Shakespeare, 10th January

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 is an attribute of God himself;

And earthly power doth then show likest God's,

When mercy seasons justice.

                                           Merchant of Venice, Act iv., Sc. I.