I. You have lived all your life in these surroundings, and your
impressions have been blunted. But I, who have been buried all
these years in my little corner up north, almost without ever
seeing a stranger who might bring new ideas with him--well, in
my case it has just the same effect as if I had been transported
into the middle of a crowded city.

Peter Stockmann. Oh, a city--!

Dr. Stockmann. I know, I know; it is all cramped enough here,
compared with many other places. But there is life here--there is
promise--there are innumerable things to work for and fight for;
and that is the main thing. (Calls.) Katherine, hasn't the
postman been here?

Mrs. Stockmann (from the dining-room). No.

Dr. Stockmann. And then to be comfortably off, Peter! That is
something one learns to value, when one has been on the brink of
starvation, as we have.

Peter Stockmann. Oh, surely--

Dr. Stockmann. Indeed I can assure you we have often been very
hard put to it, up there. And now to be able to live like a lord!
Today, for instance, we had roast beef for dinner--and, what is
more, for supper too. Won't you come and have a little bit? Or
let me show it you, at any rate? Come here--

Peter Stockmann. No, no--not for worlds!