AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE. PLAY IN FIVE ACTS. (continued 2)
Reading edition
Dr. Stockmann.
Stuff and nonsense! We all know that well enough.
Mrs. Stockmann.
Well, it doesn’t look as if you thought very much about your wife and children to-day, or you wouldn’t be so ready to plunge us all into ruin.
Dr. Stockmann.
Are you quite mad, Katrina! Has a man with a wife and children no right to proclaim the truth? Has he no right to be an active and useful citizen? Has he no right to do his duty by the town he lives in?
Mrs. Stockmann.
Everything in moderation, Thomas!
Aslaksen.
That’s just what I say. Moderation in everything.
Mrs. Stockmann.
You are doing us a great wrong, Mr. Hovstad, in enticing my husband away from house and home, and befooling him in this way.
Hovstad.
I am not befooling any one——
Dr. Stockmann.
Befooling! Do you think I should let myself be befooled?
108Mrs. Stockmann.
Yes, that’s just what you do. I know very well that you are the cleverest man in the town; but you’re very easily made a fool of, Thomas. [To Hovstad.] Remember that he loses his post at the Baths if you print what he has written——
Aslaksen.
What!
HovstadHovstad.
Well now, really, Doctor——
Dr. Stockmann.
[Laughing.] Ha ha! just let them try—! No no, my dear, they’ll think twice about that. I have the compact majority behind me, you see!
Mrs. Stockmann.
That’s just the misfortune, that you should have such a horrid thing behind you.
Dr. Stockmann.
Nonsense, Katrina;—you go home and look after your house, and let me take care of society. How can you be in such a fright when you see me so confident and happy? [Rubbing his hands and walking up and down.] Truth and the People must win the day; you may be perfectly sure of that. Oh! I can see all our free-souled citizens standing shoulder to shoulder like a conquering army——! [Stopping by a chair.] Why, what the devil is that?
Aslaksen.
[Looking at it.] Oh Lord!
109Hovstad.
[The same.] H'm—
Dr. Stockmann.
Why, here’s the top-knot of authority!
[He takes the Burgomaster’s official cap carefully between the tips of his fingers and holds it up.
Mrs. Stockmann.
The Burgomaster’s cap!
Dr. Stockmann.
And here’s the staff of office, too! But how in the devil’s name did they——?
Hovstad.
Well then——
Dr. Stockmann.
Ah, I understand! He has been here to talk you over. Ha, ha! He reckoned without his host that time! And when he caught sight of me in the printing-room—[Bursts out laughing.]—he took to his heels, eh, Mr. Aslaksen?
Aslaksen.
[Hurriedly.] Exactly; he took to his heels, Doctor.
Dr. Stockmann.
Made off without his stick and——. No, that won’t do! Peter never left anything behind him. But where the devil have you stowed him? Ah—in here, of course. Now you shall see, Katrina!
Mrs. Stockmann.
Thomas—I implore you——!
110Aslaksen.
Take care, Doctor!
[Dr. Stockmann has put on the Burgomaster’s cap and grasped his stick; he now goes up to the door, throws it open, and makes a military salute.
The Burgomaster enters, red with anger. Behind him comes Billing.
Burgomaster.
What is the meaning of these antics?
Dr. Stockmann.
Respect, my good Peter! Now, it’s I that am in power in this town.
[He struts up and down.
Mrs. Stockmann.
[Almost in tears.] Oh, Thomas!
Burgomaster.
[Following him.] Give me my cap and stick!
Dr. Stockmann.
[As before.] You may be Chief of Police, but I am Burgomaster. I am master of the whole town I tell you!
Burgomaster.
Put down my cap, I say. Remember it is an official cap, as by law prescribed!
Dr. Stockmann.
Pshaw! Do you think the awakening lion of the democracy will let itself be scared by a gold-laced cap? There’s to be a revolution in the town to-morrow, let me tell you. You threatened me with 111dismissal; but now I dismiss you—dismiss you from all your offices of trust—. You think I can’t do it?—Oh, yes, I can! I have the irresistible forces of society on my side. Hovstad and Billing will thunder in the People’s Messenger, and Aslaksen will take the field at the head of the House-owners' Association——
Aslaksen.
No, Doctor, I shall not.
Dr. Stockmann.
Why, of course you will——
Burgomaster.
Aha! Perhaps Mr. Hovstad would like to join the agitation after all?
Hovstad.
No, Burgomaster.
Aslaksen.
No, Mr. Hovstad isn’t such a fool as to ruin both himself and the paper for the sake of a delusion.
Dr. Stockmann.
[Looking about him.] What does all this mean?
Hovstad.
You have presented your case in a false light, Doctor; therefore I am unable to give you my support.
Billing.
And after what the Burgomaster has been so kind as to explain to me, I——
Dr. Stockmann.
In a false light! Well, I am responsible for that. 112Just you print my article, and I promise you I shall prove it up to the hilt.
Hovstad.
I shall not print it. I cannot, and will not, and dare not print it.
Dr. Stockmann.
You dare not? What nonsense is this? You are editor; and I suppose it’s the editor that controls a paper.
Aslaksen.
No, it’s the subscribers, Doctor.
Burgomaster.
Fortunately.
Aslaksen.
It’s public opinion, the enlightened majority, the house-owners and all the rest. It’s they who control a paper.
Dr. Stockmann.
[Calmly.] And all these powers I have against me?
Aslaksen.
Yes, you have. It would mean absolute ruin for the town if your article were inserted.
Dr. Stockmann.
So that is the way of it!
Burgomaster.
My hat and stick!
[Dr. Stockmann takes off the cap and lays it on the table along with the stick.
113Burgomaster.
[Taking them both.] Your term of office has come to an untimely end.
Dr. Stockmann.
The end is not yet. [To Hovstad.] So you are quite determined not to print my article in the Messenger?
Hovstad.
Quite; for the sake of your family, if for no other reason.
Mrs. Stockmann.
Oh, be kind enough to leave his family out of the question, Mr. Hovstad.
Burgomaster.
[Takes a manuscript from his pocket.] When this appears, the public will be in possession of all necessary information; it is an authentic statement. I place it in your hands.
Hovstad.
[Taking the MS.] Good. It shall appear in due course.
Dr. Stockmann.
And not mine! You imagine you can kill me and the truth by a conspiracy of silence! But it won’t be so easy asas you think. Mr. Aslaksen, will you be good enough to print my article at once, as a pamphlet? I'll pay for it myself, and be my own publisher. I'll have four hundred copies—no, five—six hundred.
Aslaksen.
No. If you offered me its weight in gold, I dare 114not lend my press to such a purpose, Doctor. I daren’t fly in the face of public opinion. You won’t get it printed anywhere in the whole town.
Dr. Stockmann.
Then give it me back.
Hovstad.
[Handing him the MS.] By all means.
Dr. Stockmann.
[Taking up his hat and cane.] It shall be made public all the same. I shall read it at a great mass meeting; all my fellow citizens shall hear the voice of truth!
Burgomaster.
Not a single society in the town would let you their hall for such a purpose.
Aslaksen.
Not one, I'm quite certain.
Billing.
No, strike me dead if they would!
Mrs. Stockmann.
That would be too disgraceful! Why do they turn against you like this, every one of them?
Dr. Stockmann.
[Irritated.] I'll tell you why. It’sIt’s because in this town all the men are old women—like you. They all think of nothing but their families, not of the general good.
115Mrs. Stockmann.
[Taking his arm.] Then I'll show them that an—an old woman can be a man for once in a way. For now I'll stand by you, Thomas.
Dr. Stockmann.
Bravely said, Katrina! I swear by my soul and conscience the truth shall out! If they won’t let me a hall, I'll hire a drum and march through the town with it; and I'll read my paper at every street corner.
Burgomaster.
You can scarcely be such a raving lunatic as that?
Dr. Stockmann.
I am.
Aslaksen.
You would not get a single man in the whole town to go with you.
Billing.
No, strike me dead if you would!
Mrs. Stockmann.
Don’t give in, Thomas. I'll ask the boys to go with you.
Dr. Stockmann.
That’s a splendid idea!
Mrs. Stockmann.
Morten will be delighted; and Eilif will go too, I daresay.
Dr. Stockmann.
Yes, and so will Petra! And you yourself, Katrina!
116Mrs. Stockmann.
No no, not I. But I'll stand at the window and watch you—that I will.
Dr. Stockmann.
[Throwing his arms about her and kissing her.] Thank you for that! Now, my good sirs, we’re ready for the fight! Now we shall see whether your despicable tactics can stop the mouth of the patriot who wants to purge society!
[He and his wife go out together by the door in the back, left.
Burgomaster.
[Shaking his head dubiously.] Now he has turned her head too!
117
ACT FOURTH.
A large old-fashioned room in Captain Horster’s house. An open folding-door in the background leads to an anteroom. In the wall on the left are three windows. About the middle of the opposite wall is a platform, and on it a small table, two candles, a water-bottle and glass, and a bell. For the rest, the room is lighted by sconces placed between the windows. In front, on the left, is a table with a candle on it, and by it a chair. In front, to the right, a door, and near it a few chairs.
Large assemblage of all classes of townsfolk. In the crowd are a few women and schoolboys. More and more people gradually stream in from the back until the room is quite full.
First Citizen.
[To another standing near him.] So you’re here too, Lamstad?
Second Citizen.
I never miss a public meeting.
A Bystander.
I suppose you’ve brought your whistle?
Second Citizen.
