The Quality of Mercy

From The Merchant Of Venice

The quality of mercy is not strained;
It droppedth, as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath; it is twice bless'd-
It blessed him that gives, and him that takes.

'Tis mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes
The throned monarch better than his crown;
His sceptre 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 sceptred sway,
It is enthroned 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.