Mercy

HE quality of mercy is not strained- It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Uponthe place beneath: it is twice blessedIt blesseth him that gives, and him that takes : 'Tis mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes The thronéd monarch better than his crown; His sceptre shows the force of temporal power, The attribute to awe and majesty, Werein doth sit the dread and fear of kings : THE PEDLER'S PACK But mercy is above this sceptred sway- It is enthronéd in the hearts of kings, It is an attribute to God himself; And earthly power doth then show likest God's, When mercy seasons justice. -From " The Merchant of Venice."