usband belongs the city of Cadmus, the walls
of which were put together by the music that my husband played. Every
corner of my palace is filled with priceless treasures; and there, too,
are other treasures--children such as no other mother can show: seven
beautiful daughters, seven sturdy sons, and just as many sons- and
daughters-in-law. Ask now whether I have ground for pride. Consider
again before you honor more than me Latona, the unknown daughter of the
Titans, who could find no place in the whole earth in which she might
rest and give birth to her children until the island of Delos in
compassion offered her a precarious shelter. There she became the mother
of two children--the poor creature! Just the seventh part of my mother
joy! Who can deny that I am fortunate? Who will doubt that I shall
remain happy? Fortune would have a hard time if she undertook to shatter
my happiness. Take this or that one from my treasured children; but when
would the number of them dwindle to the sickly two of Latona? Away with
your sacrifices! Take the laurel out of your hair. Go back to your homes
and let me never see such foolishness again!"

Frightened at the outburst, the women removed the wreaths from their
heads, left their sacrifices and slunk home, still honoring Latona with
silent prayer.

On the summit of the Delian mountain Cynthas stood Latona with her two
children, watching what was taking place in distant Thebes. "See, my
children," she said, "I, your mother, who am so proud of your birth, who
yield place to no goddess except Juno, I am held up to ridicule by an
upstart mortal, and if you do not defend me, my children, I shall be
driven away from the ancient and holy altars. Yes, you too are insulted
by Niobe, and she would like to have you set aside for her children!"

Latona was about to go on, but Apollo interrupted her: "Cease your
lamentations, mother; you only delay the punishment."

Then he and his sister wrapped themselves in a magic cloud cloak that
made them invisible, and flew swiftly through the air until they reached
the town and castle of Cadmus.

Just outside the walls of the city was an open field that was used as a
race-course and practice ground for horses. Here the seven sons of
Amphion were amusing themselves, when suddenly the oldest dropped his
reins with a cry and fell from his horse, pierced to the heart by an
arrow. One after another the whole seven were struck down.

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