That source is poisoned, man! Are you mad? We live by trafficking in filth and corruption! The whole of our flourishing social life is rooted in a lie!
Burgomaster.
Idle fancies—or worse. The man who scatters broadcast such offensive insinuations against his native place must be an enemy of society.
Dr. Stockmann.
[Going towards him.] You dare to——!
Mrs. Stockmann.
[Throwing herself between them.] Thomas!
Petra.
[Seizing her father’s arm.] Keep calm, father!
Burgomaster.