Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 9).djvu/57

 trees and so forth; but, unfortunately, this is no time for hobbies of that sort. You cannot imagine the state things are in, all over the country. There is hardly a single accepted idea that hasn't been turned topsy-turvy. It will be a gigantic task to get all the errors rooted out again.

Rosmer.

I have no doubt of it. But I am the last man to undertake such a task.

Rebecca.

And besides, I think Mr. Rosmer has come to take a wider view of life than he used to.

Kroll.

[With surprise.] Wider?

Rebecca.

Yes; or freer, if you like—less one-sided.

Kroll.

What is the meaning of this? Rosmer—surely you are not so weak as to be influenced by the accident that the leaders of the mob have won a temporary advantage?

Rosmer.

My dear Kroll, you know how little I understand of politics. But I confess it seems to me that within the last few years people are beginning to show greater independence of thought.

Kroll.

Indeed! And you take it for granted that that must be an improvement! But in any case you are