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Burgomaster.
Well, on the whole, I am not sorry
Dr. Stockmann.
[Coming nearer to him.] You spoke to me of forbidding and obeying
Burgomaster.
You have forced me to adopt that tone.
Dr. Stockmann.
And am I to give myself the lie, in a public declaration?
Burgomaster.
We consider it absolutely necessary that you should issue a statement in the terms indicated.
Dr. Stockmann.
And if I do not obey?
Burgomaster.
Then we shall ourselves put forth a statement to reassure the public.
Dr. Stockmann.
Well and good; then I shall write against you. I shall stick to my point and prove that I am right, and you wrong. And what will you do then?
Burgomaster.
Then I shall be unable to prevent your dismissal.
Dr. Stockmann.
What!
Petra.
Father! Dismissal
