Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/204

 Dr. Stockmann.

[Walking up and down.] Yes, but I am a madman; I am a madman!

Morten Kiil.

You surely can't be so raving, ramping mad where your wife and children are concerned.

Dr. Stockmann.

[Stopping in front of him.] Why couldn't you have spoken to me before you went and bought all that rubbish?

Morten Kiil. What's done can't be undone.

Dr. Stockmann.

[Walking restlessly about.] If only I weren't so certain about the affair! But I am absolutely convinced that I'm right.

Morten Kiil.

[Weighing the pocket book in his hand.] If you stick to this lunacy, these aren't worth much.

[Puts the book into his pocket.

Dr. Stockmann.

But, deuce take it! surely science ought to be able to hit upon some antidote, some sort of prophylactic

Morten Kiil. Do you mean something to kill the beasts?

Dr. Stockmann. Yes, or at least to make them harmless.