Goodspeed(i)
19 Herodias felt bitterly toward him and wanted him killed. But she could not bring it about,
20 for Herod stood in awe of John, knowing that he was an upright and holy man, and he protected him. And when he heard him talk he was very much disturbed, and yet he liked to hear him.
21 When a holiday came and Herod on his birthday gave a banquet to his courtiers and officers and to the leading men of Galilee,
22 Herodias' own daughter came in and danced for them. And Herod and his guests were delighted, and the king said to the girl,
23 "Ask me for anything you like and I will give it to you." And he made oath to her, "I will give you whatever you ask me for, up to half my kingdom."
24 When she had left the room she said to her mother, "What shall I ask him for?" But she said, "The head of John the baptizer."
25 And she hurried back at once to the king and asked him for it, saying, "I want you right away to give me John the Baptist's head on a platter."
26 The king was exceedingly sorry, but on account of his oath and his guests he did not like to break his word to her,
27 and he immediately sent one of his guard with orders to get John's head.