Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/77

 Dr. Stockmann.

What swamp may that be?

Hovstad.

The swamp in which our whole municipal life is rotting.

Dr. Stockmann.

The devil, Mr. Hovstad! What notion is this you've got hold of?

Hovstad.

All the affairs of the town have gradually drifted into the hands of a pack of bureaucrats

Dr. Stockmann.

Come now, they're not all bureaucrats.

Hovstad.

No; but those who are not are the friends and adherents of those who are. We are entirely under the thumb of a ring of wealthy men, men of old family and position in the town.

Dr. Stockmann.

Yes, but they are also men of ability and insight.

Hovstad.

Did they show ability and insight when they laid the water-pipes where they are?

Dr. Stockmann.

No; that, of course, was a piece of stupidity. But that will be set right now.

Hovstad.

Do you think it will go so smoothly?