Here’s a line-by-line summary of the speech “The quality of mercy is not strained” from “The Merchant of Venice”:
- “The quality of mercy is not strained;”
- Mercy isn’t forced or compelled; it flows naturally.
- “It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven”
- Mercy is like a soft rain that falls from the sky.
- “Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest;”
- Mercy blesses both the giver and the receiver.
- “It blesseth him that gives and him that takes:”
- Both the person showing mercy and the person receiving it are blessed.
- “‘Tis mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes”
- Mercy is most powerful when shown by those in positions of power.
- “The throned monarch better than his crown:”
- Even a king benefits more from showing mercy than from wearing his crown.
- “His sceptre shows the force of temporal power,”
- A king’s scepter symbolizes his earthly authority.
- “The attribute to awe and majesty,”
- The scepter represents power and grandeur.
- “Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings;”
- The scepter holds the respect and fear that people have for kings.
- “But mercy is above this sceptred sway;”
- Mercy holds greater importance than kingly authority.
- “It is enthroned in the hearts of kings,”
- Mercy resides in the hearts of rulers.
- “It is an attribute to God himself;”
- Mercy is a trait of God.
- “And earthly power doth then show likest God’s”
- When earthly rulers show mercy, they resemble God.
- “When mercy seasons justice. Therefore, Jew,”
- Mercy enhances the quality of justice. So, Jewish person,
- “Though justice be thy plea, consider this,”
- Even if justice is what you’re seeking,
- “That, in the course of justice, none of us”
- In the process of seeking justice,
- “Should see salvation: we do pray for mercy;”
- None of us would find salvation if only justice were applied; we all seek mercy.
- “And that same prayer doth teach us all to render”
- Our plea for mercy teaches us to also show mercy.
- “The deeds of mercy. I have spoke thus much”
- We should perform acts of mercy. I’ve said this much.
- “To mitigate the justice of thy plea;”
- To lessen the severity of your demand for justice.
- “Which, if thou follow, this strict court of Venice”
- If you pursue this approach, the rigorous court of Venice
- “Must needs give sentence ‘gainst the merchant there.”
- Will have to pass judgment against the merchant.
This summary captures the essence of Portia’s speech about the importance and virtue of mercy in contrast to strict justice.