Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/156

 Burgomaster.

On account of my close relationship—of which you are probably aware—to the present medical officer of the Baths, I should have preferred not to speak here this evening. But my position as chairman of the Baths, and my care for the vital interests of this town, force me to move a resolution. I may doubtless assume that not a single citizen here present thinks it desirable that untrustworthy and exaggerated statements should get abroad as to the sanitary condition of the Baths and of our town.

Many Voices.

No, no, no! Certainly not! We protest

Burgomaster.

I therefore beg to move, "That this meeting declines to hear the proposed lecture or speech on the subject by the medical officer of the Baths."

Dr. Stockmann.

[Flaring up.] Declines to hear! What do you mean?

Mrs. Stockmann.

[Coughing.] H'm! h'm!

Dr. Stockmann.

[Controlling himself.] So I am not to be heard?

Burgomaster.

In my statement in the People's Messenger I have made the public acquainted with the essential facts, so that all well-disposed citizens can easily form their own judgment. From that statement