Of course I have; haven’t you?
118Third Citizen.
I should think so. And Skipper Evensen said he’d bring a thumping big horn.
Second Citizen.
He’s a good ’un, is Evensen!
[Laughter in the group.
A Fourth Citizen.
[Joining them.] I say, what’s it all about? What’s going on here to-night?
Second Citizen.
Why, it’s Dr. Stockmann that’s going to lecture against the Burgomaster.
Fourth Citizen.
But the Burgomaster’s his brother.
First Citizen.
That makes no difference. Dr. Stockmann’s not afraid of him.
Third Citizen.
But he’s all wrong; the People’s Messenger says so.
Second Citizen.
Yes, he must be wrong this time; for neither the House-owners’ Association nor the Citizens' Club would let him have a hall.
First Citizen.
They wouldn’t even lend him the hall at the Baths.
Second Citizen.
No, you may be sure they wouldn’t.
119A Man.
[In another group.] Now, who’s the one to follow in this business, eh?
Another Man.
[In the same group.] Just keep your eye on Aslaksen, and do as he does.
Billing.
[With a portfolio under his arm, makes his way through the crowd.] Excuse me, gentlemen. Will you allow me to pass? I'm here to report for the People’s Messenger. Many thanks.
[Sits by the table on the left.
A Working-man.
Who’s he?
Another Working-man.
Don’t you know him? It’s that fellow Billing, that writes for Aslaksen’s paper.
Captain Horster enters by the door in front on the right, escorting Mrs. Stockmann and Petra. Eilif and Morten follow them.
Horster.
This is where I thought you might sit: you can so easily slip out if anything should happen.
Mrs. Stockmann.
Do you think there will be any disturbance?
Horster.
One can never tell—with such a crowd. But there’s no occasion for anxiety.
120Mrs. Stockmann.
[Sitting down.] How kind it was of you to offer Stockmann this room.
Horster.
Since no one else would, I——
Petra.
[Who has also seated herself.] And it was brave too, Captain Horster.
Horster.
Oh, I don’t see where the bravery comes in.
Hovstad and Aslaksen enter at the same moment, but make their way through the crowd separately.
Aslaksen.
[Going up to Horster.] Hasn’t the Doctor come yet?
Horster.
He’s waiting in there.
[A movement at the door in the background.
Hovstad.
[To Billing.] There’s the Burgomaster! Look!
Billing.
Yes, strike me dead if he hasn’t put in an appearance after all!
Burgomaster Stockmann makes his way blandly through the meeting, bowing politely to both sides, and takes his stand by the wall on the left. Soon afterwards, Dr. Stockmann enters by the door on the right. He wears a black frock-coat and white necktie. Faint applause, met by a subdued hissing. Then silence.
121Dr. Stockmann.
[In a low tone.] How do you feel, Katrina?
Mrs. Stockmann.
Quite comfortable, thank you. [In a low voice.] Now do keep your temper, Thomas.
Dr. Stockmann.
Oh, I shall keep myself well in hand. [Looks at his watch, ascends the platform, and bows.] It’s a quarter past the hour, so I shall begin——
[Takes out his MS.
Aslaksen.
But surely a chairman must be elected first.
Dr. Stockmann.
No, that’s not at all necessary.
Several Gentlemen.
[Shouting.] Yes, yes.
Burgomaster.
I should certainly say that a chairman ought to be elected.
Dr. Stockmann.
But I've called this meeting to give a lecture, Peter!
Burgomaster.
Dr. Stockmann’s lecture may possibly lead to differences of opinion.
Several Voices in the Crowd.
A chairman! A chairman!
Hovstad.
The general voice of the meeting seems to be for a chairman!
122Dr. Stockmann.
[Controlling himself.] Very well then; let the meeting have its way.
Aslaksen.
Will not the Burgomaster take the chair?
Three Gentlemen.
[Clapping.] Bravo! Bravo!
Burgomaster.
For reasons you will easily understand, I must decline. But, fortunately, we have among us one whom I think we can all accept. I allude to the president of the House-owners' Association, Mr. Aslaksen.
Many Voices.
Yes, yes! Bravo Aslaksen! Hurrah for Aslaksen!
[Dr. Stockmann takes his MS. and descends from the platform.
Aslaksen.
Since my fellow citizens repose this trust in me, I cannot refuse——
[Applause and cheers. Aslaksen ascends the platform.
Billing.
[Writing.] So—“Mr. Aslaksen was elected by acclamation——”
Aslaksen.
And now, as I have been called to the chair, I take the liberty of saying a few brief words. I am a quiet, peace-loving man; I am in favour of discreet moderation, and of—and of moderate 123discretion. Every one who knows me, knows that.
Many Voices.
Yes, yes, Aslaksen!
Aslaksen.
I have learnt in the school of life and of experience that moderation is the virtue in which the individual citizen finds his best advantage——
Burgomaster.
Hear, hear!
Aslaksen.
——and it is discretion and moderation, too, that best serve the community. I could therefore suggest to our respected fellow citizen, who has called this meeting, that he should endeavour to keep within the bounds of moderation.
A Man.
[By the door.] Three cheers for the Temperance Society!
A Voice.
Go to the devil!
Voices.
Hush! hush!
Aslaksen.
No interruptions, gentlemen!—Does any one wish to offer any observations?
Burgomaster.
Mr. Chairman!
Aslaksen.
Burgomaster Stockmann will address the meeting.
124Burgomaster.
On account of my close relationship—of which you are probably aware—to the present medical officer of the Baths, I should have preferred not to speak here this evening. But my position as chairman of the Baths, and my care for the vital interests of this town, force me to move a resolution. I may doubtless assume that not a single citizen here present thinks it desirable that untrustworthy and exaggerated statements should get abroad as to the sanitary condition of the Baths and of our town.
Many Voices.
No, no, no! Certainly not! We protest!protest!
Burgomaster.
I therefore beg to move, “That this meeting declines to hear the proposed lecture or speech on the subject by the medical officer of the Baths.”
Dr. Stockmann.
[Flaring up.] Declines to hear——! What do you mean?
Mrs. Stockmann.
[Coughing.] H'm! h’m!
Dr. Stockmann.
[Controlling himself.] So I am not to be heard?
Burgomaster.
In my statement in the People’s Messenger I have made the public acquainted with the essential facts, so that all well-disposed citizens can easily form their own judgment. From that statement 125it will be seen that the medical officer’s proposal—besides amounting to a vote of censure upon the leading men of the town—at bottom only means saddling the ratepayers with an unnecessary outlay of at least a hundred thousand crowns.
[Sounds of protest and some hissing.
Aslaksen.
[Ringing the bell.] Order, gentlemen! I must beg leave to support the Burgomaster’s resolution. I quite agree with him that there is something beneath the surface of the Doctor’s agitation. In all his talk about the Baths, it is really a revolution he is aiming at; he wants to effect a redistribution of power. No one doubts the excellence of Dr. Stockmann’s intentions—of course there cannot be two opinions as to that. I, too, am in favour of self-government by the people, if only it doesn’t cost the ratepayers too much. But in this case it would do so; and therefore I'll be hanged if—excuse me—in short, I cannot go with Dr. Stockmann upon this occasion. You can buy even gold too dear; that’s my opinion.
[Loud applause on all sides.
Hovstad.
I, too feel bound to explain my attitude. Dr. Stockmann’s agitation seemed at first to find favour in several quarters, and I supported it as impartially as I could. But it presently appeared that we had been misled by a false representation of the facts——
Dr. Stockmann.
False——!
Hovstad.
Well then, an untrustworthy representation. 126This the Burgomaster’s report has proved. I trust no one here present doubts my liberal principles; the attitude of the Messenger on all great political questions is well known to you all. But I have learned from men of judgment and experience that in purely local matters a paper must observe a certain amount of caution.
Aslaksen.
I entirely agree with the speaker.
Hovstad.
And in the matter under discussion it is quite evident that Dr. Stockmann has public opinion against him. But, gentlemen, what is an editor’s clearest and most imperative duty? Is it not to work in harmony with his readers? Has he not in some sort received a tacit mandate to further assiduously and unweariedly the interests of his constituents? Or am I mistaken in this?
Many Voices.
No, no, no! Hovstad is right!
Hovstad.
It has cost me a bitter struggle to break with a man in whose house I have of late been a frequent guest—with a man who, up to this day, has enjoyed the unqualified goodwill of his fellow citizens—with a man whose only, or, at any rate, whose chief fault is that he consults his heart rather than his head.
A Few Scattered Voices.
That’s true! Hurrah for Dr. Stockmann!
127Hovstad.
But my duty towards the community has constrained me to break with him. Then, too, there is another consideration that impels me to oppose him, and, if possible, to block the ill-omened path upon which he is entering: consideration for his family——
Dr. Stockmann.
Keep to the water-works and sewers!
Hovstad.
——consideration for his wife and his unprotected[12] children.
Morten.
Is that us, mother?
Mrs. Stockmann.
Hush!
Aslaksen.
I will now put the Burgomaster’s resolution to the vote.
Dr. Stockmann.
You need not. I have no intention of saying anything this evening of all the filth at the Baths. No! You shall hear something quite different.
Burgomaster.
[Half aloud.] What next, I wonder?
A Drunken Man.
[At the main entrance.] I'm a ratepayer, so I've a right to my opinion! And it’s my full, firm, incomprehensible opinion that——
128Several Voices.
Silence up there!
Others.
He’s drunk! Turn him out!
