Of Such Is the Kingdom Parts I and II—Christ and the Roman Empire

Meanwhile the guests had begun arriving and the final preparations were done. The party began. The ballroom of the palace was huge and it was filled with guests. The band played rousing music while some of the guests danced. Others simply sat and made conversation. There were long tables with all manner of food and drink from which the guests would sample discretely every now and then.

Then, in she came. In her fancy dress, she was even more beautiful than Herod remembered from that first glance. She whispered something to the leader of the band and began her dance. It was both artistic and sensual, both graceful and alluring. Herod was taken with her, from the moment he saw her, and, as she danced he couldn’t take his eyes off of her. With his hand beside his mouth, he made comments to the friends beside him regarding her great beauty, while all the while, keeping his eyes fixed firmly upon her. Every minute she danced, he became more excited. When the dance was finished, he called her over to him.

She came, shy and trembling. “Did my dance please you, your majesty?”

“Oh, very much so, my dear! In fact, so much so, that I’m going to make you gift. Ask me for anything you like, up to the half of my kingdom and I shall give it to you.”

“Why, your majesty, I don’t know what to say.”

“Only tell me what it is you desire. Gold, rubies, diamonds, you name it, and it’s yours, dear.”

“Your Majesty, may I have a little time to think on this?”

“Take as much time as you like, my dear.” He then turned to the band. “More music!”

Salome bowed and left the room, going into the kitchen, where her mother, Herodius, was giving orders to the servants concerning the food. Herodius looked up, as Salome entered the kitchen. “Well, daughter, did he like your dance?”

“Oh, yes, mother. He liked it so much that he offered to give me anything I ask for up to half his kingdom. Oh, mother, what should I ask for?”

At that moment, even above the music, a sound could be heard coming up from the dungeon, which was below the kitchen. It was the voice of John the Baptist, crying out, “repent! Repent!”

Herodius did not waste a moment in responding to Salome’s question. “Ask him for the head of John the Baptist on a silver platter.”

“But mother--”

“You asked me didn’t you? Well, do hear that maniac bellowing down there? The sooner we’re rid of him, the better it will be for all of us. Believe me daughter, it’s the best thing you could possibly ask for.”

“If you say so, mother.”

Herod was conversing with his friends when Salome returned. She came up to him and bowed gracefully.

“Well, my dear, have you decided what it is you want from me? Remember I said up to half my kingdom?”

“Oh, yes, your majesty, I’ve decided.”

“Well then, will it be gold?”

“Oh no, your Majesty.”

“Jewels, then?”

“Neither gold nor jewels, your majesty.”

The king was surprised. “Neither gold nor jewels? Then what?”

“Your Majesty, what I would like is,” she said softly as she leaned in close, “the head of John the Baptist on a silver platter.”

The king’s countenance grew pale. He became quite for a moment and then exclaimed, “Well, of all the things to ask for! Your mother put you up to asking for this, didn’t she?”

She shrugged. “What does it matter? I have made my request. Either honor it or prove untrue to your word!”

The king was silent for a moment more. He then clapped his hands for a servant and ordered him to summon the captain of the guard. When the captain of the guard appeared, Herod gave the order. “Take a few men and go to the dungeon. Behead John and bring his head in on a silver platter.”