.
+
+Hovstad. The majority always has right on its side.
+
+Billing. And truth too, by God!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. The majority never has right on its side. Never, I
+say! That is one of these social lies against which an
+independent, intelligent man must wage war. Who is it that
+constitute the majority of the population in a country? Is it the
+clever folk, or the stupid? I don't imagine you will dispute the
+fact that at present the stupid people are in an absolutely
+overwhelming majority all the world over. But, good Lord!--you
+can never pretend that it is right that the stupid folk should
+govern the clever ones I (Uproar and cries.) Oh, yes--you can
+shout me down, I know! But you cannot answer me. The majority has
+might on its side--unfortunately; but right it has not. I am in
+the right--I and a few other scattered individuals. The minority
+is always in the right. (Renewed uproar.)
+
+Hovstad. Aha!--so Dr. Stockmann has become an aristocrat since
+the day before yesterday!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I have already said that I don't intend to waste a
+word on the puny, narrow-chested, short-winded crew whom we are
+leaving astern. Pulsating life no longer concerns itself with
+them. I am thinking of the few, the scattered few amongst us, who
+have absorbed new and vigorous truths. Such men stand, as it
+were, at the outposts, so far ahead that the compact majority has
+not yet been able to come up with them; and there they are
+fighting for truths that are too newly-born into the world of
+consciousness to have any considerable number of people on their
+side as yet.
+
+Hovstad. So the Doctor is a revolutionary now!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Good heavens--of course I am, Mr. Hovstad! I
+propose to raise a revolution against the lie that the majority
+has the monopoly of the truth. What sort of truths are they that
+the majority usually supports? They are truths that are of such
+advanced age that they are beginning to break up. And if a truth
+is as old as that, it is also in a fair way to become a lie,
+gentlemen. (Laughter and mocking cries.) Yes, believe me or not,
+as you like; but truths are by no means as long-lived at
+Methuselah--as some folk imagine. A normally constituted truth
+lives, let us say, as a rule seventeen or eighteen, or at most
+twenty years--seldom longer. But truths as aged as that are
+always worn frightfully thin, and nevertheless it is only then
+that the majority recognises them and recommends them to the
+community as wholesome moral nourishment. There is no great
+nutritive value in that sort of fare, I can assure you; and, as a
+doctor, I ought to know. These "majority truths" are like last
+year's cured meat--like rancid, tainted ham; and they are the
+origin of the moral scurvy that is rampant in our communities.
+
+Aslaksen. It appears to me that the speaker is wandering a long
+way from his subject.
+
+Peter Stockmann. I quite agree with the Chairman.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Have you gone clean out of your senses, Peter? I
+am sticking as closely to my subject as I can; for my subject is
+precisely this, that it is the masses, the majority--this
+infernal compact majority--that poisons the sources of our moral
+life and infects the ground we stand on.
+
+Hovstad. And all this because the great, broadminded majority of
+the people is prudent enough to show deference only to well-
+ascertained and well-approved truths?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Ah, my good Mr. Hovstad, don't talk nonsense about
+well-ascertained truths! The truths of which the masses now
+approve are the very truths that the fighters at the outposts
+held to in the days of our grandfathers. We fighters at the
+outposts nowadays no longer approve of them; and I do not believe
+there is any other well-ascertained truth except this, that no
+community can live a healthy life if it is nourished only on such
+old marrowless truths.
+
+Hovstad. But, instead of standing there using vague generalities,
+it would be interesting if you would tell us what these old
+marrowless truths are, that we are nourished on.
+
+(Applause from many quarters.)
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Oh, I could give you a whole string of such
+abominations; but to begin with I will confine myself to one
+well-approved truth, which at bottom is a foul lie, but upon
+which nevertheless Mr. Hovstad and the "People's Messenger" and
+all the "Messenger's" supporters are nourished.
+
+Hovstad. And that is--?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. That is, the doctrine you have inherited from your
+forefathers and proclaim thoughtlessly far and wide--the doctrine
+that the public, the crowd, the masses, are the essential part of
+the population--that they constitute the People--that the common
+folk, the ignorant and incomplete element in the community, have
+the same right to pronounce judgment and to, approve, to direct
+and to govern, as the isolated, intellectually superior
+personalities in it.
+
+Billing. Well, damn me if ever I--
+
+Hovstad (at the same time, shouting out). Fellow-citizens, take
+good note of that!
+
+A number of voices (angrily). Oho!--we are not the People! Only
+the superior folk are to govern, are they!
+
+A Workman. Turn the fellow out for talking such rubbish!
+
+Another. Out with him!
+
+Another (calling out). Blow your horn, Evensen!
+
+(A horn is blown loudly, amidst hisses and an angry uproar.)
+
+Dr. Stockmann (when the noise has somewhat abated). Be
+reasonable! Can't you stand hearing the voice of truth for once?
+I don't in the least expect you to agree with me all at once; but
+I must say I did expect Mr. Hovstad to admit I was right, when he
+had recovered his composure a little. He claims to be a
+freethinker--
+
+Voices (in murmurs of astonishment). Freethinker, did he say? Is
+Hovstad a freethinker?
+
+Hovstad (shouting). Prove it, Dr. Stockmann! When have I said so
+in print?
+
+Dr. Stockmann (reflecting). No, confound it, you are right!--you
+have never had the courage to. Well, I won't put you in a hole,
+Mr. Hovstad. Let us say it is I that am the freethinker, then. I
+am going to prove to you, scientifically, that the "People's
+Messenger" leads you by the nose in a shameful manner when it
+tells you that you--that the common people, the crowd, the
+masses, are the real essence of the People. That is only a
+newspaper lie, I tell you! The common people are nothing more
+than the raw material of which a People is made. (Groans,
+laughter and uproar.) Well, isn't that the case? Isn't there an
+enormous difference between a well-bred and an ill-bred strain of
+animals? Take, for instance, a common barn-door hen. What sort of
+eating do you get from a shrivelled up old scrag of a fowl like
+that? Not much, do you! And what sort of eggs does it lay? A
+fairly good crow or a raven can lay pretty nearly as good an egg.
