There is a devilish mercy in the judge, if you'll implore it, that will free your life, but fetter you till death.
William ShakespeareMarry, sir, they praise me and make an ass of me. Now my foes tell me plainly I am an ass; so that by my foes, sir, I profit in the knowledge of myself, any by my friends I am abused; so that, conclusions to be as kisses, if your four negatives make your two affirmatives, why then, the worse for my friends, and the better for my foes.
William Shakespeare