The Secret Files
of
The Hollow Mountain


Mercy

The quality of mercy is not strain'd,
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 enthroned in the hearts of kings,
it is an attribute to God himself;
and earthly power doth then show likest Gods's
when mercy seasons justice.

Therefore, Jew, though justice be thy plea, consider this,
that in the course of justice, none of use should see salvation:
we do pray for mercy,
and that same prayer doth teach us all to render the deeds of mercy.

Portia's speech in the Merchant of Venice (Act IV, Scene I)
By William Shakespeare

<<  Other Secret Files

HomeSouvenir ShopNew ArrivalsRLE ictMailboxEnglish SectionGreeting CardsDutch SectionSitemapDonations