_Meaning of "strained" as used by Shakspeare_ (Vol. iii., p. 185.).--The
context of the passage quoted by L. S. explains the sense in which
Shakspeare used the word "strain'd:"
"_Portia._ Then _must_ the Jew be merciful.
_Shylock._ On what _compulsion_ must I? tell me that.
_Portia._ The quality of mercy is not strain'd," &c.
that is, there is nothing forced, nothing of compulsion in the quality of
mercy.