Mace(i)
16 but Herod, from what he had heard, said, 'tis John himself, whom I caused to be beheaded, who is risen from the dead.
17 for Herod had given orders to seize John, and had confin'd him in prison, to gratify Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, whom he had married;
18 upon which John told him, "it is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."
19 which Herodias resented, and form'd a design against his life, but could not execute it;
20 because Herod had a respect for John, knowing him to be a very honest good man, and therefore protected him; having reform'd many things upon his remonstrances, which he us'd to receive very graciously.
21 however, a favourable opportunity happen'd for her, upon Herod's making an entertainment the birth-night, for all the great officers of the court, and army, and persons of the first distinction in Galilee.
22 for Herodias made her appearance there, and danc'd with such an engaging air in the eye of Herod, as well as of all the company, that the king thus addrest himself to the young lady, "ask of me whatever you please, and it shall be granted."
23 nay, he ratified his promise with an oath, "I will give you whatever you require, said he, tho' it be even the half of my kingdom."
24 then she withdrew, and said to her mother, what shall I ask? the head of John the Baptist, said she.
25 upon which she instantly fled to the king, and said, I desire to have John the Baptist's head brought hither immediately in a charger.
26 at this the king was exceedingly concern'd; however, in regard to his oath, and to those who were at table with him, he would not refuse her;
27 but immediately dispatch'd the proper officer with orders to bring the head of John the Baptist.
28 accordingly he went, and beheaded him in the prison, and bringing the head in a charger, he presented it to the young lady, who gave it to her mother:
29 of which John's disciples being inform'd, they came to fetch his corps, which they laid in a sepulchre.