April 4th 1915

The quality of mercy is not strained ;
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath ; it is twice bless'd
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes :
'Tis mightiest in the mightiest ; it becomes
The throned monarch better than his crown ;
His sceptre 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 sceptred sway, -
Is is enthroned in the heart of kings,
It is an attitude to God himself ;
And earthly power doth then show likest God's
When mercy seasons justice. Therefore, few,
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 some prayer should teach us all to render
The deeds of mercy.

Shakespeare

Gladys M. Taylor
Wednesbury