{The daughter of Herodias herself} (	(8873) thugatros aut(8873)
H(8872)(9369)diados). Genitive absolute again. Some ancient manuscripts
read autou (his, referring to Herod Antipas. So Westcott and
Hort) instead of aut(8873) (herself). In that case the daughter of
Herodias would also have the name Herodias as well as Salome, the
name commonly given her. That is quite possible in itself. It was
toward the close of the banquet, when all had partaken freely of
the wine, that Herodias made her daughter come in and dance
(eiselthous(8873) kai orch(8873)amen(8873)) in the midst (Matthew). "Such
dancing was an almost unprecedented thing for women of rank, or
even respectability. It was mimetic and licentious, and performed
by professionals" (Gould). Herodias stooped thus low to degrade
her own daughter like a common hetaira in order to carry out
her set purpose against John. {She pleased Herod and them that
sat at meat} ((8872)esen H(8872)(9369)d(8869) kai tois sunanakeimenois). The
maudlin group lounging on the divans were thrilled by the
licentious dance of the half-naked princess. {Whatsoever thou
wilt} (ho ean thel(8869)s) The drunken Tetrarch had been caught in
the net of Herodias. It was a public promise.