Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/103

 Dr. Stockmann.

It is I that have the real good of the town at heart! I want to lay bare the evils that, sooner or later, must come to light. Ah! You shall see whether I love my native town.

Burgomaster.

You, who, in your blind obstinacy, want to cut off the town's chief source of prosperity!

Dr. Stockmann.

That source is poisoned, man! Are you mad? We live by trafficking in filth and corruption! The whole of our flourishing social life is rooted in a lie!

Burgomaster.

Idle fancies—or worse. The man who scatters broadcast such offensive insinuations against his native place must be an enemy of society.

Dr. Stockmann.

[Going towards him.] You dare to!

Mrs. Stockmann.

[Throwing herself between them.] Thomas!

Petra.

[Seizing her father's arm.] Keep calm, father!

Burgomaster.

I will not expose myself to violence. You have had your warning now. Reflect upon what is due to yourself and to your family. Good-bye.

[He goes.

Dr. Stockmann.

[Walking up and down.] And I must put up