+But take a well-bred Spanish or Japanese hen, or a good pheasant
+or a turkey--then you will see the difference. Or take the case
+of dogs, with whom we humans are on such intimate terms. Think
+first of an ordinary common cur--I mean one of the horrible,
+coarse-haired, low-bred curs that do nothing but run about the
+streets and befoul the walls of the houses. Compare one of these
+curs with a poodle whose sires for many generations have been
+bred in a gentleman's house, where they have had the best of food
+and had the opportunity of hearing soft voices and music. Do you
+not think that the poodle's brain is developed to quite a
+different degree from that of the cur? Of course it is. It is
+puppies of well-bred poodles like that, that showmen train to do
+incredibly clever tricks--things that a common cur could never
+learn to do even if it stood on its head. (Uproar and mocking
+cries.)
+
+A Citizen (calls out). Are you going to make out we are dogs,
+now?
+
+Another Citizen. We are not animals, Doctor!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes but, bless my soul, we are, my friend! It is
+true we are the finest animals anyone could wish for; but, even
+among us, exceptionally fine animals are rare. There is a
+tremendous difference between poodle-men and cur-men. And the
+amusing part of it is, that Mr. Hovstad quite agrees with me as
+long as it is a question of four-footed animals--
+
+Hovstad. Yes, it is true enough as far as they are concerned.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Very well. But as soon as I extend the principle
+and apply it to two-legged animals, Mr. Hovstad stops short. He
+no longer dares to think independently, or to pursue his ideas to
+their logical conclusion; so, he turns the whole theory upside
+down and proclaims in the "People's Messenger" that it is the
+barn-door hens and street curs that are the finest specimens in
+the menagerie. But that is always the way, as long as a man
+retains the traces of common origin and has not worked his way up
+to intellectual distinction.
+
+Hovstad. I lay no claim to any sort of distinction, I am the son
+of humble country-folk, and I am proud that the stock I come from
+is rooted deep among the common people he insults.
+
+Voices. Bravo, Hovstad! Bravo! Bravo!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. The kind of common people I mean are not only to
+be found low down in the social scale; they crawl and swarm all
+around us--even in the highest social positions. You have only to
+look at your own fine, distinguished Mayor! My brother Peter is
+every bit as plebeian as anyone that walks in two shoes--
+(laughter and hisses)
+
+Peter Stockmann. I protest against personal allusions of this
+kind.
+
+Dr. Stockmann (imperturbably).--and that, not because he is like
+myself, descended from some old rascal of a pirate from Pomerania
+or thereabouts--because that is who we are descended from--
+
+Peter Stockmann. An absurd legend. I deny it!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. --but because he thinks what his superiors think,
+and holds the same opinions as they, People who do that are,
+intellectually speaking, common people; and, that is why my
+magnificent brother Peter is in reality so very far from any
+distinction--and consequently also so far from being liberal-
+minded.
+
+Peter Stockmann. Mr. Chairman--!
+
+Hovstad. So it is only the distinguished men that are liberal-
+minded in this country? We are learning something quite new!
+(Laughter.)
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes, that is part of my new discovery too. And
+another part of it is that broad-mindedness is almost precisely
+the same thing as morality. That is why I maintain that it is
+absolutely inexcusable in the "People's Messenger" to proclaim,
+day in and day out, the false doctrine that it is the masses, the
+crowd, the compact majority, that have the monopoly of broad-
+mindedness and morality--and that vice and corruption and every
+kind of intellectual depravity are the result of culture, just as
+all the filth that is draining into our Baths is the result of
+the tanneries up at Molledal! (Uproar and interruptions. DR.
+STOCKMANN is undisturbed, and goes on, carried away by his
+ardour, with a smile.) And yet this same "People's Messenger" can
+go on preaching that the masses ought to be elevated to higher
+conditions of life! But, bless my soul, if the "Messenger's"
+teaching is to be depended upon, this very raising up the masses
+would mean nothing more or less than setting them straightway
+upon the paths of depravity! Happily the theory that culture
+demoralises is only an old falsehood that our forefathers
+believed in and we have inherited. No, it is ignorance, poverty,
+ugly conditions of life, that do the devil's work! In a house
+which does not get aired and swept every day--my wife Katherine
+maintains that the floor ought to be scrubbed as well, but that
+is a debatable question--in such a house, let me tell you, people
+will lose within two or three years the power of thinking or
+acting in a moral manner. Lack of oxygen weakens the conscience.
+And there must be a plentiful lack of oxygen in very many houses
+in this town, I should think, judging from the fact that the
+whole compact majority can be unconscientious enough to wish to
+build the town's prosperity on a quagmire of falsehood and
+deceit.
+
+Aslaksen. We cannot allow such a grave accusation to be flung at
+a citizen community.
+
+A Citizen. I move that the Chairman direct the speaker to sit
+down.
+
+Voices (angrily). Hear, hear! Quite right! Make him sit down!
+
+Dr. Stockmann (losing his self-control). Then I will go and shout
+the truth at every street corner! I will write it in other towns'
+newspapers! The whole country shall know what is going on here!
+
+Hovstad. It almost seems as if Dr. Stockmann's intention were to
+ruin the town.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes, my native town is so dear to me that I would
+rather ruin it than see it flourishing upon a lie.
+
+Aslaksen. This is really serious. (Uproar and cat-calls MRS.
+STOCKMANN coughs, but to no purpose; her husband does not listen
+to her any longer.)
+
+Hovstad (shouting above the din). A man must be a public enemy to
+wish to ruin a whole community!
+
+Dr. Stockmann (with growing fervor). What does the destruction
+of a community matter, if it lives on lies? It ought to be razed
+to the ground. I tell you-- All who live by lies ought to be
+exterminated like vermin! You will end by infecting the whole
+country; you will bring about such a state of things that the
+whole country will deserve to be ruined. And if things come to
+that pass, I shall say from the bottom of my heart: Let the whole
+country perish, let all these people be exterminated!
+
+Voices from the crowd. That is talking like an out-and-out enemy
+of the people!
+
+Billing. There sounded the voice of the people, by all that's
+holy!
+
+The whole crowd. (shouting). Yes, yes! He is an enemy of the
+people! He hates his country! He hates his own people!
+
+Aslaksen. Both as a citizen and as an individual, I am profoundly
+disturbed by what we have had to listen to. Dr. Stockmann has
+shown himself in a light I should never have dreamed of. I am
+unhappily obliged to subscribe to the opinion which I have just
+heard my estimable fellow-citizens utter; and I propose that we
+should give expression to that opinion in a resolution. I propose
+a resolution as follows: "This meeting declares that it considers
+Dr. Thomas Stockmann, Medical Officer of the Baths, to be an
+enemy of the people." (A storm of cheers and applause. A number
+of men surround the DOCTOR and hiss him. MRS. STOCKMANN and PETRA
+have got up from their seats. MORTEN and EJLIF are fighting the
+other schoolboys for hissing; some of their elders separate
+them.)
