"Hadst mercy on" is a phrase derived from Old English and primarily found in archaic literature. It is the past tense of the verb "to have mercy on," which means to show compassion, forgiveness, or kindness towards someone who is in a difficult or disadvantaged situation.
The term "hadst" is the second-person singular past tense form of the auxiliary verb "to have" in Old English. It denotes an action that took place in the past. "Mercy," on the other hand, refers to the act of refraining from inflicting punishment or harm on someone who deserves it. It involves displaying leniency and understanding. Together, "hadst mercy on" signifies that someone had shown mercy, compassion, or forgiveness towards another person in the past.
This phrase is frequently encountered in older literature, including religious texts, and has fallen out of common usage in contemporary English. It often depicts the benevolence of a higher power, such as God or a deity, towards their followers, acknowledging their compassion and willingness to forgive human transgressions. The act of having mercy on someone implies a deliberate decision to extend leniency, understanding, or aid, even when punishment or strict justice would be warranted.
Overall, the phrase "hadst mercy on" reflects an antiquated linguistic style used to describe acts of compassion or forgiveness demonstrated in the past, particularly in reference to a higher power taking pity on humanity.
