The Editor. Oho—I have had experience of you!
Evje. Then you must have had experience of your party's loyalty, too.
The Editor. My party's loyalty!
Evje. Well, after all, it keeps you where you are to-day.
The Editor. It keeps me there?
Evje. And you have friends in that party-myself amongst others—who certainly would rather stand outside altogether, but nevertheless give you their advice and support when you are in difficulties. You cannot deny that.
The Editor. I have friends in the party? Oh yes; and if we lose a fight these fine counsellors are the first to run away! They are always egging me on and egging me on; but only let public opinion once get tired of me, and they will throw me overboard without more ado! By that sort of treachery they manage to fill the sails of the party craft with a new breeze—and leave me to shift the best way I can!—they, for whom I have fought with all my might and main! I despise my opponents—they are either scoundrels and thieves, or they are blockheads and braggarts. But my supporters are lick-spittles, fools, cravens. I despise the whole pack of them, from first to last! If any one would give me the assurance that if, as a pledge that I would never use a pen again, I were to chop off my right hand I should thereby gain the prospect of a peaceful life a thousand miles away from here, I believe I would do it!—I despise the whole pack of them—oh, how I despise them!
Evje. But this is horrible! Do you find no comfort in religion? Or, at all events, you have your paper!
The Editor. My paper, yes—but what good do you suppose that is to me? And do you think I give the impression of being a religious man?
Evje. Then what do you work for?