 And he solemnly swore to you, whatever you ask me, I will give you even half of my kingdom. So she went out and said to her mother, what should I ask for? And her mother replied, the head of John the Baptizer. And 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. The king was deeply grieved, yet out of regard for his oaths and for his guests, he did not want to refuse her.