CIRCE
"and sceptre with the dove, the curtana." (U15.1443)
The Sceptre with the Dove (= the Rod with the Dove, or the Rod of Equity and Mercy), symbolizes the spiritual authority of the Monarch. It was originally made for the coronation of King Charles II in 1661. It is a gold rod with bands of gemstones, surmounted by a sphere and an enamelled dove, representing the Holy Ghost.
The Curtana (= the Sword of Mercy), symbolizes the mercy of the monarch. It is a sword with a blunted square tip (from Latin curtus = shortened). It is believed to have been made for the coronation of Charles I, and to have escaped (together with the Sword of Temporal Justice and the Sword of Spiritual Justice) melting down by Cromwell. The Curtana is the sword used during knighting ceremonies.
