Something which made me think (always a dangerous thing ^_-)

[mousme]

Cal's voice was flat and dull. "I can't stand it. No, I can't stand it. I won't be able to. I'll have to —I'll have to —"

Lee gripped his wrist fiercely. "Why, you mouse —you nasty cur. With goodness all around you —don't you dare suggest a thing like that! Why is your sorrow more refined than my sorrow?"

-- John Steinbeck, East of Eden