FIELDBO. When did you dream that? STENSGÅRD. Oh, I don’t remember when; several years ago. FIELDBO. There were probably disturbances somewhere in Europe, and you had been reading the newspapers after a heavy supper. STENSGÅRD. The same shiver, the same thrill, that then ran down my back, I felt again to-night. Yes, I _will_ give my whole soul utterance. I will be the Voice—— FIELDBO. Come, my dear Stensgård, pause and reflect. You will be the Voice, you say. Good! But where will you be the Voice? Here in the parish? Or at most here in the county! And who will echo you and raise the storm? Why, people like Monsen and Aslaksen, and that fat-headed genius, Mr. Bastian. And instead of the flying emperors and kings, we shall see old Lundestad rushing about after his lost seat in Parliament. Then what will it all amount to? Just what you at first saw in your dreamf—townsfolk in a wind. STENSGÅRD. In the beginning, yes. But who knows how far the storm may sweep? FIELDBO. Fiddlesticks with you and your storm: And the first thing you go and do, hoodwinked and blinded and gulled as you are, is to turn your weapons precisely against all that is worthy and capable among us—— STENSGÅRD. That is not true. FIELDBO. It _is_ true! Monsen and the Stonelee gang got hold of you the moment you came here; and if you don’t shake him off it will be your ruin. Chamberlain Bratsberg is a man of honour; that you may rely on. Do you know why the great Monsen hates him? Why, because—— STENSGÅRD. Not a word more! I won’t hear a word against my friends! FIELDBO. Look into yourself, Stensgård! Is Mr. Mons Monsen really your friend? STENSGÅRD. Mr. Monsen has most kindly opened his doors to me—— FIELDBO. To people of the better sort he opens his doors in vain. STENSGÅRD. Oh, whom do you call the better sort? A few stuck-up officials! I know all about it. As for me, I have been received at Stonelee with so much cordiality and appreciation—— FIELDBO. Appreciation? Yes, unfortunately—there we are at the root of the matter. STENSGÅRD. Not at all! I can see with unprejudiced eyes. Mr. Monsen has abilities, he has reading, he has a keen sense for public affairs. FIELDBO. Abilities? Oh, yes, in a way. Reading too: he takes in the papers, and has read your speeches and articles. And his sense for public affairs he has of course proved by applauding the said articles and speeches. STENSGÅRD.