Burgomaster. Idle fancies—or something worse. The man who makes such offensive insinuations against his own native place must be an enemy of society.
Dr. Stockmann. And I must bear such treatment!
In my own house. Katrine! What do you think of it?
Mrs. Stockmann. Indeed, it is a shame and
an insult, Thomas—— . . . But, after all, your brother has the power——
Dr. Stockmann. Yes, but I have the right!
Mrs. Stockmann. Ah, yes, right, right! What
is the good of being right when you haven't any might?
Dr. Stockmann. What! No good in a free society
to have right on your side? You are absurd, Katrine. And besides,
haven't I the free and independent press with me? The compact
majority behind me? That's might enough, I should think!
Katrine Stockmann is wiser than her husband. For he who has no might need hope for no right. The good Doctor has to drink the bitter cup to the last drop before he realizes the wisdom of his wife.
Threatened by the authorities and repudiated by the People's Messenger, Dr. Stockmann attempts to secure a hall wherein to hold a public meeting. A free-born citizen, he believes in the Constitution and its guarantees; he is determined to maintain his right of free expression. But like so many others, even most advanced liberals blinded by the spook of constitutional rights
