Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/85

 my advice; I've picked up experience in the school of life.—And now I'll say good morning, Doctor. You know now that at least you have us small middle-class men behind you, solid as a wall. You have the compact majority on your side, Doctor.

Dr. Stockmann.

Many thanks, my dear Mr. Aslaksen. [Holds out his hand.] Good-bye, good-bye.

Aslaksen.

Are you coming to the office, Mr. Hovstad?

Hovstad.

I shall come on presently. I have still one or two things to arrange.

Aslaksen.

Very well.

[Bows and goes. Dr. Stockmann accompanies him into the hall.

Hovstad.

[As the Doctor re-enters.] Well, what do you say to that, Doctor? Don't you think it is high time we should give all this weak-kneed, half-hearted cowardice a good shaking up?

Dr. Stockmann.

Are you speaking of Aslaksen?

Hovstad.

Yes, I am. He's a decent enough fellow, but he's one of those who are sunk in the swamp. And most people here are just like him; they are for ever wavering and wobbling from side to side;