Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/142

 ASLAKSEN.

Take care, Doctor!

[Dr. Stockmann has put on the Burgomaster's cap and grasped his stick; he now goes up to the door, throws it open, and makes a military salute.

The Burgomaster enters, red with anger. Behind him comes Billing.

Burgomaster.

What is the meaning of these antics?

Dr. Stockmann.

Respect, my good Peter! Now, it's I that am in power in this town. [He struts up and down.

Mrs. Stockmann.

[Almost in tears.] Oh, Thomas!

Burgomaster.

[Following him.] Give me my cap and stick!

Dr. Stockmann.

[As before.] You may be Chief of Police, but I am Burgomaster. I am master of the whole town I tell you!

Burgomaster.

Put down my cap, I say. Remember it is an official cap, as by law prescribed!

Dr. Stockmann.

Pshaw! Do you think the awakening lion of the democracy will let itself be scared by a gold-laced cap? There's to be a revolution in the town to-*morrow, let me tell you. You threatened me with