Well, even if they didn’t particularly like it—— ASLAKSEN. No no no; no offence to the powers that be, Mr. Hovstad. No opposition to people that can take it out of us again so easily. I've had enough of that in my time; no good ever comes of it. But no one can object to the free but temperate expression of a citizen’s opinion. DR. STOCKMANN. [_Shaking his hand._] I can’t tell you, my dear Mr. Aslaksen, how heartily it delights me to find so much support among my fellow townsmen. I'm so happy—so happy! Come, you’ll have a glass of sherry? Eh? ASLAKSEN. No, thank you; I never touch spirituous liquors. DR. STOCKMANN. Well, then, a glass of beer—what do you say to that? ASLAKSEN. Thanks, not that either, Doctor. I never take anything so early in the day. And now I'll be off round the town, and talk to some of the house-owners, and prepare public opinion. DR. STOCKMANN. It’s extremely kind of you, Mr. Aslaksen; but I really cannot get it into my head that all these preparations are necessary. The affair seems to me so simple and self-evident. ASLAKSEN. The authorities always move slowly, Doctor—God forbid I should blame them for it—— HOVSTAD. We’ll stir them up in the paper to-morrow, Aslaksen. ASLAKSEN. No violence, Mr. Hovstad. Proceed with moderation, or you’ll do nothing with them. Take my advice; I've picked up experience in the school of life.—And now I'll say good morning, Doctor. You know now that at least you have us small middle-class men behind you, solid as a wall. You have the compact majority on your side, Doctor. DR. STOCKMANN. Many thanks, my dear Mr. ASLAKSEN. [_Holds out his hand._] Good-bye, good-bye. ASLAKSEN. Are you coming to the office, Mr. Hovstad? HOVSTAD. I shall come on presently. I have still one or two things to arrange. ASLAKSEN. Very well. [_Bows and goes. DR. STOCKMANN accompanies him into the hall._ HOVSTAD. [_As the DOCTOR re-enters._] Well, what do you say to that, Doctor? Don’t you think it is high time we should give all this weak-kneed, half-hearted cowardice a good shaking up? DR. STOCKMANN. Are you speaking of Aslaksen? HOVSTAD. Yes, I am. He’s a decent enough fellow, but he’s one of those who are sunk in the swamp. And most people here are just like him; they are for ever wavering and wobbling from side to side; what with scruples and misgivings, they never dare advance a step. DR. STOCKMANN. Yes, but Aslaksen seems to me thoroughly well-intentioned.