I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice.

Abraham Lincoln (1809 - 1865), speech in Washington D.C., 1865

Cowards are cruel, but the brave

Love mercy, and delight to save.

John Gay (1685 - 1732)

We shall show mercy, but we shall not ask for it.

Sir Winston Churchill (1874 - 1965), speech in the House of Commons, July 14, 1940

Nothing emboldens¹ sin so much as mercy.

William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616)

Sweet mercy is nobility's true badge.

William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616), "Titus Andronicus", Act 1 scene 2

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.

'T is mightiest² in the mightiest: it becomes

The throned monarch³ better than his crown;

His sceptre shows the force of temporal power,

The attribute to awe⁴ and majesty⁵,

Wherein doth sit the dread⁶ and fear of kings;

But mercy is above this sceptred sway,

It is enthroned 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 salvation⁷: we do pray for mercy;

And that same prayer doth teach us all to render

The deeds of mercy.

William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616), "The Merchant of Venice", Act 4 scene 1