The quality of mercy is not strain'd.
It droppeth as the gentle rain from
Upon the place beneath.
It is twice blest:
It blesseth him that gives, and him that takes.'Tis mightiest in the mightiest; it
The throned monarch better than his crown.
His scepter shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty,
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings;
But mercy is above this sceptered sway;
It is enthroned in the heart of kings;
It is an attribute to God himself;
And earthly power doth then show likest
When mercy seasons justice.
