Oh, I shall keep myself well in hand. [_Looks at his watch, ascends the platform, and bows._] It’s a quarter past the hour, so I shall begin—— [_Takes out his MS._ ASLAKSEN. But surely a chairman must be elected first. DR. STOCKMANN. No, that’s not at all necessary. SEVERAL GENTLEMEN. [_Shouting._] Yes, yes. BURGOMASTER. I should certainly say that a chairman ought to be elected. DR. STOCKMANN. But I've called this meeting to give a lecture, Peter! BURGOMASTER. Dr. Stockmann’s lecture may possibly lead to differences of opinion. SEVERAL VOICES IN THE CROWD. A chairman! A chairman! HOVSTAD. The general voice of the meeting seems to be for a chairman! DR. STOCKMANN. [_Controlling himself._] Very well then; let the meeting have its way. ASLAKSEN. Will not the Burgomaster take the chair? THREE GENTLEMEN. [_Clapping._] Bravo! Bravo! BURGOMASTER. For reasons you will easily understand, I must decline. But, fortunately, we have among us one whom I think we can all accept. I allude to the president of the House-owners' Association, Mr. Aslaksen. MANY VOICES. Yes, yes! Bravo Aslaksen! Hurrah for Aslaksen! [DR. STOCKMANN _takes his MS. and descends from the platform._ ASLAKSEN. Since my fellow citizens repose this trust in me, _I_ cannot refuse—— [_Applause and cheers._ ASLAKSEN _ascends the platform._ BILLING. [_Writing._] So—“Mr. Aslaksen was elected by acclamation——” ASLAKSEN. And now, as I have been called to the chair, I take the liberty of saying a few brief words. I am a quiet, peace-loving man; I am in favour of discreet moderation, and of—and of moderate discretion. Every one who knows me, knows that. MANY VOICES. Yes, yes, Aslaksen! ASLAKSEN. I have learnt in the school of life and of experience that moderation is the virtue in which the individual citizen finds his best advantage—— BURGOMASTER. Hear, hear! ASLAKSEN. ——and it is discretion and moderation, too, that best serve the community. I could therefore suggest to our respected fellow citizen, who has called this meeting, that he should endeavour to keep within the bounds of moderation. A MAN. [_By the door._] Three cheers for the Temperance Society! A VOICE. Go to the devil! VOICES. Hush! hush!