18
For John had said to Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.
19
Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not:
20
For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and observed him: and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.
21
And when a convenient day had come, that Herod on his birth-day made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief [men] of Galilee;
22
And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod, and them that sat with him, the king said to the damsel, Ask of me whatever thou wilt, and I will give [it] thee.
23
And he swore to her, Whatever thou shalt ask of me, I will give [it] thee, to the half of my kingdom.
24
And she went forth, and said to her mother, What shall I ask? and she said, The head of John the Baptist.
25
And she came in forthwith with haste to the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou shouldst give me, immediately, in a dish, the head of John the Baptist.
26
And the king was exceeding sorry: [yet] for his oath's sake, and for their sakes who sat with him, he would not reject her.
27
And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,
28
And brought his head in a dish, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother.