Wednesday, October 26, 2011


POEM #28- William Shakespeare (1564-1616)
Oh, dear. I've almost finished a full month of poetry and quite forgot ol' Shakespeare. That just won't do. Here's a lovely tribute to the quality of mercy, specifically as it relates to justice meted by kings. Reminds me of the parable of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18. That passage is the first thing I think of when I'm tempted to hold an unforgiving spirit. Great stuff!
*pic from wikipedia; Scots Church in Melbourne

The Quality of Mercy
The quality of mercy is not strain'd.
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 scepter 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 sceptered sway;
It is enthroned in the heart of kings;
It is an attribute to God himself;
And earthly power doth then show likest God's
When mercy seasons justice.

2 comments:

Holly said...

I am thoroughly enjoying the 31 days of poetry!

Charity said...

Aw, thanks, Holly!! Too few comments on such great stuff, if I do say so myself- heehee ;o)