Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/86

 what with scruples and misgivings, they never dare advance a step.

Dr. Stockmann.

Yes, but Aslaksen seems to me thoroughly well-intentioned.

Hovstad.

There is one thing I value more than good intentions, and that is an attitude of manly self-reliance.

Dr. Stockmann.

There I am quite with you.

Hovstad.

So I am going to seize this opportunity, and try whether I can't for once put a little grit into their good intentions. The worship of authority must be rooted up in this town. This gross, inexcusable blunder of the waterworks must be brought home clearly to every voter.

Dr. Stockmann.

Very well. If you think it's for the good of the community, so be it; but not till I have spoken to my brother.

Hovstad.

At all events, I shall be writing my leader in the meantime. And if the Burgomaster won't take the matter up

Dr. Stockmann.

But how can you conceive his refusing?

Hovstad.

Oh, it's not inconceivable. And then