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