And with the flowing of rich wines, And strains of music sweet, The daughter of Herodias danced On light and airy feet; Which dancing so much pleased the king He promised, with an oath, That whatsoever she would ask He'd give her--nothing loth. The daughter of her mother asked: "What gift shall I desire?" The wicked woman answered her: "John Baptist's head require." Straightway the brazen damsel came, And, with petition bold, Demanded John the Baptist's head, Just as she had been told. Although the king was sorely grieved, He would not break his word, In honor of the company By whom the oath was heard. Now, soon as John's disciples knew Of his most cruel doom, They took his body, tenderly, And laid it in a tomb; And to the Master straightly told What had befallen John-- The deed which at the king's command His servile guard had done. But fear's dread torment soon drew near, When Herod heard the news Of the wonder working Jesus, Now preaching to the Jews. And he, with pale and trembling lips, Unto his servants said: "This is the Baptist whom I slew, Arisen from the dead. "Therefore do wondrous works in him Show forth themselves, to prove That he a mighty prophet was, Appointed from above." Feeding the Multitude. THE twelve apostles, when the time For their return had come, Betook themselves with one accord To Jesus, at His home; And told Him all things that befell While they had been away; What they had done, what they had taught, And how they fared each day. Then Jesus at Bethsaida Was with compassion moved, To see the people crowd around-- The sheep He so much loved. He talked to them of God and heaven-- The land above all lands-- And healed as many as had need Of healing at His hands. Then said the twelve: "Lord do Thou send The multitude away, That they some victuals may procure Before the close of day." But Jesus knew that poverty Oppressed the multitude, And kindly to His followers said: "Can ye not give them food?" "Two hundred pennyworth of bread," Philip at once replied, "Would not a little food for each Of this great crowd provide." Then Andrew, Peter's brother, spoke: "Here is a lad," he said, "Who two small fishes has, beside Five loaves of barley bread. "But, what are they to such a crowd?" The Lord said: "Bring them here. Then seat the people on the grass, By fifties, far and near." And taking in His hands the bread And fish, He looked toward heaven And blest it in the name of Him From whom all bread is given; Then brake, and the disciples passed The broken food around To all the multitude, who sat Expectant on the ground. Then Jesus said: "Go, gather up The fragments careless tossed Upon the ground, in wanton waste, That nothing may be lost."