104 WINTER STORIES AND POEMS 



" She has but two children. I have seven 

 times as many. 



" Even if I should lose some of mine, I should 

 not be as poor as Latona with her two only." 



When the goddess Latona heard this, she was 

 very angry. Calling her mighty son Apollo 

 and her daughter Diana, she told them of it. 



They darted through the air to the earth, and 

 alighted on the towers of the city. 



The clouds hid them from view. 



On a broad plain the young men of the city 

 were playing games. Among them were the 

 sons of Niobe. 



The oldest was trying to drive a pair of fiery 

 horses. 



Apollo drew his bow. The arrow sped, and 

 he fell dead. 



Two others were wrestling. One arrow pierced 

 them both. 



Then one after another fell, until the seven 

 sons of Niobe lay dead. 



Their mother wept, and kissed them. " Cruel 

 Latona," she cried, a you have done this. But 

 I am still richer than you, for I have my seven 

 daughters." 



She had hardly spoken when Diana drew her 