[The drunken man is turned out.
Dr. Stockmann.
Can I speak?
Aslaksen.
[Ringing the bell.] Dr. Stockmann will address the meeting.
Dr. Stockmann.
A few days ago, I should have liked to see any one venture upon such an attempt to gag me as has been made here to-night! I would have fought like a lion for my sacred rights! But now I care little enough; for now I have more important things to speak of.
[The people crowd closer round him. Morten Kiil comes in sight among the bystanders.
Dr. Stockmann.
[Continuing.] I have been pondering a great many things during these last days—thinking such a multitude of thoughts, that at last my head was positively in a whirl——
Burgomaster.
[Coughing.] H'm——!
Dr. Stockmann.
But presently things seemed to straighten themselves out, and I saw them clearly in all 129their bearings. That is why I stand here this evening. I am about to make great revelations, my fellow citizens! I am going to announce to you a far-reaching discovery, beside which the trifling fact that our water-works are poisoned, and that our health-resort is built on pestilential ground, sinks into insignificance.
Many Voices.
[Shouting.] Don’t speak about the Baths! We won’t listen to that! No more of that!
Dr. Stockmann.
I have said I would speak of the great discovery I have made within the last few days—the discovery that all our sources of spiritual life are poisoned, and that our whole society rests upon a pestilential basis of falsehood.
Several Voices.
[In astonishment and half aloud.] What’s he saying?
Burgomaster.
Such an insinuation——!
Aslaksen.
[With his hand on the bell.] I must call upon the speaker to moderate his expressions.
Dr. Stockmann.
I have loved my native town as dearly as any man can love the home of his childhood. I was young when I left our town, and distance, home-sickness and memory threw, as it were, a glamour over the place and its people.
[Some applause and cries of approval.
130Dr. Stockmann.
Then for years I was imprisoned in a horrible hole, far away in the north. As I went about among the people scattered here and there over the stony wilderness, it seemed to me, many a time, that it would have been better for these poor famishing creatures to have had a cattle-doctor to attend them, instead of a man like me.
[Murmurs in the room.
Billing.
[Laying down his pen.] Strike me dead if I've ever heard——!
Hovstad.
What an insult to an estimable peasantry!
Dr. Stockmann.
Wait a moment!—I don’t think any one can reproach me with forgetting my native town up there. I sat brooding like an eider duck, and what I hatched was—the plan of the Baths.
[Applause and expressions of dissent.
Dr. Stockmann.
And when, at last, fate ordered things so happily that I could come home again—then, fellow citizens, it seemed to me that I hadn’t another desire in the world. Yes, one desire I had: an eager, constant, burning desire to be of service to my birthplace, and to its people.
Burgomaster.
[Gazing into vacancy.] A strange method to select——!
Dr. Stockmann.
So I went about revelling in my happy illusions. 131But yesterday morning—no, it was really two nights ago—my mind’s eyes were opened wide, and the first thing I saw was the colossal stupidity of the authorities——
[Noise, cries, and laughter. Mrs. Stockmann coughs repeatedly.
Burgomaster.
Mr. Chairman!
Aslaksen.
[Ringing his bell.] In virtue of my position——!
Dr. Stockmann.
It’s petty to catch me up on a word, Mr. Aslaksen! I only mean that I became alive to the extraordinary muddle our leading men had been guilty of, down at the Baths. I cannot for the life of me abide leading men—I've seen enough of them in my time. They are like goats in a young plantation: they do harm at every point; they block the path of a free man wherever he turns—and I should be glad if we could exterminate them like other noxious animals——
[Uproar in the room.
Burgomaster.
Mr. Chairman, are such expressions permissible?
Aslaksen.
[With his hand on the bell.] Dr. Stockmann——
Dr. Stockmann.
I can’t conceive how it is that I have only now seen through these gentry; for haven’t I had a magnificent example before my eyes here every 132day—my brother Peter—slow of understanding, tenacious in prejudice——
[Laughter, noise, and whistling. Mrs. Stockmann coughs. Aslaksen rings violently.
The Drunken Man.
[Who has come in again.] Is it me you’re alluding to? Sure enough, my name’s Petersen; but devil take me if——
Angry Voices.
Out with that drunken man! Turn him out!
[The man is again turned out.
Burgomaster.
Who is that person?
A Bystander.
I don’t know him, Burgomaster.
Another.
He doesn’t belong to the town.
A Third.
I believe he’s a timber-dealer from——
[The rest is inaudible.
Aslaksen.
The man was evidently intoxicated.—Continue, Dr. Stockmann; but pray endeavour to be moderate.
Dr. Stockmann.
Well, fellow citizens, I shall say no more about our leading men. If any one imagines, from what I have just said, that it’s these gentlemen I want to make short work of to-night, he is mistaken—altogether mistaken. For I cherish the comfortable 133conviction that these laggards, these relics of a decaying order of thought, are diligently cutting their own throats. They need no doctor to hasten their end. And it is not people of that sort that constitute the real danger to society; it is not they who are most active in poisoning the sources of our spiritual life and making a plague-spot of the ground beneath our feet; it is not they who are the most dangerous enemies of truth and freedom in our society.
Cries from All Sides.
Who, then? Who is it? Name, name!
Dr. Stockmann.
Yes, you may be sure I shall name them! For this is the great discovery I made yesterday: [In a louder tone.] The most dangerous foe to truth and freedom in our midst is the compact majority. Yes, it’s the confounded, compact, liberal majority—that, and nothing else! There, I've told you.
[Immense disturbance in the room. Most of the audience are shouting, stamping, and whistling. Several elderly gentlemen exchange furtive glances and seem to be enjoying the scene. Mrs. Stockmann rises in alarm. Eilif and Morten advance threateningly towards the school-boys, who are making noises. Aslaksen rings the bell and calls for order. Hovstad and Billing both speak, but nothing can be heard. At last quiet is restored.
Aslaksen.
I must request the speaker to withdraw his ill-considered expressions.
134Dr. Stockmann.
Never, Mr. Aslaksen! For it’s this very majority that robs me of my freedom, and wants to forbid me to speak the truth.
Hovstad.
The majority always has right on its side.
Billing.
Yes, and truth too, strike me dead!
Dr. Stockmann.
The majority never has right on its side. Never I say! That is one of the social lies that a free, thinking man is bound to rebel against. Who make up the majority in any given country? Is it the wise men or the fools? I think we must agree that the fools are in a terrible, overwhelming majority, all the wide world over. But how in the devil’s name can it ever be right for the fools to rule over the wise men? [Uproar and yells.
Dr. Stockmann.
Yes, yes, you can shout me down, but you cannot gainsay me. The majority has might—unhappily—but right it has not. It is I, and the few, the individuals, that are in the right. The minority is always right. [Renewed uproar.
Hovstad.
Ha ha! Dr. Stockmann has turned aristocrat since the day before yesterday!
Dr. Stockmann.
I have said that I have no words to waste on the little, narrow-chested, short-winded crew that lie in our wake. Pulsating life has nothing more 135to do with them. I am speaking of the few, the individuals among us, who have made all the new, germinating truths their own. These men stand, as it were, at the outposts, so far in the van that the compact majority has not yet reached them—and there they fight for truths that are too lately born into the world’s consciousness to have won over the majority.
Hovstad.
So the Doctor’s a revolutionist now!
Dr. Stockmann.
Yes, by Heaven, I am, Mr. Hovstad! I am going to revolt against the lie that truth belongs exclusively to the majority. What sort of truths do the majority rally round? Truths so stricken in years that they are sinking into decrepitude. When a truth is so old as that, gentlemen, it’s in a fair way to become a lie.
[Laughter and jeers.
Dr. Stockmann.
Yes, yes, you may believe me or not, as you please; but truths are by no means the wiry Methusalehs some people think them. A normally-constituted truth lives—let us say—as a rule, seventeen or eighteen years; at the outside twenty; very seldom more. And truths so patriarchal as that are always shockingly emaciated; yet it’s not till then that the majority takes them up and recommends them to society as wholesome food. I can assure you there’s not much nutriment in that sort of fare; you may take my word as a doctor for that. All these majority-truths are like last year’s salt pork; they’re like rancid, mouldy ham, producing all the moral scurvy that devastates society.
136Aslaksen.
It seems to me that the honourable speaker is wandering rather far from the subject.
Burgomaster.
I beg to endorse the Chairman’s remark.
Dr. Stockmann.
Why you’re surely mad, Peter! I'm keeping as closely to my text as I possibly can; for my text is precisely this—that the masses, the majority, this devil’s own compact majority—it’s that, I say, that’s poisoning the sources of our spiritual life, and making a plague-spot of the ground beneath our feet.
Hovstad.
And you make this charge against the great, independent majority, just because they have the sense to accept only certain and acknowledged truths?
Dr. Stockmann.
Ah, my dear Mr. Hovstad, don’t talk about certain truths! The truths acknowledged by the masses, the multitude, were certain truths to the vanguard in our grandfathers' days. We, the vanguard of to-day, don’t acknowledge them any longer; and I don’t believe there exists any other certain truth but this—that no society can live a healthy life upon truths so old and and marrowless.
Hovstad.
But instead of all this vague talk, suppose you were to give us some specimens of these old marrowless truths that we are living upon.
[Approval from several quarters.
137Dr. Stockmann.
Oh, I could give you no end of samples from the rubbish-heap; but, for the present, I shall keep to one acknowledged truth, which is a hideous lie at bottom, but which Mr. Hovstad, and the Messenger, and all adherents of the Messenger, live on all the same.