+
+Dr. Stockmann (to the men who are hissing him). Oh, you fools! I
+tell you that--
+
+Aslaksen (ringing his bell). We cannot hear you now, Doctor. A
+formal vote is about to be taken; but, out of regard for personal
+feelings, it shall be by ballot and not verbal. Have you any
+clean paper, Mr. Billing?
+
+Billing. I have both blue and white here.
+
+Aslaksen (going to him). That will do nicely; we shall get on
+more quickly that way. Cut it up into small strips--yes, that's
+it. (To the meeting.) Blue means no; white means yes. I will come
+round myself and collect votes. (PETER STOCKMANN leaves the hall.
+ASLAKSEN and one or two others go round the room with the slips
+of paper in their hats.)
+
+1st Citizen (to HOVSTAD). I say, what has come to the Doctor?
+What are we to think of it?
+
+Hovstad. Oh, you know how headstrong he is.
+
+2nd Citizen (to BILLING). Billing, you go to their house--have
+you ever noticed if the fellow drinks?
+
+Billing. Well I'm hanged if I know what to say. There are always
+spirits on the table when you go.
+
+3rd Citizen. I rather think he goes quite off his head sometimes.
+
+1st Citizen. I wonder if there is any madness in his family?
+
+Billing. I shouldn't wonder if there were.
+
+4th Citizen. No, it is nothing more than sheer malice; he wants
+to get even with somebody for something or other.
+
+Billing. Well certainly he suggested a rise in his salary on one
+occasion lately, and did not get it.
+
+The Citizens (together). Ah!--then it is easy to understand how
+it is!
+
+The Drunken Man (who has got among the audience again). I want
+a blue one, I do! And I want a white one too!
+
+Voices. It's that drunken chap again! Turn him out!
+
+Morten Kiil. (going up to DR. STOCKMANN). Well, Stockmann, do you
+see what these monkey tricks of yours lead to?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I have done my duty.
+
+Morten Kiil. What was that you said about the tanneries at
+Molledal?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. You heard well enough. I said they were the source
+of all the filth.
+
+Morten Kiil. My tannery too?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Unfortunately your tannery is by far the worst.
+
+Morten Kiil. Are you going to put that in the papers?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I shall conceal nothing.
+
+Morten Kiil. That may cost you dearly, Stockmann. (Goes out.)
+
+A Stout Man (going UP to CAPTAIN HORSTER, Without taking any
+notice of the ladies). Well, Captain, so you lend your house to
+enemies of the people?
+
+Horster. I imagine I can do what I like with my own possessions,
+Mr. Vik.
+
+The Stout Man. Then you can have no objection to my doing the
+same with mine.
+
+Horster. What do you mean, sir?
+
+The Stout Man. You shall hear from me in the morning. (Turns his
+back on him and moves off.)
+
+Petra. Was that not your owner, Captain Horster?
+
+Horster. Yes, that was Mr. Vik the shipowner.
+
+Aslaksen (with the voting-papers in his hands, gets up on to the
+platform and rings his bell). Gentlemen, allow me to announce the
+result. By the votes of every one here except one person--
+
+A Young Man. That is the drunk chap!
+
+Aslaksen. By the votes of everyone here except a tipsy man, this
+meeting of citizens declares Dr. Thomas Stockmann to be an enemy
+of the people. (Shouts and applause.) Three cheers for our
+ancient and honourable citizen community! (Renewed applause.)
+Three cheers for our able and energetic Mayor, who has so loyally
+suppressed the promptings of family feeling! (Cheers.) The
+meeting is dissolved. (Gets down.)
+
+Billing. Three cheers for the Chairman!
+
+The whole crowd. Three cheers for Aslaksen! Hurrah!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. My hat and coat, Petra! Captain, have you room on
+your ship for passengers to the New World?
+
+Horster. For you and yours we will make room, Doctor.
+
+Dr. Stockmann (as PETRA helps him into his coat), Good. Come,
+Katherine! Come, boys!
+
+Mrs. Stockmann (in an undertone). Thomas, dear, let us go out by
+the back way.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. No back ways for me, Katherine, (Raising his
+voice.) You will hear more of this enemy of the people, before he
+shakes the dust off his shoes upon you! I am not so forgiving as
+a certain Person; I do not say: "I forgive you, for ye know not
+what ye do."
+
+Aslaksen (shouting). That is a blasphemous comparison, Dr.
+Stockmann!
+
+Billing. It is, by God! It's dreadful for an earnest man to
+listen to.
+
+A Coarse Voice. Threatens us now, does he!
+
+Other Voices (excitedly). Let's go and break his windows! Duck
+him in the fjord!
+
+Another Voice. Blow your horn, Evensen! Pip, pip!
+
+(Horn-blowing, hisses, and wild cries. DR. STOCKMANN goes out
+through the hall with his family, HORSTER elbowing a way for
+them.)
+
+The Whole Crowd (howling after them as they go). Enemy of the
+People! Enemy of the People!
+
+Billing (as he puts his papers together). Well, I'm damned if I
+go and drink toddy with the Stockmanns tonight!
+
+(The crowd press towards the exit. The uproar continues outside;
+shouts of "Enemy of the People!" are heard from without.)
+
+ACT V
+
+(SCENE.--DR. STOCKMANN'S study. Bookcases and cabinets
+containing specimens, line the walls. At the back is a door
+leading to the hall; in the foreground on the left, a door
+leading to the sitting-room. In the righthand wall are two
+windows, of which all the panes are broken. The DOCTOR'S desk,
+littered with books and papers, stands in the middle of the room,
+which is in disorder. It is morning. DR. STOCKMANN in dressing-
+gown, slippers and a smoking-cap, is bending down and raking with
+an umbrella under one of the cabinets. After a little while he
+rakes out a stone.)
+
+Dr. Stockmann (calling through the open sitting-room door).
+Katherine, I have found another one.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann (from the sitting-room). Oh, you will find a lot
+more yet, I expect.
+
+Dr. Stockmann (adding the stone to a heap of others on the
+table). I shall treasure these stones as relies. Ejlif and Morten
+shall look at them everyday, and when they are grown up they
+shall inherit them as heirlooms. (Rakes about under a bookcase.)
