The quality of mercy is not strain'd, it droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven.
In plain words
Kindness falls freely, like soft rain. Nobody has to force it.
Where these words come from
- 95% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
- The Merchant of Venice, Act 4 Scene 1, spoken by Portia (disguised as a lawyer) in the courtroom, urging Shylock toward mercy.
- The Merchant of Venice
- c. 1597 · Portia's courtroom speech asking Shylock to show mercy instead of demanding strict justice
More from William Shakespeare
See allThere are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
William ShakespeareAll the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances.William ShakespeareTo thine own self be true.William ShakespeareGive every man thine ear, but few thy voice.William ShakespeareSweet are the uses of adversity, which, like the toad, ugly and venomous, wears yet a precious jewel in his head.William ShakespeareBe not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em.William Shakespeare
William ShakespeareAll the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances.William ShakespeareTo thine own self be true.William ShakespeareGive every man thine ear, but few thy voice.William ShakespeareSweet are the uses of adversity, which, like the toad, ugly and venomous, wears yet a precious jewel in his head.William ShakespeareBe not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em.William ShakespeareMore on kindness
Treat all men alike. Give them all the same law. Give them all an even chance to live and grow.
Chief JosephNo one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of it for any one else.
Charles DickensThere is only one enduring happiness in life — to live for others.
Leo TolstoyAmong individuals, as among nations, respect for the rights of others is peace.
Benito JuárezAs to diseases, make a habit of two things — to help, or at least, to do no harm.
HippocratesMen exist for the sake of one another. Teach them then, or bear with them.
Marcus Aurelius
Chief JosephNo one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of it for any one else.Charles DickensThere is only one enduring happiness in life — to live for others.Leo TolstoyAmong individuals, as among nations, respect for the rights of others is peace.Benito JuárezAs to diseases, make a habit of two things — to help, or at least, to do no harm.HippocratesMen exist for the sake of one another. Teach them then, or bear with them.Marcus Aurelius