Mightiest in the mightiest. This is capable of a double interpretation--(1) the quality of mercy in a man of great power must be strong in proportion as his power is great. (2) Mercy is at its greatest when exhibited by the greatest. Portia would wish to convey the first meaning, as that would have the more weight with Shylock. Becomes the throned monarch. The possession of this quality makes a man more truly kingly than the mere wearing of a crown. Sceptre. The symbol of the monarch's authority. Temporal power. Power which belongs to this world only. Mercy--is enthroned in the hearts of kings. The "hearts of kings" are for mercy what the throne itself is for a king--the most exalted position he can occupy. Mercy seasons justice. Mercy tempers justice, rendering it less severe and making it more acceptable and pleasing. Develop the meaning through Illustration, when possible. For example, to teach the meaning of "seasons" in "mercy seasons justice", lead the pupils to use the word seasons in such sentences as: We season our food with spices. Lead, from the meaning in common or familiar use, to its use in the lesson. Avoid mere dictionary meanings of words. Teach the use of the word where it is found, never one of its meanings apart from its use. THE ARGUMENT There is no compulsion in mercy. Its course is always from the higher to the lower. It is a blessing to both giver and receiver. The greater the mercy shown, the greater will be the giver. To show mercy does more to make a monarch kingly than does his crown. The one stands for the exercise of authority and power commanding obedience and awe; the other comes from the heart and reveals the character. It is more than kingly, it is God-like; for in exercising it, man's power becomes more like God's than in any other way. Develop the above argument by questioning. Sum up the result by requiring the whole argument to be given by a pupil orally in his own language. Finally, require the pupils to write, as forcibly as they can, the whole of Portia's argument. The remainder of Portia's speech as given in the play may also be given to the pupils. In that case, the remainder of the argument should be given as follows: You demand justice, Jew. Even so, require it as you hope Heaven may require it of you. Consider that mercy is necessary to salvation, and remember that, as we all pray for mercy, that fact itself requires us all to show the deeds of mercy.