+Hasn't--what the deuce is her name?--the girl, you know--hasn't
+she been to fetch the glazier yet?
+
+Mrs. Stockmann (coming in). Yes, but he said he didn't know if he
+would be able to come today.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. You will see he won't dare to come.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Well, that is just what Randine thought--that he
+didn't dare to, on account of the neighbours. (Calls into the
+sitting-room.) What is it you want, Randine? Give it to me. (Goes
+in, and comes out again directly.) Here is a letter for you,
+Thomas.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Let me see it. (Opens and reads it.) Ah!--of
+course.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Who is it from?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. From the landlord. Notice to quit.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Is it possible? Such a nice man
+
+Dr. Stockmann (looking at the letter). Does not dare do
+otherwise, he says. Doesn't like doing it, but dare not do
+otherwise--on account of his fellow-citizens--out of regard for
+public opinion. Is in a dependent position--dares not offend
+certain influential men.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. There, you see, Thomas!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes, yes, I see well enough; the whole lot of them
+in the town are cowards; not a man among them dares do anything
+for fear of the others. (Throws the letter on to the table.) But
+it doesn't matter to us, Katherine. We are going to sail away to
+the New World, and--
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. But, Thomas, are you sure we are well advised to
+take this step?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Are you suggesting that I should stay here, where
+they have pilloried me as an enemy of the people--branded me--
+broken my windows! And just look here, Katherine--they have torn
+a great rent in my black trousers too!
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Oh, dear!--and they are the best pair you have
+got!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. You should never wear your best trousers when you
+go out to fight for freedom and truth. It is not that I care so
+much about the trousers, you know; you can always sew them up
+again for me. But that the common herd should dare to make this
+attack on me, as if they were my equals--that is what I cannot,
+for the life of me, swallow!
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. There is no doubt they have behaved very ill toward
+you, Thomas; but is that sufficient reason for our leaving our
+native country for good and all?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. If we went to another town, do you suppose we
+should not find the common people just as insolent as they are
+here? Depend upon it, there is not much to choose between them.
+Oh, well, let the curs snap--that is not the worst part of it.
+The worst is that, from one end of this country to the other,
+every man is the slave of his Party. Although, as far as that
+goes, I daresay it is not much better in the free West either;
+the compact majority, and liberal public opinion, and all that
+infernal old bag of tricks are probably rampant there too. But
+there things are done on a larger scale, you see. They may kill
+you, but they won't put you to death by slow torture. They don't
+squeeze a free man's soul in a vice, as they do here. And, if
+need be, one can live in solitude. (Walks up and down.) If only I
+knew where there was a virgin forest or a small South Sea island
+for sale, cheap--
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. But think of the boys, Thomas!
+
+Dr. Stockmann (standing still). What a strange woman you are,
+Katherine! Would you prefer to have the boys grow up in a society
+like this? You saw for yourself last night that half the
+population are out of their minds; and if the other half have not
+lost their senses, it is because they are mere brutes, with no
+sense to lose.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. But, Thomas dear, the imprudent things you said
+had something to do with it, you know.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Well, isn't what I said perfectly true? Don't they
+turn every idea topsy-turvy? Don't they make a regular hotchpotch
+of right and wrong? Don't they say that the things I know are
+true, are lies? The craziest part of it all is the fact of these
+"liberals," men of full age, going about in crowds imagining that
+they are the broad-minded party! Did you ever hear anything like
+it, Katherine!
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Yes, yes, it's mad enough of them, certainly;
+but--(PETRA comes in from the silting-room). Back from school
+already?
+
+Petra. Yes. I have been given notice of dismissal.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Dismissal?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. You too?
+
+Petra. Mrs. Busk gave me my notice; so I thought it was best to
+go at once.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. You were perfectly right, too!
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Who would have thought Mrs. Busk was a woman like
+that!
+
+Petra. Mrs. Busk isn't a bit like that, mother; I saw quite
+plainly how it hurt her to do it. But she didn't dare do
+otherwise, she said; and so I got my notice.
+
+Dr. Stockmann (laughing and rubbing his hands). She didn't dare
+do otherwise, either! It's delicious!
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Well, after the dreadful scenes last night--
+
+Petra. It was not only that. Just listen to this, father!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Well?
+
+Petra. Mrs. Busk showed me no less than three letters she
+received this morning--
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Anonymous, I suppose?
+
+Petra. Yes.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes, because they didn't dare to risk signing
+their names, Katherine!
+
+Petra. And two of them were to the effect that a man, who has
+been our guest here, was declaring last night at the Club that my
+views on various subjects are extremely emancipated--
+
+Dr. Stockmann. You did not deny that, I hope?
+
+Petra. No, you know I wouldn't. Mrs. Busk's own views are
+tolerably emancipated, when we are alone together; but now that
+this report about me is being spread, she dare not keep me on any
+longer.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. And someone who had been a guest of ours! That
+shows you the return you get for your hospitality, Thomas!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. We won't live in such a disgusting hole any
+longer. Pack up as quickly as you can, Katherine; the sooner we
+can get away, the better.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Be quiet--I think I hear someone in the hall.
+See who it is, Petra.
+
+Petra (opening the door). Oh, it's you, Captain Horster! Do come
+in.
+
+Horster (coming in). Good morning. I thought I would just come in
+and see how you were.
+
+Dr. Stockmann (shaking his hand). Thanks--that is really kind of
+you.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. And thank you, too, for helping us through the
+crowd, Captain Horster.
+
+Petra. How did you manage to get home again?
+
+Horster. Oh, somehow or other. I am fairly strong, and there is
+more sound than fury about these folk.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes, isn't their swinish cowardice astonishing?
+Look here, I will show you something! There are all the stones
+they have thrown through my windows. Just look at them! I'm
+hanged if there are more than two decently large bits of
+hard stone in the whole heap; the rest are nothing but gravel--
+wretched little things. And yet they stood out there bawling and
+swearing that they would do me some violence; but as for doing
+anything--you don't see much of that in this town.
+
+Horster. Just as well for you this time, doctor!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. True enough. But it makes one angry all the same;
+because if some day it should be a question of a national fight
+in real earnest, you will see that public opinion will be in
+favour of taking to one's heels, and the compact majority will
+turn tail like a flock of sheep, Captain Horster. That is what is
+so mournful to think of; it gives me so much concern, that--. No,
+devil take it, it is ridiculous to care about it! They have
+called me an enemy of the people, so an enemy of the people let
+me be!
