354 THE KING'S MIRROR 



those favors that are wisely asked and granted in like 

 manner ought to remain valid and undisturbed. But 

 Solomon set a good and profitable example in this case, 

 when he wisely withdrew the gift that his mother had 

 indiscreetly requested, though he had already granted 

 it. The following example which is evil and belongs to 

 a much later date was set by Herod: once when he was 

 feasting in Galilee he promised to give his step-daughter 

 whatever she might ask; and on her mother's advice she 

 demanded the head of John the Baptist.* Herod knew 

 that John was an innocent and holy man and deeply 

 regretted that he had made this promise. But his re- 

 pentance bore no fruit, inasmuch as he was not careful 

 to withdraw the gift wisely which she had requested 

 foolishly; nay more, he did the evil deed that she had 

 suggested. Consequently all were destroyed, the women 

 because of their request and Herod because of his gift. 

 King Solomon, however, thought it better to face his 

 mother's wrathful temper for refusing wisely what he 

 had promised hastily, than to suffer the injury that 

 follows the great crime of allowing foolish and sinful 

 petitions. On the other hand, you should understand 

 clearly that it is never proper for a man to be fickle in 

 promises, and the greater the man, the less fitting it is. 

 But no man is allowed to ^rant anything that may 

 give rise to crime and sin, even though lie has already 

 promised to Ho so. 



* Cf. Matthew xiv, 1-12; Mark, vi, 16-29. 



