right to express any opinion which runs contrary
to that of your superiors.

Dr. Stockmann. This is too much! I, a doctor, a man of science, have no
right to--!

Peter Stockmann. The matter in hand is not simply a scientific one. It
is a complicated matter, and has its economic as well as its technical
side.

Dr. Stockmann. I don't care what it is! I intend to be free to express
my opinion on any subject under the sun.

Peter Stockmann. As you please--but not on any subject concerning the
Baths. That we forbid.

Dr. Stockmann (shouting). You forbid--! You! A pack of--

Peter Stockmann. I forbid it--I, your chief; and if I forbid it, you
have to obey.

Dr. Stockmann (controlling himself). Peter--if you were not my brother--

Petra (throwing open the door). Father, you shan't stand this!

Mrs. Stockmann (coming in after her). Petra, Petra!

Peter Stockmann. Oh, so you have been eavesdropping.

Mrs. Stockmann. You were talking so loud, we couldn't help it!

Petra. Yes, I was listening.

Peter Stockmann. Well, after all, I am very glad--

Dr. Stockmann (going up to him). You were saying something about
forbidding and obeying?

Peter Stockmann. You obliged me to take that tone with you.

Dr. Stockmann. And so I am to give myself the lie, publicly?

Peter Stockmann. We consider it absolutely necessary that you should
make some such public statement as I have asked for.

Dr. Stockmann. And if I do not--obey?

Peter Stockmann. Then we shall publish a statement ourselves to
reassure the public.

Dr. Stockmann. Very well; but in that case I shall use my pen against
you. I stick to what I have said; I will show that I am right and that
you are wrong. And what will you do then?

Peter Stockmann. Then I shall not be able to prevent your being
dismissed.

Dr. Stockmann. What--?

Petra. Father--dismissed!

Mrs. Stockmann. Dismissed!

Peter Stockmann. Dismissed from the staff of the Baths. I shall be
obliged to propose that you shall immediately be given notice, and
shall not be allowed any further participation in the Baths' affairs.

Dr. Stockmann. You would dare to do that!

Peter Stockmann. It is you that are playing the daring game.

Petra. Uncle, that is a shameful way to treat a man like father!

Mrs. Stockmann. Do hold your tongue, Petra!

Peter Stockmann (looking at PETRA). Oh, so we volunteer our opinions
already, do we? Of course. (To MRS. STOCKMANN.) Katherine, I imagine
you are the