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. You will never be that, Thomas.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Don't swear to that, Katherine. To be called an
+ugly name may have the same effect as a pin-scratch in the lung.
+And that hateful name--I can't get quit of it. It is sticking
+here in the pit of my stomach, eating into me like a corrosive
+acid. And no magnesia will remove it.
+
+Petra. Bah!--you should only laugh at them, father,
+
+Horster. They will change their minds some day, Doctor.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Yes, Thomas, as sure as you are standing here.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Perhaps, when it is too late. Much good may it do
+them! They may wallow in their filth then and rue the day when
+they drove a patriot into exile. When do you sail, Captain
+Horster?
+
+Horster. Hm!--that was just what I had come to speak about--
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Why, has anything gone wrong with the ship?
+
+Horster. No; but what has happened is that I am not to sail in
+it.
+
+Petra. Do you mean that you have been dismissed from your
+command?
+
+Horster (smiling). Yes, that's just it.
+
+Petra. You too.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. There, you see, Thomas!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. And that for the truth's sake! Oh, if I had
+thought such a thing possible--
+
+Horster. You mustn't take it to heart; I shall be sure to find a
+job with some ship-owner or other, elsewhere.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. And that is this man Vik--a wealthy man,
+independent of everyone and everything--! Shame on him!
+
+Horster. He is quite an excellent fellow otherwise; he told me
+himself he would willingly have kept me on, if only he had dared--
+
+Dr. Stockmann. But he didn't dare? No, of course not.
+
+Horster. It is not such an easy matter, he said, for a party man--
+
+Dr. Stockmann. The worthy man spoke the truth. A party is like a
+sausage machine; it mashes up all sorts of heads together into
+the same mincemeat--fatheads and blockheads, all in one mash!
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Come, come, Thomas dear!
+
+Petra (to HORSTER). If only you had not come home with us, things
+might not have come to this pass.
+
+Horster. I do not regret it.
+
+Petra (holding out her hand to him). Thank you for that!
+
+Horster (to DR. STOCKMANN). And so what I came to say was that if
+you are determined to go away, I have thought of another plan--
+
+Dr. Stockmann. That's splendid!--if only we can get away at once.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Hush!--wasn't that some one knocking?
+
+Petra. That is uncle, surely.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Aha! (Calls out.) Come in!
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Dear Thomas, promise me definitely--. (PETER
+STOCKMANN comes in from the hall.)
+
+Peter Stockmann. Oh, you are engaged. In that case, I will--
+
+Dr. Stockmann. No, no, come in.
+
+Peter Stockmann. But I wanted to speak to you alone.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. We will go into the sitting-room in the
+meanwhile.
+
+Horster. And I will look in again later.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. No, go in there with them, Captain Horster; I want
+to hear more about--.
+
+Horster. Very well, I will wait, then. (He follows MRS. STOCKMANN
+and PETRA into the sitting-room.)
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I daresay you find it rather draughty here today.
+Put your hat on.
+
+Peter Stockmann. Thank you, if I may. (Does so.) I think I caught
+cold last night; I stood and shivered--
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Really? I found it warm enough.
+
+Peter Stockmann. I regret that it was not in my power to prevent
+those excesses last night.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Have you anything in particular to say to me
+besides that?
+
+Peter Stockmann (taking a big letter from his pocket). I have
+this document for you, from the Baths Committee.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. My dismissal?
+
+Peter Stockmann. Yes, dating from today. (Lays the letter on the
+table.) It gives us pain to do it; but, to speak frankly, we
+dared not do otherwise on account of public opinion.
+
+Dr. Stockmann (smiling). Dared not? I seem to have heard that
+word before, today.
+
+Peter Stockmann. I must beg you to understand your position
+clearly. For the future you must not count on any practice
+whatever in the town.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Devil take the practice! But why are you so sure
+of that?
+
+Peter Stockmann. The Householders' Association is circulating a
+list from house to house. All right-minded citizens are being
+called upon to give up employing you; and I can assure you that
+not a single head of a family will risk refusing his signature.
+They simply dare not.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. No, no; I don't doubt it. But what then?
+
+Peter Stockmann. If I might advise you, it would be best to leave
+the place for a little while--
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes, the propriety of leaving the place has
+occurred to me.
+
+Peter Stockmann. Good. And then, when you have had six months to
+think things over, if, after mature consideration, you can
+persuade yourself to write a few words of regret, acknowledging
+your error--
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I might have my appointment restored to me, do you
+mean?
+
+Peter Stockmann. Perhaps. It is not at all impossible.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. But what about public opinion, then? Surely you
+would not dare to do it on account of public feeling...
+
+Peter Stockmann. Public opinion is an extremely mutable thing.
+And, to be quite candid with you, it is a matter of great
+importance to us to have some admission of that sort from you in
+writing.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Oh, that's what you are after, is it! I will just
+trouble you to remember what I said to you lately about foxy
+tricks of that sort!
+
+Peter Stockmann. Your position was quite different then. At that
+time you had reason to suppose you had the whole town at your
+back--
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes, and now I feel I have the whole town ON my
+back--(flaring up). I would not do it if I had the devil and his
+dam on my back--! Never--never, I tell you!
+
+Peter Stockmann. A man with a family has no right to behave as
+you do. You have no right to do it, Thomas.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I have no right! There is only one single thing in
+the world a free man has no right to do. Do you know what that
+is?
+
+Peter Stockmann. No.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Of course you don't, but I will tell you. A free
+man has no right to soil himself with filth; he has no right to
+behave in a way that would justify his spitting in his own face.
+
+Peter Stockmann. This sort of thing sounds extremely plausible,
+of course; and if there were no other explanation for your
+obstinacy--. But as it happens that there is.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. What do you mean?
+
+Peter Stockmann. You understand, very well what I mean. But, as
+your brother and as a man of discretion, I advise you not to
+build too much upon expectations and prospects that may so very
+easily fail you.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. What in the world is all this about?
+
+Peter Stockmann. Do you really ask me to believe that you are
+ignorant of the terms of Mr. Kiil's will?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I know that the small amount he possesses is to go
+to an institution for indigent old workpeople. How does that
+concern me?
