Mrs. Stockmann. Then you won't be able to take part in the coming
election?

Horster. Is there going to be an election?

Billing. Didn't you know?

Horster. No, I don't mix myself up with those things.

Billing. But do you not take an interest in public affairs?

Horster. No, I don't know anything about politics.

Billing. All the same, one ought to vote, at any rate.

Horster. Even if one doesn't know anything about what is going
on?

Billing. Doesn't know! What do you mean by that? A community is
like a ship; everyone ought to be prepared to take the helm.

Horster. Maybe that is all very well on shore; but on board ship
it wouldn't work.

Hovstad. It is astonishing how little most sailors care about
what goes on on shore.

Billing. Very extraordinary.

Dr. Stockmann. Sailors are like birds of passage; they feel