There they entered to consult the wishes of the gods. […] To replace her, the father of the gods was obliged to go in quest of another cup-bearer. […] A general council was held, and after some deliberation most of the gods withdrew their claims. […] In vain Niobe sought to protect them, and called upon all the gods of Olympus. […] In vain she strove to escape; in vain the gods all gallantly came to her assistance.