From the Commonplace Book: 9/26/2022

 

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:
'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 enthronèd 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. 

The Merchant of Venice, Act IV Scene 1. Spoken by Portia

The featured quote was taken from the Commonplace Book of Mrs. Kristina Spanjer, Chairwoman of Chapel Field’s English Department.