Niobe, the daughter of Tantalus, is united in marriage to Amphion, by whom she has seven sons and as many daughters—She has the imprudence to exalt herself above Latona, who entreats her children to punish the arrogant Niobe—Her prayers are heard, and all the sons expire by the shafts of Apollo, while the daughters are in like manner destroyed by Diana—Amphion, in despair, puts a period to his existence.
Swift through the Phrygian towns the rumour flies, And the strange news each female tongue employs: Niobe, who, before she married, knew The famous nymph, now found the story true; Yet, unreclaim’d by poor Arachne’s fate, Vainly above the gods assumed a state. Her husband’s fame, their family’s descent, Their power, and rich dominions’ wide extent, Might well have justified a decent pride: But not on these alone the dame relied. Her lovely progeny, that far excell’d, The mother’s heart with vain ambition swell’d: The happiest mother not unjustly styled, Had no conceited thoughts her tow’ring fancy fill’d.