| The quality of mercy is not strained. | Line 1 |
| It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven upon the place beneath. | Line 2 |
| It is twice blessed: It blesseth him that gives and him that takes. | Line 3 |
| ‘Tis mightiest in the mightiest. | Line 4 |
| It becomes the throned monarch better than his crown. | Line 5 |
| His scepter shows the force of temporal power, | Line 6 |
| The attribute to awe and majesty | Line 7 |
| Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings, | Line 8 |
| But mercy is above this sceptered sway. | Line 9 |
| It is enthroned in the hearts of kings. | Line 10 |
| It is an attribute to God himself. | Line 11 |
| And earthly power doth then show likest God’s when mercy season’s justice. | … |
The Merchant of Venice: Act 4, Scene 1 (Percia’s line)
July 28, 2019