454 THE DECLINE AXD FALL nays still retain the plaintive motto, which asserts the innocence, and deplores the fall, of their ancient house. ^*'" While they sigh for past greatness, they are doubtless sensible of present blessings ; in the long series of the Courtenay annals, the most splendid aera is likewise the most unfortunate ; nor can an opulent peer of Britain be inclined to envy the emperors of Constantinople, who wandered over Europe to solicit alms for the support of their dignity and the defence of their capital. 106 Ubi lapsus ! Quid feci f a motto which was probably adopted by the Powder- ham branch, after the loss of the earldom of Devonshire, &c. The primitive arms of the Courtenays were, or, three torteaux, gules, which seem to denote their aflHnity with Godfrey of Bouillon and the ancient counts of Boulogne. [Some further information on the family of the Courtenays will be found in a short note in the Gentleman's Magazine for July, 1839, p. 39. Cp. Smith's note in his ed. of Gibbon, vol. vii. p. 354.]