+
+Peter Stockmann. In the first place, it is by no means a small
+amount that is in question. Mr. Kiil is a fairly wealthy man.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I had no notion of that!
+
+Peter Stockmann. Hm!--hadn't you really? Then I suppose you had
+no notion, either, that a considerable portion of his wealth will
+come to your children, you and your wife having a life-rent of
+the capital. Has he never told you so?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Never, on my honour! Quite the reverse; he has
+consistently done nothing but fume at being so unconscionably
+heavily taxed. But are you perfectly certain of this, Peter?
+
+Peter Stockmann. I have it from an absolutely reliable source.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Then, thank God, Katherine is provided for--and
+the children too! I must tell her this at once--(calls out)
+Katherine, Katherine!
+
+Peter Stockmann (restraining him). Hush, don't say a word yet!
+
+Mrs. Stockmann (opening the door). What is the matter?
+
+Dr, Stockmann. Oh, nothing, nothing; you can go back. (She shuts
+the door. DR. STOCKMANN walks up and down in his excitement.)
+Provided for!--Just think of it, we are all provided for! And for
+life! What a blessed feeling it is to know one is provided for!
+
+Peter Stockmann. Yes, but that is just exactly what you are not.
+Mr. Kiil can alter his will any day he likes.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. But he won't do that, my dear Peter. The "Badger"
+is much too delighted at my attack on you and your wise friends.
+
+Peter Stockmann (starts and looks intently at him). Ali, that
+throws a light on various things.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. What things?
+
+Peter Stockmann. I see that the whole thing was a combined
+manoeuvre on your part and his. These violent, reckless attacks
+that you have made against the leading men of the town, under the
+pretence that it was in the name of truth--
+
+Dr. Stockmann. What about them?
+
+Peter Stockmann. I see that they were nothing else than the
+stipulated price for that vindictive old man's will.
+
+Dr. Stockmann (almost speechless). Peter--you are the most
+disgusting plebeian I have ever met in all my life.
+
+Peter Stockmann. All is over between us. Your dismissal is
+irrevocable--we have a weapon against you now. (Goes out.)
+
+Dr. Stockmann. For shame! For shame! (Calls out.) Katherine, you
+must have the floor scrubbed after him! Let--what's her name--
+devil take it, the girl who has always got soot on her nose--
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. (in the sitting-room). Hush, Thomas, be quiet!
+
+Petra (coming to the door). Father, grandfather is here, asking
+if he may speak to you alone.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Certainly he may. (Going to the door.) Come in,
+Mr. Kiil. (MORTEN KIIL comes in. DR. STOCKMANN shuts the door
+after him.) What can I do for you? Won't you sit down?
+
+Morten Kiil. I won't sit. (Looks around.) You look very
+comfortable here today, Thomas.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes, don't we!
+
+Morten Kiil. Very comfortable--plenty of fresh air. I should
+think you have got enough to-day of that oxygen you were talking
+about yesterday. Your conscience must be in splendid order to-
+day, I should think.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. It is.
+
+Morten Kiil. So I should think. (Taps his chest.) Do you know
+what I have got here?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. A good conscience, too, I hope.
+
+Morten Kiil. Bah!--No, it is something better than that. (He
+takes a thick pocket-book from his breast-pocket, opens it, and
+displays a packet of papers.)
+
+Dr. Stockmann (looking at him in astonishment). Shares in the
+Baths?
+
+Morten Kiil. They were not difficult to get today.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. And you have been buying--?
+
+Morten Kiil. As many as I could pay for.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. But, my dear Mr. Kiil--consider the state of the
+Baths' affairs!
+
+Morten Kiil. If you behave like a reasonable man, you can soon
+set the Baths on their feet again.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Well, you can see for yourself that I have done
+all I can, but--. They are all mad in this town!
+
+Morten Kiil. You said yesterday that the worst of this pollution
+came from my tannery. If that is true, then my grandfather and my
+father before me, and I myself, for many years past, have been
+poisoning the town like three destroying angels. Do you think I
+am going to sit quiet under that reproach?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Unfortunately I am afraid you will have to.
+
+Morten Kiil. No, thank you. I am jealous of my name and
+reputation. They call me "the Badger," I am told. A badger is a
+kind of pig, I believe; but I am not going to give them the right
+to call me that. I mean to live and die a clean man.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. And how are you going to set about it?
+
+Morten Kiil. You shall cleanse me, Thomas.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I!
+
+Morten Kiil. Do you know what money I have bought these shares
+with? No, of course you can't know--but I will tell you. It is
+the money that Katherine and Petra and the boys will have when I
+am gone. Because I have been able to save a little bit after all,
+you know.
+
+Dr, Stockmann (flaring up). And you have gone and taken
+Katherine's money for this!
+
+Morten Kiil. Yes, the whole of the money is invested in the Baths
+now. And now I just want to see whether you are quite stark,
+staring mad, Thomas! If you still make out that these animals and
+other nasty things of that sort come from my tannery, it will be
+exactly as if you were to flay broad strips of skin from
+Katherine's body, and Petra's, and the boys'; and no decent man
+would do that--unless he were mad.
+
+Dr. Stockmann (walking up and down). Yes, but I am mad; I am mad!
+
+Morten Kiil. You cannot be so absurdly mad as all that, when it
+is a question of your wife and children.
+
+Dr. Stockmann (standing still in front of him). Why couldn't you
+consult me about it, before you went and bought all that trash?
+
+Morten Kiil. What is done cannot be undone.
+
+Dr. Stockmann (walks about uneasily). If only I were not so
+certain about it--! But I am absolutely convinced that I am
+right.
+
+Morten Kiil (weighing the pocket-book in his hand). If you stick
+to your mad idea, this won't be worth much, you know. (Puts the
+pocket-book in his pocket.)
+
+Dr. Stockmann. But, hang it all! It might be possible for science
+to discover some prophylactic, I should think--or some antidote
+of some kind--
+
+Morten Kiil. To kill these animals, do you mean?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes, or to make them innocuous.
+
+Morten Kiil. Couldn't you try some rat's-bane?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Don't talk nonsense! They all say it is only
+imagination, you know. Well, let it go at that! Let them have
+their own way about it! Haven't the ignorant, narrow-minded curs
+reviled me as an enemy of the people?--and haven't they been
+ready to tear the clothes off my back too?
