 And he solemnly swore to you, Whatever you ask of me, I will give you even half of my kingdom. She went out and said to her mother, What should I ask for? And Herodias the mother replied, The head of John the baptizer. Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, I want you to give me at once the head of John the baptist on a platter. And the king was deeply grieved. Yet out of regard for his host and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her.