Hovstad.
And that is——?
Dr. Stockmann.
That is the doctrine you have inherited from your forefathers, and go on thoughtlessly proclaiming far and wide—the doctrine that the multitude, the vulgar herd, the masses, are the pith of the people—that they are the people—that the common man, the ignorant, undeveloped member of society, has the same right to sanction and to condemn, to counsel and to govern, as the intellectually distinguished few.
Billing.
Well, now, strike me dead——!
Hovstad.
[Shouting at the same time.] Citizens, please note this!
Angry Voices.
Ho-ho! Aren’t we the people? Is it only the grand folks that are to govern?
A Working Man.
Out with the fellow that talks like that!
Others.
Turn him out!
138A Citizen.
[Shouting.] Blow your horn, Evensen.
[The deep notes of a horn are heard; whistling, and terrific noise in the room.
Dr. Stockmann.
[When the noise has somewhat subsided.] Now do be reasonable! Can’t you bear even for once in a way to hear the voice of truth? I don’t ask you all to agree with me on the instant. But I certainly should have expected Mr. Hovstad to back me up, as soon as he had collected himself a bit. Mr. Hovstad sets up to be a freethinker——
Several Voices.
[Subdued and wondering.] Freethinker, did he say? What? Mr. Hovstad a freethinker?
Hovstad.
[Shouting.] Prove it, Dr. Stockmann. When have I said so in print?
Dr. Stockmann.
[Reflecting.] No, upon my soul, you’re right there; you’ve never had the frankness to do that. Well, well, I won’t put you on the rack, Mr. Hovstad. Let me be the freethinker then. And now I'll make it clear to you all, and on scientific grounds too, that the Messenger is leading you shamefully by the nose, when it tells you that you, the masses, the crowd, are the true pith of the people. I tell you that’s only a newspaper lie. The masses are nothing but the raw material that must be fashioned into a People.
[Murmurs, laughter, and disturbance in the room.
139Dr. Stockmann.
Is it not so with all other living creatures? What a difference between a cultivated and an uncultivated breed of animals! Just look at a common barn-door hen. What meat do you get from such a skinny carcase? Not much, I can tell you! And what sort of eggs does she lay? A decent crow or raven can lay nearly as good. Then take a cultivated Spanish or Japanese hen, or take a fine pheasant or turkey—ah! then you’ll see the difference! And now look at the dog, our near relation. Think first of an ordinary vulgar cur—I mean one of those wretched, ragged, plebeian mongrels that haunt the gutters, and soil the sidewalks. Then place such a mongrel by the side of a poodle-dog, descended through many generations from an aristocratic stock, who have lived on delicate food, and heard harmonious voices and music. Do you think the brain of the poodle isn’t very differently developed from that of the mongrel? Yes, you may be sure it is! It’s well-bred poodle-pups like this that jugglers train to perform the most marvellous tricks. A common peasant-cur could never learn anything of the sort—not if he tried till doomsday.
[Noise and laughter are heard all round.
A Citizen.
[Shouting.] Do you want to make dogs of us now?
Another Man.
We’re not animals, Doctor!
Dr. Stockmann.
Yes, on my soul, but we are animals, my good sir! We’re one and all of us animals, whether we 140like it or not. But truly there are few enough aristocratic animals among us. Oh, there’s a terrible difference between poodle-men and mongrel-men! And the ridiculous part of it is, that Mr. Hovstad quite agrees with me so long as it’s four-legged animals we’re talking of——
Hovstad.
Oh, beasts are only beasts.
Dr. Stockmann.
Well and good—but no sooner do I apply the law to two-legged animals, than Mr. Hovstad stops short; then he daren’t hold his own opinions, or think out his own thoughts; then he turns the whole principle upside down, and proclaims in the People’s Messenger that the barn-door hen and the gutter-mongrel are precisely the finest specimens in the menagerie. But that’s always the way, so long as the commonness still lingers in your system, and you haven’t worked your way up to spiritual distinction.
Hovstad.
I make no pretence to any sort of distinction. I come of simple peasant folk, and I am proud that my root should lie deep down among the common people, who are here being insulted.
Workmen.
Hurrah for Hovstad. Hurrah! hurrah!
Dr. Stockmann.
The sort of common people I am speaking of are not found among the lower classes alone; they crawl and swarm all around us—up to the very 141summits of society. Just look at your own smug, respectable Burgomaster! Why, my brother Peter belongs as clearly to the common people as any man that walks on two legs——
[Laughter and hisses.
Burgomaster.
I protest against such personalities.
Dr. Stockmann.
[Imperturbably.]——and that not because, like myself, he’s descended from a good-for-nothing old pirate from Pomerania, or thereabouts—for that’s our ancestry——
Burgomaster.
An absurd tradition! Utterly groundless.
Dr. Stockmann.
——but he is so because he thinks the thoughts and holds the opinions of his official superiors. Men who do that, belong, intellectually-speaking, to the common people; and that is why my distinguished brother Peter is at bottom so undistinguished,—and consequently so illiberal.
Burgomaster.
Mr. Chairman——!
Hovstad.
So that the distinguished people in this country are the Liberals? That’s quite a new light on the subject. [Laughter.
Dr. Stockmann.
Yes, that is part of my new discovery. And this, too, follows: that liberality of thought is 142almost precisely the same thing as morality. Therefore I say it’s absolutely unpardonable of the Messenger to proclaim, day out, day in, the false doctrine that it’s the masses, the multitude, the compact majority, that monopolise liberality and morality,—and that vice and corruption and all sorts of spiritual uncleanness ooze out of culture, as all that filth oozes down to the Baths from the Mill Dale tan-works!
[Noise and interruptions.
Dr. Stockmann.
[Goes on imperturbably, smiling in his eagerness.] And yet this same Messenger can preach about elevating the masses and the multitude to a higher level of well-being! Why, deuce take it, if the Messenger’s own doctrine holds good, the elevation of the masses would simply mean hurling them straight to perdition! But, happily, the notion that culture demoralises is nothing but an old traditional lie. No it’s stupidity, poverty, the ugliness of life, that do the devil’s work! In a house that isn’t aired and swept every day—my wife maintains that the floors ought to be scrubbed too, but perhaps that is going too far;—well,—in such a house, I say, within two or three years, people lose the power of thinking or acting morally. Lack of oxygen enervates the conscience. And there seems to be precious little oxygen in many and many a house in this town, since the whole compact majority is unscrupulous enough to want to found its future upon a quagmire of lies and fraud.
Aslaksen.
I cannot allow so gross an insult to be levelled against a whole community.
143A Gentleman.
I move that the Chairman order the speaker to sit down.
Eager Voices.
Yes, yes! That’s right! Sit down! Sit down!
Dr. Stockmann.
[Flaring up.] Then I shall proclaim the truth at every street corner! I shall write to newspapers in other towns! The whole country shall know how matters stand here!
Hovstad.
It almost seems as if the Doctor’s object were to ruin the town.
Dr. Stockmann.
Yes, so well do I love my native town that I would rather ruin it than see it flourishing upon a lie.
Aslaksen.
That’s plain speaking.
[Noise and whistling. Mrs. Stockmann coughs in vain; the Doctor no longer heeds her.
Hovstad.
[Shouting amid the tumult.] The man who would ruin a whole community must be an enemy to his fellow citizens!
Dr. Stockmann.
[With growing excitement.] What does it matter if a lying community is ruined! Let it be levelled to the ground, say I! All men who live upon a lie 144ought to be exterminated like vermin! You’ll end by poisoning the whole country; you’ll bring it to such a pass that the whole country will deserve to perish. And if ever it comes to that, I shall say, from the bottom of my heart: Perish the country! Perish all its people!
A Man.
[In the crowd.] Why, he talks like a regular enemy of the people!
Billing.
Strike me dead but there spoke the people’s voice!
The Whole Assembly.
[Shouting.] Yes! yes! yes! He’s an enemy of the people! He hates his country! He hates the whole people!
Aslaksen.
Both as a citizen of this town and as a human being, I am deeply shocked at what it has been my lot to hear to-night. Dr. StockmannStockmann has unmasked himself in a manner I should never have dreamt of. I must reluctantly subscribe to the opinion just expressed by some estimable citizens; and I think we ought to formulateformulate this opinion in a resolution. I therefore beg to move, “That this meeting declares the medical officer of the Baths, Dr. Thomas Stockmann, to be an enemy of the people.”
[Thunders of applause and cheers. Many form a circle round the Doctor and hoot at him. Mrs. Stockmann and Petra have risen. Morten and Eilif fight the other school-boys, who have also been hooting. Some grown-up persons separate them.
145Dr. Stockmann.
[To the people hooting.] Ah, fools that you are! I tell you that——
Aslaksen.
[Ringing.] The Doctor is out of order in speaking. A formal vote must be taken; but out of consideration for personal feelings, it will be taken in writing and without names. Have you any blank paper, Mr. Billing?
Billing.
Here’s both blue and white paper——
Aslaksen.
Capital; that will save time. Cut it up into slips. That’s it. [To the meeting.] Blue means no, white means aye. I myself will go round and collect the votes.
[The Burgomaster leaves the room. Aslaksen and a few others go round with pieces of paper in hats.
A Gentleman.
[To Hovstad.] What can be the matter with the Doctor? What does it all mean?
Hovstad.
Why, you know what a hare-brained creature he is.
Another Gentleman.
