The quality of mercy is not strain'd; It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath. It read more

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.

It is noble to grant life to the vanquished.
[Lat., Pulchrum est vitam donare minori.]

It is noble to grant life to the vanquished.
[Lat., Pulchrum est vitam donare minori.]

Mercy to him that shows it, is the rule.

Mercy to him that shows it, is the rule.

Mercy among the virtues is like the moon among the stars ... It is the light that hovers above the read more

Mercy among the virtues is like the moon among the stars ... It is the light that hovers above the judgment seat.

Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy.

Too much mercy... often resulted in further crimes which were fatal to innocent victims who need not have been victims read more

Too much mercy... often resulted in further crimes which were fatal to innocent victims who need not have been victims if justice had been put first and mercy second.

The mercy that was quick in us but late,
By your own counsel is suppressed and killed.
read more

The mercy that was quick in us but late,
By your own counsel is suppressed and killed.
You must not dare for shame to talk of mercy;
For your own reasons turn into your bosoms
As dogs upon their masters, worrying you.

Of all the characters of cruelty, I consider the most despicable the one that cloaks himself in a garb of read more

Of all the characters of cruelty, I consider the most despicable the one that cloaks himself in a garb of mercy.

We shall show mercy, but we shall not ask for it

We shall show mercy, but we shall not ask for it