Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/210

 Hovstad.

I think so—if you have the Messenger to back you up.

Aslaksen.

In a free community the press is a power, Doctor.

Dr. Stockmann.

Yes, indeed; and so is public opinion. And you, Mr. Aslaksen—I suppose you will answer for the House-owners' Association?

Aslaksen.

Both for the House-owners' Association and the Temperance Society. You may make your mind easy.

Dr. Stockmann.

But, gentlemen—really I'm quite ashamed to mention such a thing—but—what return?

Hovstad.

Of course, we should prefer to give you our support for nothing. But the Messenger is not very firmly established; it's not getting on as it ought to; and I should be very sorry to have to stop the paper just now, when there's so much to be done in general politics.

Dr. Stockmann.

Naturally; that would be very hard for a friend of the people like you. [Flaring up.] But I—I am an enemy of the people! [Striding about the room.] Where's my stick? Where the devil is my stick?