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 dismissal; 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.