[To Billing.] I say, you’re often at his house. Have you ever noticed if the fellow drinks?
Billing.
Strike me dead if I know what to say. The 146toddy’s always on the table when any one looks in.
A Third Gentleman.
No, I should rather say he went off his head at times.
First Gentleman.
I wonder if there’s madness in the family?
Billing.
I shouldn’t be surprised.
A Fourth Gentleman.
No, it’s pure malice. He wants to be revenged for something or other.
Billing.
He was certainly talking about a rise in his salary the other day; but he didn’t get it.
All the Gentlemen.
[Together.] Aha! That explains everything.
The Drunken Man.
[In the crowd.] I want a blue one, I do! And I'll have a white one too.
Several People.
There’s the tipsy man again! Turn him out.
Morten Kiil.
[Approaching the Doctor.] Well, Stockmann, you see now what such monkey-tricks lead to?
Dr. Stockmann.
I have done my duty.
147Morten Kiil.
What was that you said about the Mill Dale tanneries?
Dr Stockmann.
You heard what I said—that all the filth comes from them.
Morten Kiil.
From my tannery as well?
Dr. Stockmann.
I'm sorry to say yours is the worst of all.
Morten Kiil.
Are you going to put that in the papers, too?
Dr. Stockmann.
I can’t gloze anything over.
Morten Kiil.
This may cost you dear, Stockmann!
[He goes out.
A Fat Gentleman.
[Goes up to Horster, without bowing to the ladies.] Well, Captain, so you lend your house to enemies of the people.
Horster.
I suppose I can do as I please with my own property, Sir.
The Gentleman.
Then of course you can have no objection if I follow your example?
Horster.
What do you mean, Sir?
148The Gentleman.
You shall hear from me to-morrow.
[Turns away and goes out.
Petra.
Wasn’t that the owner of your ship, Captain Horster?
Horster.
Yes, that was Mr. Vik.
Aslaksen.
[With the voting papers in his hands, ascends the platform and rings.] Gentlemen! I have now to announce the result of the vote. All the voters, with one exception——
A Young Gentleman.
That’s the tipsy man!
Aslaksen.
With the exception of one intoxicated person, this meeting of citizens unanimously declares the medical officer of the Baths, Dr. Thomas Stockmann, to be an enemy of the people. [Cheers and applause.] Three cheers for our fine old municipality! [Cheers.] Three cheers for our able and energetic Burgomaster, who has so loyally set family prejudice aside! [Cheers.] The meeting is dissolved. [He descends.]
Billing.
Three cheers for the Chairman!
All.
Hurrah for Aslaksen.
149Dr. Stockmann.
My hat and coat, Petra. Captain, have you room for passengers to the new world?
Horster.
For you and yours, Doctor, we’ll make room.
Dr. Stockmann.
[While Petra helps him to put on his coat.] Good.Good. Come Katrina, come boys!
[He gives his wife his arm.
Mrs. Stockmann.
[In a low voice.] Thomas, dear, let us go out by the back way.
Dr. Stockmann.
No back ways, Katrina! [In a loud voice.] You shall hear from the enemy of the people, before he shakes the dust from his feet! I am not so forbearing as a certain person; I don’t say: I forgive you, for you know not what you do.
Aslaksen.
[Shouts.] That is a blasphemous comparison, Dr. Stockmann!
Billing.
Strike me——! This is more than a serious man can stand!
A Coarse Voice.
And he threatens us into the bargain!
Angry Cries.
Let’s smash his windows! Duck him in the fiord!
150A Man.
[In the crowd.] Blow your horn, Evensen! Blow man, blow!
[Horn-blowing, whistling, and wild shouting. The Doctor, with his family, goes towards the door. Horster clears the way for them.
All.
[Yelling after them as they go out.] Enemy of the people! Enemy of the people! Enemy of the people!
Billing.
Strike me dead if I'd care to drink toddy at Stockmann’s to-night!
[The people throng towards the door; the shouting is taken up by others outside; from the street are heard cries of “Enemy of the people! Enemy of the people!”
151
ACT FIFTH.
Dr. Stockmann’s Study. Bookshelves and glass cases with various collections along the walls. In the back, a door leading to the hall; in front, on the left, a door to the sitting-room. In the wall to the right are two windows, all the panes of which are smashed. In the middle of the room is the Doctor’s writing-table, covered with books and papers. The room is in disorder. It is forenoon.
Dr. Stockmann, in dressing-gown, slippers, and skull-cap, is bending down and raking with an umbrella under one of the cabinets; at last he rakes out a stone.
Dr. Stockmann.
[Speaking through the sitting-room doorway.] Katrina, I've found another!
Mrs. Stockmann.
[In the sitting-room.] Oh, I'm sure you’ll find plenty more.
Dr. Stockmann.
[Placing the stone on a pile of others on the table.] I shall keep these stones as sacred relics. Eilif and Morten shall see them every day, and when I die they shall be heirlooms. [Raking under the bookcase.] Hasn’t—what the devil is her name?—the girl—hasn’t she been for the glazier yet?
152Mrs. Stockmann.
[Coming in.] Yes, but he said he didn’t know whether he would be able to come to-day.
Dr. Stockmann.
I believe, if the truth were told, he daren’t come.
Mrs. Stockmann.
Well, Randina, too, had an idea he was afraid to come, because of the neighbours. [Speaks through the sitting-room doorway.] What is it, Randina?—Very well. [Goes out, and returns immediately.] Here is a letter for you, Thomas.
Dr. Stockmann.
Let me see. [Opens the letter and reads.] Aha!
Mrs. Stockmann.
Who is it from?
Dr. Stockmann.
From the landlord. He gives us notice.
Mrs. Stockmann.
Is it possible? He is such a nice man——
Dr. Stockmann.
[Looking at the letter.] He daren’t do otherwise, he says. He is very unwilling to do it; but he daren’t do otherwise—on account of his fellow citizens—out of respect for public opinion—is in a dependent position—doesn’t dare to offend certain influential men——
Mrs. Stockmann.
There, you see, Thomas.
153Dr. Stockmann.
Yes, yes, I see well enough; they are all cowards, every one of them, in this town; no one dares do anything for fear of all the rest. [Throws the letter on the table.] But it’s all the same to us, Katrina. We will shape our course for the new world, and then——
Mrs. Stockmann.
But are you sure this idea of going abroad is altogether wise, Thomas?
Dr. Stockmann.
Would you have me stay here, where they have pilloried me as an enemy of the people, branded me, smashed my windows! And look here, Katrina, they’ve torn a hole in my black trousers, too.
Mrs. Stockmann.
Oh dear; and these are the best you have!
Dr. Stockmann.
A man should never put on his best trousers when he goes out to battle for freedom and truth. Well, I don’t care so much about the trousers; them you can always patch up for me. But that the mob, the rabble, should dare to attack me as if they were my equals—that is what I can’t, for the life of me, stomach!
Mrs. Stockmann.
Yes, they have behaved abominably to you here, Thomas; but is that any reason for leaving the country altogether?
Dr. Stockmann.
Do you think the plebeians aren’t just as insolent 154in other towns? Oh yes, they are, my dear; it’s six of one and half a dozen of the other. Well, never mind; let the curs yelp; that’s not the worst; the worst is that every one, all over the country, is the slave of his party. Not that I suppose—very likely it’s no better in the free West either; the compact majority, and enlightened public opinion, and all the other devil’s trash is rampant there too. But you see the conditions are larger there than here; they may kill you, but they don’t slow-torture you; they don’t screw up a free soul in a vice, as they do at home here. And then, if need be, you can keep out of it all. [Walks up and down.] If I only knew of any primeval forest, or a little South Sea island to be sold cheap——
Mrs. Stockmann.
Yes, but the boys, Thomas.
Dr. Stockmann.
[Comes to a standstill.] What an extraordinary woman you are, Katrina! Would you rather have the boys grow up in such a society as ours? Why, you could see for yourself yesterday evening that one half of the population is stark mad, and if the other half hasn’t lost its wits, that’s only because they are brute beasts who haven’t any wits to lose.
Mrs. Stockmann.
But really, my dear Thomas, you do say such imprudent things.
Dr. Stockmann.
What! Isn’t it the truth that I tell them? Don’t they turn all ideas upside down? Don’t 155they stir up right and wrong into one hotch-potch? Don’t they call lies everything that I know to be the truth? But the maddest thing of all is to see crowds of grown men, calling themselves Liberals, go about persuading themselves and others that they are friends of freedom! Did you ever hear anything like it, Katrina?
Mrs. Stockmann.
Yes, yes, no doubt. But——
Petra enters from the sitting-room.
Mrs. Stockmann.
Back from school already?
Petra.
Yes; I have been dismissed.
Mrs. Stockmann.
Dismissed?
Dr. Stockmann.
You too!
Petra.
Mrs. Busk gave me notice, and so I thought it best to leave there and then.
Dr. Stockmann.
You did perfectly right!
Mrs. Stockmann.
Who could have thought Mrs. Busk was such a bad woman!
Petra.
Oh mother, Mrs. Busk isn’t bad at all; I saw clearly how sorry she was. But she dared not do otherwise, she said; and so I am dismissed.
156Dr. Stockmann.
[Laughing and rubbing his hands.] She dared not do otherwise—just like the rest! Oh, it’s delicious.
Mrs. Stockmann.
Oh well, after that frightful scene last night——
Petra.
It wasn’t only that. What do you think, father——?
Dr. Stockmann.
Well?
Petra.
