Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/101

 Burgomaster.

Well, on the whole, I am not sorry

Dr. Stockmann.

[Coming nearer to him.] You spoke to me of forbidding and obeying

Burgomaster.

You have forced me to adopt that tone.

Dr. Stockmann.

And am I to give myself the lie, in a public declaration?

Burgomaster.

We consider it absolutely necessary that you should issue a statement in the terms indicated.

Dr. Stockmann.

And if I do not obey?

Burgomaster.

Then we shall ourselves put forth a statement to reassure the public.

Dr. Stockmann.

Well and good; then I shall write against you. I shall stick to my point and prove that I am right, and you wrong. And what will you do then?

Burgomaster.

Then I shall be unable to prevent your dismissal.

Dr. Stockmann.

What!

Petra.

Father! Dismissal