Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/196

 Burgomaster.

If I might advise, I would suggest that you should leave the town for a time

Dr. Stockmann. Yes, I've had some such idea in my mind already.

Burgomaster.

Good. And when you have had six months or so for mature deliberation, if you could make up your mind to acknowledge your error, with a few words of regret

Dr. Stockmann. I might perhaps be reinstated, you think?

Burgomaster. Perhaps it's not quite out of the question.

Dr. Stockmann.

Yes, but how about public opinion? You daren't, on account of public opinion.

Burgomaster.

Opinion is extremely variable. And, to speak candidly, it is of the greatest importance for us to have such an admission under your own hand.

Dr. Stockmann.

Yes, I daresay it would be mightily convenient for you! But you remember what I've said to you before about such foxes' tricks!

Burgomaster. At that time your position was infinitely more