and said, Damsel, I say unto thee, Arise! And straightway she arose and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with great astonishment. And he commanded that something should be given her to eat, that they might be convinced she really was alive; and her parents rejoiced greatly. The Daughter of HERODIAS with the Head of JOHN the Baptist. JOHN the Baptist had been put in prison by Herod Antipas, who reigned at that time over Judea, because he reproved him for marrying Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. John continued for some time in prison, but Herodias wished to have him put to death. At length a convenient opportunity offered. Herod, on his birthday, made a feast, and invited his lords and high officers to it; and the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod and his guests so much, that the king sware unto the damsel, saying, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, even to the half of my kingdom. And she withdrew, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist. And Herodias's daughter returning hastily to the king, made this request; I would that thou give me presently in a charger, the head of John the Baptist. And the king was exceedingly sorry; yet because he had solemnly sworn, and was fearful that his guests would despise him for breaking his oath, he would not reject her, but immediately sent an executioner, and desired the Baptist's head to be brought; and the executioner went and beheaded John in prison, and brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel, and she took it to her mother. And when John's disciples heard it, they came and took his corpse, and laid it in a tomb. |