Original artwork, not a still
The Merchant of Venice • 1600
But mercy is above this sceptered sway; It is enthroned in the hearts of kings, It is an attribute of God himself.
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
The speaker says mercy outranks the power of the sceptre, sitting in the hearts of kings and belonging to God's own nature. Compassion is presented as a higher authority than earthly command, something rulers show at their best rather than something force can demand.
Context reviewed
