What implication does Poe make in his statement that " the figure in question had out-Heroded Herod?

Question

please help as soon as possible the choices are

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The masked figure had overstepped the boundries of good taste

the masked figure was more clever than Herod

the masked figure would have confused even Herod.

or the Masked figure was disguised as Herod

Answer 1

Herod was known for cruel acts- the order to kill newborns- and his killing of his own relatives. Implication that the figure in question was very nasty to others perhaps? What is this in reference to?  Overstepped the boundaries of good taste best guess of choices.