Mrs. Busk showed me no fewer than three letters she had received this morning——
Dr. Stockmann.
Anonymous, of course?
Petra.
Yes.
Dr. Stockmann.
They never dare give their names, Katrina!
Petra.
And two of them stated that a gentleman who is often at our house said at the club last night that I held extremely advanced opinions upon various things——
Dr. Stockmann.
Of course you didn’t deny it.
Petra.
Of course not. You know Mrs. Busk herself is 157pretty advanced in her opinions when we’re alone together; but now that this has come out about me, she dared not keep me on.
Mrs. Stockmann.
Some one that is often at our house, too. There, you see, Thomas, what comes of all your hospitality.
Dr. Stockmann.
We won’t live any longer in such a pig-sty! Pack up as quickly as you can, Katrina; let’s get away—the sooner the better.
Mrs. Stockmann.
Hush! I think there is some one in the passage. See who it is, Petra.
Petra.
[Opening the door.] Oh, is it you, Captain Horster? Please come in.
Horster.
[From the hall.] Good morning. I thought I might just look in and ask how you are.
Dr. Stockmann.
[Shaking his hand.] Thanks; that’s very good of you.
Mrs. Stockmann.
And thank you for helping us through the crowd last night, Captain Horster.
Petra.
How did you ever get home again?
158Horster.
Oh, that was all right. I am tolerably able-bodied, you know; and those fellows' bark is worse than their bite.
Dr. Stockmann.
Yes, isn’t it extraordinary, this piggish cowardice? Come here, and let me show you something! Look, here are all the stones they threw in at us. Only look at them? Upon my soul there aren’t more than two decent-sized lumps in the whole heap; the rest are nothing but pebbles—mere gravel. They stood down there, and yelled, and swore they’d half kill me;—but as for really doing it—no, there’s mighty little fear of that in this town!
Horster.
You may thank your stars for that this time, Doctor.
Dr. Stockmann.
So I do, of course. But it’s depressing all the same; for if ever it should come to a serious national struggle, you may be sure public opinion would be for taking to its heels, and the compact majority would scamper for their lives like a flock of sheep, Captain Horster. That is what’s so melancholy to think of; it grieves me to the heart.—But deuce take it—it’s foolish of me to feel anything of the sort! They have called me an enemy of the people; well then, let me be an enemy of the people!
Mrs. Stockmann.
That you’ll never be, Thomas.
159Dr. Stockmann.
You’d better not take your oath of it, Katrina. A bad name may act like a pin-scratch in the lung. And that confounded word—I can’t get rid of it; it has sunk deep into my heart; and there it lies gnawing and sucking like an acid. And no magnesia can cure me.
Petra.
Pooh; you should only laugh at them, father.
Horster.
People will think differently yet, Doctor.
Mrs. Stockmann.
Yes, Thomas, that’s as certain as that you are standing here.
Dr. Stockmann.
Yes, perhaps, when it is too late. Well, as they make their bed so they must lie! Let them go on wallowing here in their pig-sty, and learn to repent having driven a patriot into exile. When do you sail, Captain Horster?
Horster.
Well—that’s really what I came to speak to you about——
Dr. Stockmann.
What? Anything wrong with the ship?
Horster.
No; but the fact is, I shan’t be sailing in her.
Petra.
Surely you have not been dismissed?
160Horster.
[Smiling.] Yes, I have.
Petra.
You too!
Mrs. Stockmann.
There, you see, Thomas.
Dr. Stockmann.
And for the truth’s sake! Oh, if I could possibly have imagined such a thing——
Horster.
You mustn’t be troubled about this; I shall soon find a berth with some other company, elsewhere.
Dr. Stockmann.
And this is that man Vik! A wealthy man, independent of every one! Faugh!
Horster.
Oh, for that matter, he’s a very well-meaning man. He said himself he would gladly have kept me on if only he dared——
Dr. Stockmann.
But he didn’t dare? Of course not!
Horster.
It’s not so easy, he said, when you belong to a party——
Dr. Stockmann.
My gentleman has hit it there! A party is like a sausage-machine; it grinds all the brains together in one mash; and that’s why we see nothing but porridge-heads and pulp-heads all around!
161Mrs. Stockmann.
Now really, Thomas!
Petra.
[To Horster.] If only you hadn’t seen us home, perhaps it would not have come to this.
Horster.
I don’t regret it.
Petra.
[Gives him her hand.] Thank you for that!
Horster.
[To Dr. Stockmann.] And then, too, I wanted to tell you this: if you are really determined to go abroad, I've thought of another way——
Dr. Stockmann.
That’s good—if only we can get off quickly——
Mrs. Stockmann.
Hush! Isn’t that a knock?
Petra.
I believe it is uncle.
Dr. Stockmann.
Aha! [Calls.] Come in!
Mrs. Stockmann.
My dear Thomas, now do promise me——
The Burgomaster enters from the hall.
Burgomaster.
[In the doorway.] Oh, you are engaged. Then I'd better——
162Dr. Stockmann.
No no; come in.
Burgomaster.
But I wanted to speak to you alone.
Mrs. Stockmann.
We can go into the sitting-room.
Horster.
And I shall look in again presently.
Dr. Stockmann.
No no; go with the ladies, Captain Horster; I must hear more about——
Horster.
All right, then I'll wait.
[He follows Mrs. Stockmann and Petra into the sitting-room. The Burgomaster says nothing, but casts glances at the windows.
Dr. Stockmann.
I daresay you find it rather draughty here today? Put on your cap.
Burgomaster.
Thanks, if I may. [Does so.] I fancy I caught cold yesterday evening. I stood there shivering——
Dr. Stockmann.
Really. On my soul, now, I found it quite warm enough.
Burgomaster.
I regret that it was not in my power to prevent these nocturnal excesses.
163Dr. Stockmann.
Have you anything else in particular to say to me?
Burgomaster.
[Producing a large letter.] I have this document for you from the Directors of the Baths.
Dr. Stockmann.
My dismissal?
Burgomaster.
Yes; dated from to-day. [Places the letter on the table.] We are very sorry—but frankly, we dared not do otherwise, on account of public opinion.
Dr. Stockmann.
[Smiling.] Dared not? I've heard that phrase already to-day.
Burgomaster.
I beg you to realise your position clearly. For the future, you cannot count upon any sort of practice in the town.
Dr. Stockmann.
Devil take the practice! But how can you be so sure of that?
Burgomaster.
The House-owners' Association is sending round a circular from house to house, in which all well-disposed citizens are called upon not to employ you; and I dare swear that not a single head of a family will venture to refuse his signature; he simply dare not.
Dr. Stockmann.
Well well; I don’t doubt that. But what then?
164Burgomaster.
If I might advise, I would suggest that you should leave the town for a time——
Dr. Stockmann.
Yes, I've had some such idea in my mind already.
Burgomaster.
Good. And when you have had six months or so for mature deliberation, if you could make up your mind to acknowledge your error, with a few words of regret——
Dr. Stockmann.
I might perhaps be reinstated, you think?
Burgomaster.
Perhaps it’s not quite out of the question.
Dr. Stockmann.
Yes, but how about public opinion? You daren’t, on account of public opinion.
Burgomaster.
Opinion is extremely variable. And, to speak candidly, it is of the greatest importance for us to have such an admission under your own hand.
Dr. Stockmann.
Yes, I daresay it would be mightily convenient for you! But you remember what I've said to you before about such foxes' tricks!
Burgomaster.
At that time your position was infinitely more 165favourable; at that time you thought you had the whole town at your back——
Dr. Stockmann.
Yes, and now I have the whole town on my back——[Flaring up.] But no—not if I had the devil and his dam on my back—! Never—never, I tell you!
Burgomaster.
The father of a family has no right[13] to act as you are doing. You have no right to do it, Thomas.
Dr. Stockmann.
I have no right! There’s only one thing in the world that a free man has no right to do; and do you know what that is?
Burgomaster.
No.
Dr. Stockmann.
Of course not; but I will tell you. A free man has no right to wallow in filth like a cur; he has no right to act so that he ought to spit in his own face!
Burgomaster.
That sounds extremely plausible; and if there were not another explanation of your obstinacy—but we all know there is——
Dr. Stockmann.
What do you mean by that?
166Burgomaster.
You understand well enough. But as your brother, and as a man who knows the world, I warn you not to build too confidently upon prospects and expectations that may very likely come to nothing.
Dr. Stockmann.
Why, what on earth are you driving at?
Burgomaster.
Do you really want me to believe that you are ignorant of the terms of old Morten Kiil’s will?
Dr. Stockmann.
I know that the little he has is to go to a home for old and needy artizans. But what has that got to do with me?
Burgomaster.
To begin with, “the little he has” is no trifle. Morten Kiil is a tolerably wealthy man.
Dr. Stockmann.
I have never had the least notion of that!
Burgomaster.
H'm—really? Then I suppose you have no notion that a not inconsiderable part of his fortune is to go to your children, you and your wife having a life-interest in it. Has he not told you that?
Dr. Stockmann.
No, I'll be hanged if he has! On the contrary, he has done nothing but grumble about being so preposterously over-taxed, But are you really sure of this, Peter?
167Burgomaster.
I have it from a thoroughly trustworthy source.
Dr. Stockmann.
Why, good heavens, then Katrina’s provided for—and the children too! Oh, I must tell her——[Calls.] Katrina, Katrina!
Burgomaster.
[Holding him back.] Hush! don’t say anything about it yet.
