Showing posts with label burghers of calais. Show all posts
Showing posts with label burghers of calais. Show all posts

Sunday, August 12, 2007

the quality of mercy ...




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.



Tis mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes



The throned monarch better than his crown.



His scepter 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 sceptered sway;



It is enthroned in the hearts of kings;



It is an attribute of God himself;



And earthly power doth then show like God's



When mercy seasons justice.