+
+Morten Kiil. And broken all your windows to pieces!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. And then there is my duty to my family. I must
+talk it over with Katherine; she is great on those things,
+
+Morten Kiil. That is right; be guided by a reasonable woman's
+advice.
+
+Dr. Stockmann (advancing towards him). To think you could do such
+a preposterous thing!  Risking Katherine's money in this way, and
+putting me in such a horribly painful dilemma! When I look at
+you, I think I see the devil himself--.
+
+Morten Kiil. Then I had better go. But I must have an answer from
+you before two o'clock--yes or no. If it is no, the shares go to
+a charity, and that this very day.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. And what does Katherine get?
+
+Morten Kiil. Not a halfpenny. (The door leading to the hall
+opens, and HOVSTAD and ASLAKSEN make their appearance.) Look at
+those two!
+
+Dr. Stockmann (staring at them). What the devil!--have YOU
+actually the face to come into my house?
+
+Hovstad. Certainly.
+
+Aslaksen. We have something to say to you, you see.
+
+Morten Kiil (in a whisper). Yes or no--before two o'clock.
+
+Aslaksen (glancing at HOVSTAD). Aha! (MORTEN KIIL goes out.)
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Well, what do you want with me? Be brief.
+
+Hovstad. I can quite understand that you are annoyed with us for
+our attitude at the meeting yesterday.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Attitude, do you call it? Yes, it was a charming
+attitude! I call it weak, womanish--damnably shameful!
+
+Hovstad. Call it what you like, we could not do otherwise.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. You DARED not do otherwise--isn't that it?
+
+Hovstad. Well, if you like to put it that way.
+
+Aslaksen. But why did you not let us have word of it beforehand?
+--just a hint to Mr. Hovstad or to me?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. A hint? Of what?
+
+Aslaksen. Of what was behind it all.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I don't understand you in the least--
+
+Aslaksen (with a confidential nod). Oh yes, you do, Dr.
+Stockmann.
+
+Hovstad. It is no good making a mystery of it any longer.
+
+Dr. Stockmann (looking first at one of them and then at the
+other). What the devil do you both mean?
+
+Aslaksen. May I ask if your father-in-law is not going round the
+town buying up all the shares in the Baths?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes, he has been buying Baths shares today; but--
+
+Aslaksen. It would have been more prudent to get someone else to
+do it--someone less nearly related to you.
+
+Hovstad. And you should not have let your name appear in the
+affair. There was no need for anyone to know that the attack on
+the Baths came from you. You ought to have consulted me, Dr.
+Stockmann.
+
+Dr. Stockmann (looks in front of him; then a light seems to dawn
+on him and he says in amazement.) Are such things conceivable?
+Are such things possible?
+
+Aslaksen (with a smile). Evidently they are. But it is better to
+use a little finesse, you know.
+
+Hovstad. And it is much better to have several persons in a thing
+of that sort; because the responsibility of each individual is
+lessened, when there are others with him.
+
+Dr. Stockmann (composedly). Come to the point, gentlemen. What do
+you want?
+
+Aslaksen. Perhaps Mr. Hovstad had better--
+
+Hovstad. No, you tell him, Aslaksen.
+
+Aslaksen. Well, the fact is that, now we know the bearings of the
+whole affair, we think we might venture to put the "People's
+Messenger" at your disposal.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Do you dare do that now? What about public
+opinion? Are you not afraid of a storm breaking upon our heads?
+
+Hovstad. We will try to weather it.
+
+Aslaksen. And you must be ready to go off quickly on a new tack,
+Doctor. As soon as your invective has done its work--
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Do you mean, as soon as my father-in-law and I
+have got hold of the shares at a low figure?
+
+Hovstad. Your reasons for wishing to get the control of the Baths
+are mainly scientific, I take it.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Of course; it was for scientific reasons that I
+persuaded the old "Badger" to stand in with me in the matter. So
+we will tinker at the conduit-pipes a little, and dig up a little
+bit of the shore, and it shan't cost the town a sixpence. That
+will be all right--eh?
+
+Hovstad. I think so--if you have the "People's Messenger" behind
+you.
+
+Aslaksen. The Press is a power in a free community. Doctor.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Quite so. And so is public opinion. And you, Mr.
+Aslaksen--I suppose you will be answerable for the Householders'
+Association?
+
+Aslaksen. Yes, and for the Temperance Society. You may rely on
+that.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. But, gentlemen--I really am ashamed to ask the
+question--but, what return do you--?
+
+Hovstad. We should prefer to help you without any return
+whatever, believe me. But the "People's Messenger" is in rather a
+shaky condition; it doesn't go really well; and I should be very
+unwilling to suspend the paper now, when there is so much work to
+do here in the political way.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Quite so; that would be a great trial to such a
+friend of the people as you are. (Flares up.) But I am an enemy
+of the people, remember! (Walks about the room.) Where have I put
+my stick? Where the devil is my stick?
+
+Hovstad. What's that?
+
+Aslaksen. Surely you never mean--
+
+Dr. Stockmann (standing still.) And suppose I don't give you a
+single penny of all I get out of it? Money is not very easy to
+get out of us rich folk, please to remember!
+
+Hovstad. And you please to remember that this affair of the
+shares can be represented in two ways!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes, and you are just the man to do it. If I don't
+come to the rescue of the "People's Messenger," you will
+certainly take an evil view of the affair; you will hunt me down,
+I can well imagine--pursue me--try to throttle me as a dog does a
+hare.
+
+Hovstad. It is a natural law; every animal must fight for its own
+livelihood.
+
+Aslaksen. And get its food where it can, you know.
+
+Dr. Stockmann (walking about the room). Then you go and look for
+yours in the gutter; because I am going to show you which is the
+strongest animal of us three! (Finds an umbrella and brandishes
+it above his head.) Ah, now--!
+
+Hovstad. You are surely not going to use violence!
+
+Aslaksen. Take care what you are doing with that umbrella.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Out of the window with you, Mr. Hovstad!
+
+Hovstad (edging to the door). Are you quite mad!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Out of the window, Mr. Aslaksen! Jump, I tell you!
+You will have to do it, sooner or later.
+
+Aslaksen (running round the writing-table). Moderation, Doctor--I
+am a delicate man--I can stand so little--(calls out) help, help!
+
+(MRS. STOCKMANN, PETRA and HORSTER come in from the sitting-
+room.)
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Good gracious, Thomas! What is happening?
+
+Dr. Stockmann (brandishing the umbrella). Jump out, I tell you!
