The Deputy of Arcis
The Deputy of Arcis By Honore de Balzac Translated by Katharine Prescott Wormeley PART I THE ELECTION I ALL ELECTIONS BEGIN WITH A BUSTLE
Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold of John. He had him bound
and imprisoned for Herodias, his brother Philip's wife's sake whom
Herod had married. John told Herod that it was not lawful for him to
have his brother's wife. Herodias, therefore, held this against John
and wanted him killed. Herod, however, feared John and knew he was a
just and holy man. Herod saw and heard John many times and heard him
gladly.
Then Herod, on his birthday, made a supper for his lords, high
captains, and chief estates of Galilee. The daughter of Herodias came
and danced. Herod and those who sat with him were pleased. The king
said to the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt and I will give it
thee. He swore to her that whatever she should ask of him, he would
give her even up to half of his kingdom. She went to her mother,
Herodias, and said, What shall I ask? Her mother said, The head of John
the Baptist. Then she hurried back to the king and said, I will that
thou give me the head of John the Baptist on a charger.
The king was exceedingly sorry. Yet for his oath's sake, and for the
sake of those who sat with him, he would not reject her. The king sent
for an executioner and commanded his head to be brought. The
executioner went and beheaded John in the prison. He brought his head
on a charger and gave it to the damsel. Then the damsel gave it to her
mother. When his disciples heard of this, they came and took up his
corpse and laid it in a tomb.
The Deputy of Arcis By Honore de Balzac Translated by Katharine Prescott Wormeley PART I THE ELECTION I ALL ELECTIONS BEGIN WITH A BUSTLE