Mrs. Stockmann.
[Opening the door.] What is it?
Dr. Stockmann.
Nothing my dear; go in again.
[Mrs. Stockmann closes the door.
Dr. Stockmann.
[Pacing up and down.] Provided for! Only think—all of them provided for! And for life! After all, it’s a grand thing to feel yourself secure!
Burgomaster.
Yes, but that is just what you are not. Morten Kiil can revoke his will any day or hour he chooses.
Dr. Stockmann.
But he won’t, my good Peter. The Badger is only too delighted to see me fall foul of you and your wiseacre friends.
Burgomaster.
[Starts and looks searchingly at him.] Aha! That throws a new light on a good many things.
168Dr. Stockmann.
What things?
Burgomaster.
So the whole affair has been a carefully-concocted intrigue. Your recklessly violent onslaught—in the name of truth—upon the leading men of the town——
Dr. Stockmann.
Well, what of it?
Burgomaster.
It was nothing but a preconcerted requital for that vindictive old Morten Kiil’s will.
Dr. Stockmann.
[Almost speechless.] Peter—you are the most abominable plebeian I have ever known in all my born days.
Burgomaster.
All is over between us. Your dismissal is irrevocable—for now we have a weapon against you. [He goes out.
Dr. Stockmann.
Shame! shame! shame! [Calls.] Katrina! The floor must be scrubbed after him! Tell her to come here with a pail—what’s her name? confound it—the girl with the smudge on her nose——
Mrs. Stockmann.
[In the sitting-room doorway.] Hush, hush Thomas!
Petra.
[Also in the doorway.] Father, here’s grandfather; he wants to know if he can speak to you alone.
169Dr. Stockmann.
Yes, of course he can. [By the door.] Come in, father-in-law.
Morten Kiil enters. Dr. Stockmann closes the door behind him.
Dr. Stockmann.
Well, what is it? Sit down.
Morten Kiil.
I won’t sit down. [Looking about him.] It looks cheerful here to-day, Stockmann.
Dr. Stockmann.
Yes, don’t you think so?
Morten Kiil.
Sure enough. And you’ve plenty of fresh air too; you’ve got your fill of that oxygen you were talking about yesterday. You must have a rare good conscience to-day, I should think.
Dr. Stockmann.
Yes, I have.
Morten Kiil.
So I should suppose. [Tapping himself on the breast.] But do you know what I have got here?
Dr. StockmannStockmann.
A good conscience too, I hope.
MortenMorten Kiil.
Pooh! No; something far better than that.
[Takes out a large pocket-book, opens it, and shows Stockmann a bundle of papers.
170Dr. Stockmann.
[Looking at him in astonishment.] Shares in the Baths!
Morten Kiil.
They weren’t difficult to get to-day.
Dr. Stockmann.
And you’ve gone and bought these up——?
Morten Kiil.
All I had the money to pay for.
Dr. Stockmann.
Why, my dear sir,—just when things are in such a desperate way at the Baths——
Morten Kiil.
If you behave like a reasonable being, you can soon set the Baths all right again.
Dr. Stockmann.
Well, you can see for yourself I'm doing all I can. But the people of this town are mad!
Morten Kiil.
You said yesterday that the worst filth came from my tannery. Now, if that’s true, then my grandfather, and my father before me, and I myself, have for ever so many years been poisoning the town with filth, like three destroying angels. Do you think I'm going to sit quiet under such a reproach?
Dr. Stockmann.
Unfortunately, you can’t help it.
171Morten Kiil.
No, thank you. I hold fast to my good name, I've heard that people call me “the Badger.” A badger’s a sort of a pig, I know; but I'm determined to give them the lie. I will live and die a clean man.
Dr. Stockmann.
And how will you manage that?
Morten Kiil.
You shall make me clean, Stockmann.
Dr. Stockmann.
I!
Morten Kiil.
Do you know what money I've used to buy these shares with? No, you can’t know; but now I'll tell you. It’s the money Katrina and Petra and the boys are to have after my death. For, you see, I've laid by something after all.
Dr. Stockmann.
[Flaring up.] And you’ve taken Katrina’s money and done this with it!
Morten Kiil.
Yes; the whole of it is invested in the Baths now. And now I want to see if you’re really so stark, staring mad; after all, Stockmann. If you go on making out that these beasts and other abominations dribble down from my tannery, it’ll be just as if you were to flay broad stripes of Katrina’s skin—and Petra’s too, and the boys'. No decent father would ever do that—unless he were a madman.
172Dr. Stockmann.
[Walking up and down.] Yes, but I am a madman; I am a madman!
Morten Kiil.
You surely can’t be so raving, ramping mad where your wife and children are concerned.
Dr. Stockmann.
[Stopping in front of him.] Why couldn’t you have spoken to me before you went and bought all that rubbish?
Morten Kiil.
What’s done can’t be undone.
Dr. Stockmann.
[Walking restlessly about.] If only I weren’t so certain about the affair——! But I am absolutely convinced that I'm right.
Morten Kiil.
[Weighing the pocket book in his hand.] If you stick to this lunacy, these aren’t worth much.
[Puts the book into his pocket.
Dr. Stockmann.
But, deuce take it! surely science ought to be able to hit upon some antidote, some sort of prophylactic——
Morten Kiil.
Do you mean something to kill the beasts?
Dr. Stockmann.
Yes, or at least to make them harmless.
173Morten Kiil.
Couldn’t you try ratsbane?
Dr. Stockmann.
Oh, nonsense, nonsense!—But since every one declares it’s nothing but fancy, why fancy let it be! Let them have it their own way! Haven’t the ignorant, narrow-hearted curs reviled me as an enemy of the people?—and weren’t they on the point of tearing the clothes off my back?
Morten Kiil.
And they’ve smashed all your windows for you too!
Dr. Stockmann.
Yes, and then there’s one’s duty to one’s family! I must talk that over with Katrina; such things are more in her line.
Morten Kiil.
That’s right! You just follow the advice of a sensible woman.
Dr. Stockmann.
[Turning upon him angrily.] How could you act so preposterously! Risking Katrina’s money, and putting me to this horrible torture! When I look at you, I seem to see the devil himself——!
Morten Kiil.
Then I'd better be off. But I must, hear from you, yes or no, by two o’clock. If it’s no, all the shares go to the Hospital—and that this very day.
Dr. Stockmann.
And what will Katrina get?
174Morten Kiil.
Not a rap.
[The door leading to the hall opens. Hovstad and Aslaksen are seen outside it.
Morten Kiil.
Hullo! look at these two.
Dr. Stockmann.
[Staring at them.] What! Do you actually venture to come here?
Hovstad.
Why, to be sure we do.
Aslaksen.
You see, we’ve something to discuss with you.
Morten Kiil.
[Whispers.] Yes or no—by two o’clock.
Aslaksen.
[With a glance at Hovstad.] Aha!
[Morten Kiil goes out.
Dr. Stockmann.
Well, what do you want with me? Be brief.
Hovstad.
I can quite understand that you resent our attitude at the meeting yesterday——
Dr. Stockmann.
YourYour attitude, you say? Yes, it was a pretty attitude! I call it the attitude of cowards—of old women——Shame upon you!
175Hovstad.
Call it what you will; but we could not act otherwise.
Dr. Stockmann.
You dared not, I suppose? Isn’t that so?
Hovstad.
Yes, if you like to put it so.
Aslaksen.
But why didn’t you just say a word to us beforehand? The merest hint to Mr. Hovstad or to me——
Dr. Stockmann.
A hint? What about?
Aslaksen.
About what was really behind it all.
Dr. Stockmann.
I don’t in the least understand you?
Aslaksen.
[Nods confidentially.] Oh yes, you do, Dr. Stockmann.
Hovstad.
It’s no good making a mystery of it any longer.
Dr. Stockmann.
[Looking from one to the other.] Why, what in the devil’s name——!
Aslaksen.
May I ask—isn’t your father-in-law going about the town buying up all the Bath stock?
176Dr. Stockmann.
Yes, he has been buying Bath stock to-day but——
Aslaksen.
It would have been more prudent to let somebody else do that—some one not so closely connected with you.
Hovstad.
And then you ought not to have appeared in the matter under your own name. No one need have known that the attack on the Baths came from you. You should have taken me into your counsels, Dr. Stockmann.
Dr. Stockmann.
[Stares straight in front of him; a light seems to break in upon him, and he says as though thunderstruck.] Is this possible? Can such things be?
Aslaksen.
[Smiling.] It’s plain enough that they can. But they ought to be managed delicately, you understand.
Hovstad.
And there ought to be more people in it; for the responsibility always falls more lightly when there are several to share it.
Dr. Stockmann.
[Calmly.] In one word, gentlemen—what is it you want?
Aslaksen.
Mr. Hovstad can best——
177Hovstad.
No, you explain, Aslaksen.
Aslaksen.
Well, it’s this: now that we know how the matter really stands, we believe we can venture to place the People’s Messenger at your disposal.
Dr. Stockmann.
You can venture to now, eh? But how about public opinion? Aren’t you afraid of bringing down a storm upon us?
Hovstad.
We must manage to ride out the storm.
Aslaksen.
And you must be ready to put about quickly, Doctor. As soon as your attack has done its work——
Dr. Stockmann.
As soon as my father-in-law and I have bought up the shares at a discount, you mean?
Hovstad.
I presume it is mainly on scientific grounds that you want to take the management of the Baths into your own hands.
Dr. Stockmann.
