We do pray for mercy,
And that same prayer doth teach us all to render
The deeds read more

We do pray for mercy,
And that same prayer doth teach us all to render
The deeds of mercy.

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

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

Mercy but murders, pardoning those that kill.

Mercy but murders, pardoning those that kill.

'Tis vain to flee; till gentle Mercy show
Her better eye, the farther off we go,
The read more

'Tis vain to flee; till gentle Mercy show
Her better eye, the farther off we go,
The swing of Justice deals the mightier blow.

And shut the gates of mercy on mankind.

And shut the gates of mercy on mankind.

The quality of mercy is not strained;
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the read more

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.
'Tis 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 scept'red 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.

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.

Much that we call evil is really good in disguises; and we should not quarrel rashly with adversities not yet read more

Much that we call evil is really good in disguises; and we should not quarrel rashly with adversities not yet understood, nor overlook the mercies often bound up in them.

Hate shuts her soul when dove-eyed mercy pleads.

Hate shuts her soul when dove-eyed mercy pleads.