18. Because John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”
19. Therefore Herodias held it against him and wanted to kill him, but she could not;
20. for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him. And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.
21. Then an opportune day came when Herod on his birthday gave a feast for his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee.
22. And when Herodias’ daughter herself came in and danced, and pleased Herod and those who sat with him, the king said to the girl, “Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.”
23. He also swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom.”