Of course not; but I will tell you. A free man has no right to wallow in filth like a cur; he has no right to act so that he ought to spit in his own face!
Burgomaster.
That sounds extremely plausible; and if there were not another explanation of your obstinacy—but we all know there is——
Dr. Stockmann.
What do you mean by that?
Burgomaster.
You understand well enough. But as your brother, and as a man who knows the world, I warn you not to build too confidently upon prospects and expectations that may very likely come to nothing.
Dr. Stockmann.
Why, what on earth are you driving at?
Burgomaster.