The quality of mercy is not strained;It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath.It is twice blest; It blesseth him that gives and him that takes:‘T is 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 enthronèd 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.