+Out into the gutter!
+
+Hovstad. An assault on an unoffending man! I call you to witness,
+Captain Horster. (Hurries out through the hall.)
+
+Aslaksen (irresolutely). If only I knew the way about here--.
+(Steals out through the sitting-room.)
+
+Mrs. Stockmann (holding her husband back). Control yourself,
+Thomas!
+
+Dr. Stockmann (throwing down the umbrella). Upon my soul, they
+have escaped after all.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. What did they want you to do?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I will tell you later on; I have something else to
+think about now. (Goes to the table and writes something on a
+calling-card.) Look there, Katherine; what is written there?
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Three big Noes; what does that mean.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. I will tell you that too, later on. (Holds out the
+card to PETRA.) There, Petra; tell sooty-face to run over to the
+"Badger's" with that, as quick as she can. Hurry up! (PETRA takes
+the card and goes out to the hall.)
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Well, I think I have had a visit from every one of
+the devil's messengers to-day! But now I am going to sharpen my
+pen till they can feel its point; I shall dip it in venom and
+gall; I shall hurl my inkpot at their heads!
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Yes, but we are going away, you know, Thomas.
+
+(PETRA comes back.)
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Well?
+
+Petra. She has gone with it.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Good.--Going away, did you say? No, I'll be hanged
+if we are going away! We are going to stay where we are,
+Katherine!
+
+Petra. Stay here?
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Here, in the town?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes, here. This is the field of battle--this is
+where the fight will be. This is where I shall triumph! As soon
+as I have had my trousers sewn up I shall go out and look for
+another house. We must have a roof over our heads for the winter.
+
+Horster. That you shall have in my house.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Can I?
+
+Horsier. Yes, quite well. I have plenty of room, and I am almost
+never at home.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. How good of you, Captain Horster!
+
+Petra. Thank you!
+
+Dr. Stockmann (grasping his hand). Thank you, thank you! That is
+one trouble over! Now I can set to work in earnest at once. There
+is an endless amount of things to look through here, Katherine!
+Luckily I shall have all my time at my disposal; because I have
+been dismissed from the Baths, you know.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann (with a sigh). Oh yes, I expected that.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. And they want to take my practice away from me
+too. Let them! I have got the poor people to fall back upon,
+anyway--those that don't pay anything; and, after all, they need
+me most, too. But, by Jove, they will have to listen to me; I
+shall preach to them in season and out of season, as it says
+somewhere.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. But, dear Thomas, I should have thought events
+had showed you what use it is to preach.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. You are really ridiculous, Katherine. Do you want
+me to let myself be beaten off the field by public opinion and
+the compact majority and all that devilry? No, thank you! And
+what I want to do is so simple and clear and straightforward. I
+only want to drum into the heads of these curs the fact that the
+liberals are the most insidious enemies of freedom--that party
+programmes strangle every young and vigorous truth--that
+considerations of expediency turn morality and justice upside
+down--and that they will end by making life here unbearable.
+Don't you think, Captain Horster, that I ought to be able to make
+people understand that?
+
+Horster. Very likely; I don't know much about such things myself.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Well, look here--I will explain! It is the party
+leaders that must be exterminated. A party leader is like a wolf,
+you see--like a voracious wolf. He requires a certain number of
+smaller victims to prey upon every year, if he is to live. Just
+look at Hovstad and Aslaksen! How many smaller victims have they
+not put an end to--or at any rate maimed and mangled until they
+are fit for nothing except to be householders or subscribers to
+the "People's Messenger"! (Sits down on the edge of the table.)
+Come here, Katherine--look how beautifully the sun shines to-day!
+And this lovely spring air I am drinking in!
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Yes, if only we could live on sunshine and spring
+air, Thomas.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Oh, you will have to pinch and save a bit--then we
+shall get along. That gives me very little concern. What is much
+worse is, that I know of no one who is liberal-minded and high-
+minded enough to venture to take up my work after me.
+
+Petra. Don't think about that, father; you have plenty of time
+before you.--Hello, here are the boys already!
+
+(EJLIF and MORTEN come in from the sitting-room.)
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Have you got a holiday?
+
+Morten. No; but we were fighting with the other boys between
+lessons--
+
+Ejlif. That isn't true; it was the other boys were fighting with
+us.
+
+Morten. Well, and then Mr. Rorlund said we had better stay at
+home for a day or two.
+
+Dr. Stockmann (snapping his fingers and getting up from the
+table). I have it! I have it, by Jove! You shall never set foot
+in the school again!
+
+The Boys. No more school!
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. But, Thomas--
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Never, I say. I will educate you myself; that is
+to say, you shan't learn a blessed thing--
+
+Morten. Hooray!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. --but I will make liberal-minded and high-minded
+men of you. You must help me with that, Petra.
+
+Petra, Yes, father, you may be sure I will.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. And my school shall be in the room where they
+insulted me and called me an enemy of the people. But we are too
+few as we are; I must have at least twelve boys to begin with.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. You will certainly never get them in this town.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. We shall. (To the boys.) Don't you know any street
+urchins--regular ragamuffins--?
+
+Morten. Yes, father, I know lots!
+
+Dr. Stockmann. That's capital! Bring me some specimens of them. I
+am going to experiment with curs, just for once; there may be
+some exceptional heads among them.
+
+Morten. And what are we going to do, when you have made liberal-
+minded and high-minded men of us?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Then you shall drive all the wolves out of the
+country, my boys!
+
+(EJLIF looks rather doubtful about it; MORTEN jumps about crying
+"Hurrah!")
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Let us hope it won't be the wolves that will
+drive you out of the country, Thomas.
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Are you out of your mind, Katherine? Drive me out!
+Now--when I am the strongest man in the town!
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. The strongest--now?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes, and I will go so far as to say that now I am
+the strongest man in the whole world.
+
+Morten. I say!
+
+Dr. Stockmann (lowering his voice). Hush! You mustn't say
+anything about it yet; but I have made a great discovery.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann. Another one?
+
+Dr. Stockmann. Yes. (Gathers them round him, and says
+confidentially:) It is this, let me tell you--that the strongest
+man in the world is he who stands most alone.
+
+Mrs. Stockmann (smiling and shaking her head). Oh, Thomas,
+Thomas!
+
+Petra (encouragingly, as she grasps her father's hands). Father!
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's of An Enemy of the People, by Henrik Ibsen
+