Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/169

 Dr. Stockmann.

Oh, I could give you no end of samples from the rubbish-heap; but, for the present, I shall keep to one acknowledged truth, which is a hideous lie at bottom, but which Mr. Hovstad, and the Messenger, and all adherents of the Messenger, live on all the same.

Hovstad. And that is?

Dr. Stockmann.

That is the doctrine you have inherited from your forefathers, and go on thoughtlessly proclaiming far and wide—the doctrine that the multitude, the vulgar herd, the masses, are the pith of the people—that they are the people—that the common man, the ignorant, undeveloped member of society, has the same right to sanction and to condemn, to counsel and to govern, as the intellectually distinguished few.

Billing. Well, now, strike me dead!

Hovstad.

[Shouting at the same time.] Citizens, please note this!

Angry Voices.

Ho-ho! Aren't we the people? Is it only the grand folks that are to govern?

A Working Man. Out with the fellow that talks like that!

Others. Turn him out!