Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/131

 Aslaksen.

Well—chiefly among the lower middle-class.

Burgomaster.

The small taxpayers form the majority—here as everywhere.

Aslaksen.

That's very true.

Burgomaster.

And I have no doubt that you know the general feeling among them. Am I right?

Aslaksen. Yes, I think I may say that I do, Burgomaster.

Burgomaster.

Well—since our townsfolk of the poorer class appear to be so heroically eager to make sacrifices

Aslaksen. How so?

Hovstad.

Sacrifices?

Burgomaster.

It is a pleasing evidence of public spirit—a most pleasing evidence. I admit it is more than I should quite have expected. But, of course, you know public feeling better than I do.

Aslaksen. Yes but, Burgomaster

Burgomaster.

And assuredly it is no small sacrifice the town will have to make.