 She went out and said to her mother, "'What should I ask for?' Her 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.' The king was deeply grieved, yet out of regard for his oaths and for his guests, he did not refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John's head.