Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/159

 Hovstad.

But my duty towards the community has constrained me to break with him. Then, too, there is another consideration that impels me to oppose him, and, if possible, to block the ill-omened path upon which he is entering: consideration for his family

Dr. Stockmann.

Keep to the water-works and sewers!

Hovstad.

consideration for his wife and his unprotected[1] children.

Morten.

Is that us, mother?

Mrs. Stockmann.

Hush!

Aslaksen.

I will now put the Burgomaster's resolution to the vote.

Dr. Stockmann.

You need not. I have no intention of saying anything this evening of all the filth at the Baths. No! You shall hear something quite different.

Burgomaster.

[Half aloud.] What next, I wonder?

A Drunken Man.

[At the main entrance.] I'm a ratepayer, so I've a right to my opinion! And it's my full, firm, incomprehensible opinion that

1 Literally, "unprovided-for."