Read the following passage: PROSPERO
.. [H]ave comfort.
The dire spectacle of the wreck, which touch'd
The very virtue of compassion in thee,
I have with such provision in mine art
So safely ordered that there is no soul-
No, not so much perdition as an hair
Betid to any creature in the vessel
Which thou heard'st cry, which thou saw'st sink.
What is the meaning of virtue, as used in this passage?

A. Nobility.

Explanation:

The given passage is taken from the play titled 'The Tempest' written by William Shakespeare, Act I, Scene 2.

In the given text, Prospero is having conversation with his daughter Miranda, whom he says have 'virtue of compassion.' The meaning of the word virtue is a behaviour having good and highs standards of morals, such as kindness, compassion, goodness, etc.

The word that best describes the meaning of 'virtue' in the given context is nobility. Nobility is a quality of being noble in character. The word 'virtue' suggests the character of Miranda in the given context.

Therefore, option A is correct.