The quality of mercy is not strained.<br/>
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven<br/>
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest:<br/>
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.<br/>
'Tis mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes<br/>
The thronèd monarch better than his crown.<br/>
His scepter shows the force of temporal power$$$<br/>
The attribute to awe and majesty<br/>
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings;<br/>
But mercy is above this sceptered sway.<br/>
It is enthronèd in the hearts of kings;<br/>
It is an attribute to God Himself;<br/>
And earthly power doth then show likest God's<br/>
When mercy seasons justice. Therefore$$$ Jew$$$<br/>
Though justice be thy plea$$$ consider this:<br/>
That in the course of justice none of us<br/>
Should see salvation. We do pray for mercy$$$<br/>
And that same prayer doth teach us all to render<br/>
<br/>
The deeds of mercy. I have spoke thus much<br/>
To mitigate the justice of thy plea$$$<br/>
Which$$$ if thou follow$$$ this strict court of Venice<br/>
Must needs give sentence 'gainst the merchant there.
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