[Rubbing his hands.] Yes, doesn’t it do one good to see young people eat? Always hungry! That’s as it should be. They need good, solid meat to put stamina into them! It is they that have got to whip up the ferment of the future, Peter.
Burgomaster.
May I ask what there is to be “whipped up,” as you call it?
Dr. Stockmann.
You’ll have to ask the young people that—when the time comes. We shan’t see it, of course. Two old fogies like you and me——
Burgomaster.
Come, come! Surely that is a very extraordinary expression to use——
Dr. Stockmann.
Oh, you mustn’t mind my nonsense, Peter. I'm in such glorious spirits, you see. I feel so unspeakably happy in the midst of all this growing, germinating life. Isn’t it a marvellous time we live in! It seems as though a whole new world were springing up around us.
Burgomaster.