[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 their 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.