The quality of mercy is not strained. It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven upon the place beneath... Your whole life you hear that quoted. I never got it till now. Mercy is not something you ever get to request. Not strained means not forced. It's given freely. No reason. Just a gift drops from the sky. Twice blessed. Blessing him that gives and him that takes.

— The fact that he chose you, Fanny, is evidence of his good character. He could make you very happy, and you would be the making of him.
— It is not certain that a man must be acceptable to every woman he likes.

Everywhere, religions... from exalting life to purging joy as a sin. Rome does it as grand opera. A simple path to goodness needs a supernatural roadmap.