William Shakespeare
- The Merchant of Venice - Act IV Scene 1
The quality of mercy is not strained, it droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven upon the place beneath. It is twice blessed: it blesseth him that gives, and him that takes. 'Tis mightiest in the mightiest, it becomes the throned monarch better than his crown: his sceptre show 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.
