Digital facsimile of the Bodleian First Folio of Shakespeare's plays, Arch. G c.7
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Por. Then must the Iew be mercifull.
Iew. Iew.
Iew. On what compulsion must I? Tell me that.
Por. Por.
Por. The quality of mercy is not strain'd,
Por. It droppeth as the gentle raine from heauen
Por. Vpon the place beneath. It is twice blest,
Por. It blesseth him that giues, and him that takes,
Por. 'Tis mightiest in the mightiest, it becomes
Por. The throned Monarch better then his Crowne.
Por. His Scepter shewes the force of temporall power,
Por. The attribute to awe and Maiestie,
Por. Wherein doth sit the dread and feare of Kings:
Por. But mercy is aboue this sceptred sway,
Por. It is enthroned in the hearts of Kings,
Por. It is an attribute to God himselfe;
Por. And earthly power doth then shew likest Gods
Por. When mercie seasons Iustice. Therefore Iew,
Por. Though Iustice be thy plea, consider this,
Por. That in the course of Iustice, none of vs