But yesterday morning—no, it was really two nights ago—my mind's eyes were opened wide, and the first thing I saw was the colossal stupidity of the authorities
[Noise, cries, and laughter. Mrs. Stockmann coughs repeatedly.
Burgomaster.
Mr. Chairman!
Aslaksen.
[Ringing his bell.] In virtue of my position!
Dr. Stockmann.
It's petty to catch me up on a word, Mr. Aslaksen! I only mean that I became alive to the extraordinary muddle our leading men had been guilty of, down at the Baths. I cannot for the life of me abide leading men—I've seen enough of them in my time. They are like goats in a young plantation: they do harm at every point; they block the path of a free man wherever he turns—and I should be glad if we could exterminate them like other noxious animals
[Uproar in the room.
Burgomaster.
Mr. Chairman, are such expressions permissible?
Aslaksen.
[With his hand on the bell.] Dr. Stockmann
Dr. Stockmann.
I can't conceive how it is that I have only now seen through these gentry; for haven't I had a magnificent example before my eyes here every
