This play is one of my absolute favorites! It presents a powerful contrast between the demands of law and grace. When Shylock declares, "I crave the law!" the wise judge instructs him thus:
The quality of mercy is not strain'd
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
On 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 scepter 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 sceptered 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, O man,
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.
Beautiful, isn't it? That Shakespeare guy really knew what he was doing. This is my memorization for this week. Join me, anyone?
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