"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 blesses him that gives and him that takes. 'Tis mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes The thronged monarch much better than his crown; His sceptr 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 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, 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." The Merchant of Venice

William Shakespeare, born April 23, 1564

-- paul (primrose@centex.net), April 23, 2002

Answers

I have heard Shakespeare was a major writer of the King James Bible that was published five years before his death. Does anyone know if it is true he was a significant writer of this version of the Bible?

-- Joe (CactusJoe001@AOL.com), April 23, 2002.