23. And he promised her with an oath, "Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom."
24. She went out and said to her mother, "What shall I ask for?""The head of John the Baptist," she answered.
25. At once the girl hurried in to the king with the request: "I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter."
26. The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her.