Quote by William Shakespeare

The quality of mercy is not strain'd,It droppeth as the gentle rain from heavenUpon the place beneath: it is twice blest;It blesseth him that gives and him that takes:'Tis mightiest in the mightiest: it becomesThe 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'sWhen mercy seasons justice.

The quality of mercy is not strain'd,It droppeth as the gent

Summary

This quote from Shakespeare's play The Merchant of Venice highlights the powerful and transformative nature of mercy. It suggests that mercy is not limited or constrained but freely given and abundant. It is described as a blessing for both the giver and receiver, and it holds immense power, even greater than that of a monarch's authority. The quote argues that mercy transcends earthly power and is instead inherent in the hearts of kings and even in God. It implies that the true essence of power is demonstrated not through harsh punishment but through the balance of mercy and justice.

Topics

Mercy

By William Shakespeare

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