Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/92

 Burgomaster.

Yes. But that is not the worst. The work would take at least two years.

Dr. Stockmann.

Two years! Do you mean to say two whole years?

Burgomaster.

At least. And what are we to do with the Baths in the meanwhile? Are we to close them? We should have no alternative. Do you think any one would come here, if it got abroad that the water was pestilential?

Dr. Stockmann.

But, Peter, that's precisely what it is.

Burgomaster.

And all this now, just now, when the Baths are doing so well! Neighbouring towns, too, are not without their claims to rank as health-resorts. Do you think they would not at once set to work to divert the full stream of visitors to themselves? Undoubtedly they would; and we should be left stranded. We should probably have to give up the whole costly undertaking; and so you would have ruined your native town.

Dr. Stockmann.

I—ruined!

Burgomaster.

It is only through the Baths that the town has any future worth speaking of. You surely know that as well as I do.