<P> "The quality of mercy" is a quote by Portia in William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice; it occurs during Act 4, Scene 1, set in a Venetian Court of Justice . It is the speech in which Portia begs Shylock for mercy . The speech is regarded as one of the great speeches in Shakespeare, and it is an example of the esteem Shakespeare held for those who showed mercy . </P> <P> 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 becomes The thronèd 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 enthronèd in the hearts of kings; It is an attribute to God Himself; And earthly power doth then show likest God's When mercy seasons justice . Therefore, Jew, Though justice be thy plea, consider this: That in the course of justice none of us Should see salvation . We do pray for mercy, And that same prayer doth teach us all to render The deeds of mercy . I have spoke thus much To mitigate the justice of thy plea, Which, if thou follow, this strict court of Venice Must needs give sentence' gainst the merchant there . </P>

Where does the quality of mercy come from