Of course; it was on scientific grounds that I got the old Badger to stand in with me. And then we’ll tinker up the water-works a little, and potter about a bit down at the beach, without its costing the town sixpence. That ought to do the business? Eh?
178Hovstad.
I think so—if you have the Messenger to back you up.
Aslaksen.
In a free community the press is a power, Doctor.
Dr. Stockmann.
Yes, indeed; and so is public opinion. And you, Mr. Aslaksen—I suppose you will answer for the House-owners' Association?
Aslaksen.
Both for the House-owners' Association and the Temperance Society. You may make your mind easy.
Dr. Stockmann.
But, gentlemen—really I'm quite ashamed to mention such a thing—but—what return——?
Hovstad.
Of course, we should prefer to give you our support for nothing. But the Messenger is not very firmly established; it’s not getting on as it ought to; and I should be very sorry to have to stop the paper just now, when there’s so much to be done in general politics.
Dr. Stockmann.
Naturally; that would be very hard for a friend of the people like you. [Flaring up.] But I—I am an enemy of the people! [Striding about the room.] Where’s my stick? Where the devil is my stick?
179Hovstad.
What do you mean?
Aslaksen.
Surely you wouldn’t——
Dr. Stockmann.
[Standing still.] And suppose I don’t give you a single farthing out of all my shares? You must remember we rich folk don’t like parting with our money.
Hovstad.
And you must remember that this business of the shares can be represented in two ways.
Dr. Stockmann.
Yes, you are the man for that; if I don’t come to the rescue of the Messenger, you’ll manage to put a vile complexion on the affair; you’ll hunt me down, I suppose—bait me—try to throttle me as a dog throttles a hare!
Hovstad.
That’s a law of nature—every animal fights for its own subsistence.
Aslaksen.
And must take its food where it can find it, you know.
Dr. Stockmann.
Then see if you can’t find some out in the gutter; [Striding about the room] for now, by heaven! we shall see which is the strongest animal of us three. 180[Finds his umbrella and brandishes it.] Now, look here——!
Hovstad.
You surely don’t mean to assault us!
Aslaksen.
I say, be careful with that umbrella!
Dr. Stockmann.
Out at the window with you, Mr. Hovstad!
Hovstad.
[By the hall door.] Are you utterly crazy?
Dr. Stockmann.
Out at the window, Mr. Aslaksen! Jump I tell you! Be quick about it!
Aslaksen.
[Running round the writing-table.] Moderation, Doctor; I'm not at all strong; I can’t stand much——[Screams.] Help! help!
Mrs. Stockmann, Petra, and Horster enter from sitting-room.
Mrs. Stockmann.
Good heavens, Thomas! what can be the matter?
Dr. Stockmann.
[Brandishing the umbrella.] Jump, I tell you! Out into the gutter!
Hovstad.
An unprovoked assault! I call you to witness, Captain Horster.
[Rushes off through the hall.
181Aslaksen.
[Bewildered.] If one only knew the local situation——![14]
[He slinks out by the sitting-room door.
Mrs. Stockmann.
[Holding back the Doctor.] Now, do restrain yourself, Thomas!
Dr. Stockmann.
[Throwing down the umbrella.] I'll be hanged if they haven’t got off after all.
Mrs. Stockmann.
Why, what can they have wanted with you?
Dr. Stockmann.
I'll tell you afterwards; I have other things to think of now. [Goes to the table and writes on a visiting-card.] Look here, Katrina: what’s written here?
Mrs. Stockmann.
Three big Noes; what does that mean?
Dr. Stockmann.
That I'll tell you afterwards, too. [Handing the card.] There, Petra; let smudgy-face run to the Badger’s with this as fast as she can. Be quick!
[Petra goes out through the hall with the card.
Dr. Stockmann.
Well, if I haven’t had visits to-day from all the 182emissaries of the devil! But now I'll sharpen my pen against them till it becomes a goad; I'll dip it in gall and venom; I'll hurl my inkstand straight at their skulls.
Mrs. Stockmann.
You forget we are going away, Thomas.
Petra returns.
Dr. Stockmann.
Well?
Petra.
She has gone.
Dr. Stockmann.
Good. Going away, do you say? No, I'll be damned if we do; we stay where we are, Katrina!
Petra.
Stay!
Mrs. Stockmann.
Here in the town?
Dr. Stockmann.
Yes, here; the field of battle is here; here the fight must be fought; here I will conquer! As soon as my trousers are mended, I shall go out into the town and look for a house; we must have a roof over our heads for the winter.
Horster.
That you can have in my house.
Dr. Stockmann.
Can I?
183Horster.
Yes, there’s no difficulty about that. I have room enough, and I'm hardly ever at home myself.
Mrs. Stockmann.
Oh, how kind of you, Captain Horster.
Petra.
Thank you!
Dr. Stockmann.
[Shaking his hand.] Thanks, thanks! So that is off my mind. And this very day I shall set to work in earnest. Oh, there’s no end of work to be done here, Katrina! It’s a good thing I shall have all my time at my disposal now; for you must know I've had notice from the Baths——
Mrs. Stockmann.
[Sighing.] Oh yes, I was expecting that.
Dr. Stockmann.
——And now they want to take away my practice as well. But let them! The poor I shall keep anyhow—those that can’t pay; and, good Lord! it’s they that need me most. But by heaven! I'll make them listen to me; I'll preach to them in season and out of season, as the saying goes.
Mrs. Stockmann.
My dear Thomas, I should have thought you had learnt what good preaching does.
Dr. Stockmann.
You really are absurd, Katrina. Am I to let 184myself be beaten off the field by public opinion, and the compact majority, and all that sort of devilry? No, thank you! Besides, my point is so simple, so clear and straightforward. I only want to drive it into the heads of these curs that the Liberals are the craftiest foes free men have to face; that party-programmes wring the necks of all young and living truths; that considerations of expediency turn justice and morality upside down, until life here becomes simply unlivable. Come, Captain Horster, don’t you think I shall be able to make the people understand that?
Horster.
Maybe; I don’t know much about these things myself.
Dr. Stockmann.
Well, you see—this is the way of it! It’s the party-leaders that must be exterminated. For a party-leader is just like a wolf, you see—like a ravening wolf; he must devour a certain number of smaller animals a year, if he’s to exist at all. Just look at Hovstad and Aslaksen! How many small animals they polish off—or at least mangle and maim, so that they’re fit for nothing else but to be house-owners and subscribers to the People’s Messenger! [Sits on the edge of the table.] Just come here, Katrina—see how bravely the sun shines to-day! And how the blessed fresh spring air blows in upon me!
Mrs. Stockmann.
Yes, if only we could live on sunshine and spring air, Thomas.Thomas.
185Dr. Stockmann.
Well, you’ll have to pinch and save to eke them out—and then we shall get on all right. That’s what troubles me least. No, what does trouble me is that I don’t see any man free enough and high-minded enough to dare to take up my work after me.
Petra.
Oh, don’t think about that, father; you have time enough before you.—Why, see, there are the boys already.
Eilif and Morten enter from the sitting-room.
Mrs. Stockmann.
Have you a holiday to-day?
Morten.
No; but we had a fight with the other fellows in play-time—-
Eilif.
That’s not true; it was the other fellows that fought us.
Morten.
Yes, and then Mr. Rörlund said we had better stop at home for a few days.
Dr. Stockmann.
[Snapping his fingers and springing down from the table.] Now I have it! Now I have it, on my soul! You shall never set foot in school again!
The Boys.
Never go to school!
186Mrs. Stockmann.
Why, Thomas——
Dr. Stockmann.
Never, I say! I shall teach you myself—that’s to say, I won’t teach you any mortal thing——
Morten.
Hurrah!
Dr. Stockmann.
——but I shall help you to grow into free, high-minded men.—Look here, you’ll have to help me, Petra.
Petra.
Yes, father, you may be sure I will.
Dr. Stockmann.
And we’ll have our school in the room where they reviled me as an enemy of the people. But we must have more pupils. I must have at least a dozen boys to begin with.
Mrs. Stockmann.
You’ll never get them in this town.
Dr. Stockmann.
We shall see. [To the boys.] Don’t you know any street urchins—any regular ragamuffins——?
Morten.
Yes, father, I know lots!
Dr. Stockmann.
That’s all right; bring me a few of them. I 187shall experiment with the street-curs for once in a way; there are sometimes excellent heads amongst them.
Morten.
But what are we to do when we’ve grown into free and high-minded men?
Dr. Stockmann.
Drive all the wolves out to the far west, boys!
[Eilif looks rather doubtful; Morten jumps about shouting “Hurrah!”
Mrs. Stockmann.
If only the wolves don’t drive you out, Thomas.
Dr. Stockmann.
Are you quite mad, Katrina! Drive me out! Now that I am the strongest man in the town?
Mrs. Stockmann.
The strongest—now?
Dr. Stockmann.
Yes, I venture to say this: that now I am one of the strongest men in the whole world.
Morten.
I say, what fun!
Dr. Stockmann.
[In a subdued voice.] Hush; you mustn’t speak about it yet; but I have made a great discovery.
Mrs. Stockmann.
What, another?
188Dr. Stockmann.
Yes, of course! [Gathers them about him, and speaks confidentially.] This is what I have discovered, you see: the strongest man in the world is he who stands most alone.
Mrs. Stockmann.
[Shakes her head, smiling.] Ah, Thomas dear——!
Petra.
[Grasping his hands cheerily.] Father!
THE END.
189