But when Herods birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod; whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. read more. And she, being set on by her mother, saith, Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist. And the king was sorry; but on account of his oaths, and of those at table with him, he ordered it to be given, and sent and beheaded John in the prison. And his head was brought on a platter, and given to the damsel; and she brought it to her mother. And his disciples came and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.

And a convenient day having come, when Herod on his birthday made a supper for his nobles and chief captains and the principal men of Galilee, and the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and those at table with him; and the king said to the damsel, Ask of me whatever thou wilt, and I will give it thee. read more. And he swore to her, Whatever thou shalt ask of me, I will give thee, to the half of my kingdom. And she went out and said to her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptizer. And she came in immediately with haste to the king, and asked, saying, I desire that thou wilt give me immediately on a platter the head of John the Baptist. And the king was exceedingly sorry; but on account of his oaths, and of those at table with him, he would not refuse her. And the king immediately sent one of his guards, and ordered his head to be brought. And he went and beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the damsel; and the damsel gave it to her mother.