Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/117

 Aslaksen.

Timid? Yes, when it's a question of attacking local authorities, I am timid, Mr. Billing; I have learnt caution in the school of experience, let me tell you. But start me on the higher politics, confront me with the Government itself, and then see if I'm timid.

Billing.

No, you're not; but that's just where your inconsistency comes in.

Aslaksen.

The fact is, I am keenly alive to my responsibilities. If you attack the Government, you at least do society no harm; for the men attacked don't care a straw, you see—they stay where they are all the same. But local authorities can be turned out; and then we might get some incompetent set into power, to the irreparable injury both of house-owners and other people.

Hovstad.

But the education of citizens by self-government—do you never think of that?

Aslaksen.

When a man has solid interests to protect, he can't think of everything, Mr. Hovstad.

Hovstad.

Then I hope I may never have solid interests to protect.

Billing.

Hear, hear!