Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/104

 with such treatment! In my own house, Katrina! What do you say to that!

Mrs. Stockmann.

Indeed, it's a shame and a disgrace, Thomas

Petra.

Oh, if I could only get hold of uncle!

Dr. Stockmann.

It's my own fault. I ought to have stood up against them long ago—to have shown my teeth—and used them too!—And to be called an enemy of society! Me! I won't bear it; by Heaven, I won't!

Mrs. Stockmann.

But my dear Thomas, after all, your brother has the power

Dr. Stockmann.

Yes, but I have the right.

Mrs. Stockmann.

Ah yes, right, right! What good does it do to have the right, if you haven't any might?

Petra.

Oh, mother—how can you talk so?

Dr. Stockmann.

What! No good, in a free community, to have right on your side? What an absurd idea, Katrina! And besides—haven't I the free and independent press before me—and the compact majority at my back? That is might enough, I should think!