Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/96

 measure forced to act as I did—for my own sake. I always hoped I should be able to keep you a little in check, if I helped to improve your pecuniary position.

Dr. Stockmann.

What! So it was only for your own sake!

Burgomaster.

In a measure, I say. It is painful for a man in an official position, when his nearest relative goes and compromises himself time after time.

Dr. Stockmann.

And you think I do that?

Burgomaster.

Yes, unfortunately, you do, without knowing it. Yours is a turbulent, unruly, rebellious spirit. And then you have an unhappy propensity for rushing into print upon every possible and impossible occasion. You no sooner hit upon an idea than you must needs write a newspaper article or a whole pamphet about it.

Dr. Stockmann.

Isn't it a citizen's duty, when he has conceived a new idea, to communicate it to the public!

Burgomaster.

Oh, the public has no need for new ideas. The public gets on best with the good old recognised ideas it has already.

Dr. Stockmann.

You say that right out!