Many other ensigns also are allowed to a king, for the setting forth of his majesty, and to the declaration of his function, as, a Mound or ball of gold, with the cross upon it [orb], to signify, that the religion and faith of Christ ought to be reverenced throughout all his dominions. The scepter also in the one hand signefieth Justice, and the sword in the other teacheth vengeance.

– From The Blazon of Gentrie by Sir John Ferne (1586), p144