No ceremony that to great ones longs, Not the kings crown, nor the deputed sword, The marshals truncheon, nor the judges robe, Become them with one half so good a grace As mercy does.6
Why, all the souls that were, were forfeit once; And He that might the vantage best have took Found out the remedy. How would you be, If He, which is the top of judgment, should But judge you as you are?
Measure for Measure. Act ii. Sc. 2.
Note 1. Act i. Sc. 5, in White, Singer, and Knight. [back]
Note 2. Act i. Sc. 5, in White, Singer, and Knight. [back]
Note 3. Act i. Sc. 5, in White, Singer, and Knight. [back]
Note 4. Act i. Sc. 5, in White, Singer, and Knight. [back]
Note 5. Act i. Sc. 5, in White, Singer, and Knight. [back]
Note 6. Compare Portias words in Merchant of Venice, act iv. sc. 1. [back]