How we cite our quotes: (Stanza.Line)
Quote #4
"We're fair," said the bug.
"We'll decide this by vote.
All those in favor of going, say 'AYE,'
All those in favor of staying, say 'NAY'."[…]
"AYE!" shouted Thidwick,
But when he was done… (31.1-4; 32.1-2)
Thidwick tries to stand up for himself, but he lets the vote of the others squash his own voice. In this relationship, kindness is a one-way street, and Thidwick is dazed with that moose-in-the-headlights looks.
Quote #5
And he called to the pests on his horns as he threw 'em,
"You wanted my horns; now you're quite welcome to 'em!
Keep 'em! They're yours!" (48.1-3)
Thidwick has finally decided to be compassionate to the one person who needs it most: himself. Sometimes you've got to be a little cruel to be kind.