"The quality of mercy is not strained;
It droppeth, as the gentle rain from heaven,
Upon the place beneath; it is twice blessed;
It blesseth him that gives, and him that takes;
'Tis 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 his sceptred sway,
It is enthroned 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. Therefore, Jew,
Though justice be thy plea, consider this,—
That in the course of justice, none of us
Should see salvation; we do pray for mercy;
And that same prayer doth teach us all to render
The deeds of mercy, I have spoke this much
To mitigate the justice of thy plea;
Which, if thou follow, this strict court of Venice
Must needs give sentence against the merchant there."
Shylock, with unforgiving spirit, replies:
"My deeds upon my head! I crave the law,
The penalty and forfeit of my bond!"
Portia asks:
"Is not Antonio able to discharge the money?"
Bassanio replies:
"Yes; here I tender it for him in the court;
Yea, twice the sum,"
and still appealing to the Duke, says:
"To do a great right, do a little wrong,
And curb this cruel devil of his will!"
Portia says: