There is more power in a mother's hand than in a king's scepter.
It is something to hold the scepter with a firm hand. [Lat. , Est aliquid valida sceptra tenere manu. ]
I want the seals of power and place, the ensigns of command, charged by the people's unbought grace, to rule my native land. Nor crown, nor scepter would I ask but from my country's will, by day, by night, to ply the task her cup of bliss to fill.
Love like Death,, Levels all ranks, and lays the shepherd's crook Beside the scepter
A scepter is one thing, and a ladle another.