but when Herod's birth-day was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced in publick, and made such an impression upon Herod, that he promised her upon oath, to give whatever she should ask; read more. who being before instructed by her mother, pray, said she, order John Baptist's head to be brought here in a charger. and the king relented: nevertheless out of regard to the oath, and to those who sat with him at table, he commanded it to be brought to her. and pursuant to order, John was beheaded in the prison, whence his head was brought in a charger, and given to the young lady, who carried it to her mother. upon which, his disciples came to take away the body, and having buried it, they went to tell Jesus what had happened.

however, a favourable opportunity happen'd for her, upon Herod's making an entertainment the birth-night, for all the great officers of the court, and army, and persons of the first distinction in Galilee. for Herodias made her appearance there, and danc'd with such an engaging air in the eye of Herod, as well as of all the company, that the king thus addrest himself to the young lady, "ask of me whatever you please, and it shall be granted." read more. nay, he ratified his promise with an oath, "I will give you whatever you require, said he, tho' it be even the half of my kingdom." then she withdrew, and said to her mother, what shall I ask? the head of John the Baptist, said she. upon which she instantly fled to the king, and said, I desire to have John the Baptist's head brought hither immediately in a charger. at this the king was exceedingly concern'd; however, in regard to his oath, and to those who were at table with him, he would not refuse her; but immediately dispatch'd the proper officer with orders to bring the head of John the Baptist. accordingly he went, and beheaded him in the prison, and bringing the head in a charger, he presented it to the young lady, who gave it to her mother: