William Shakespeare on Judges
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“Heaven is above all yet, there sits a judge, That no king can corrupt.”
“Portia: To offend, and judge, are distinct offices And of opposed natures.”
“Angelo: Thieves for their robbery have authority When judges steal themselves.”
“It doth appear you are a worthy judge, You know the law; your exposition Hath been most sound”
“What is my offence? Where are the evidence that do accuse me? What lawful quest have given their verdict up Unto the frowning judge?”
“Therefore I say again, I utterly abhor, yea from my soul Refuse you for my judge; whom, yet once more, I hold my most malicious foe, and think not At all a mend to truth.”
“He who the sword of heaven will bear Should be as holy as severe, Pattern in himself to know, Grace to stand, and virtue go; More nor less to others paying Than by self-offenses weighing Shame to him, whose cruel striking Kills for faults of his own liking!”