Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/185

 Dr. Stockmann.

Yes, yes, I see well enough; they are all cowards, every one of them, in this town; no one dares do anything for fear of all the rest. [Throws the letter on the table.] But it's all the same to us, Katrina. We will shape our course for the new world, and then

Mrs. Stockmann.

But are you sure this idea of going abroad is altogether wise, Thomas?

Dr. Stockmann.

Would you have me stay here, where they have pilloried me as an enemy of the people, branded me, smashed my windows! And look here, Katrina, they've torn a hole in my black trousers, too.

Mrs. Stockmann. Oh dear; and these are the best you have!

Dr. Stockmann.

A man should never put on his best trousers when he goes out to battle for freedom and truth. Well, I don't care so much about the trousers; them you can always patch up for me. But that the mob, the rabble, should dare to attack me as if they were my equals—that is what I can't, for the life of me, stomach!

Mrs. Stockmann.

Yes, they have behaved abominably to you here, Thomas; but is that any reason for leaving the country altogether?

Dr. Stockmann. Do you think the plebeians aren't just as insolent