Did William Shakespeare say “The quality of mercy is not strained”?

Did William Shakespeare say “The quality of mercy is not strained”?

Found word for word. Yes. The text appears in works attributed to William Shakespeare. Source and location below.

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 blesses him that gives, and him that takes: 'Tis mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes The throned monarch better than his crown: His scepter 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 powe …
Beautiful Stories from Shakespeare — E. Nesbit, ¶1462 · Public domain (US), Project Gutenberg #1430 · source

All checked quotes → · Method on GitHub