But mercy is above this sceptered sway; It is enthroned in the hearts of kings, It is an attribute of God himself.

More from The Merchant of Venice

• All that glisters is not gold; Often have you heard that told; Many a man his life hath sold But my outside to behold.
• And I beseech you, Wrest once the law to your authority, To do a great right, do a little wrong, And curb this cruel devil of his will.
• If every ducat in six thousand ducats Were in six parts, and every part a ducat I would not draw them. I would have my bond.
• If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die? And if you wrong us, shall we not revenge?
• If you repay not on such a day let the forfeit be an equal pound of your fair flesh.
• I’ll not be made a soft and dull eyed fool!