²¹ And then, one day, the moment came. There was a great party. It was Herod’s birthday, and he gave a feast for his leading retainers, militia officers, and the great and good of Galilee. ²² Herodias’s daughter came in and danced, and Herod and his guests were delighted.

“Tell me what you’d like,” said the king to the girl, “and I’ll give it you!”

²³ He swore to her, over and over again, “Whatever you ask me, I’ll give it you—right up to half my kingdom!”