This third clause again both repeats and varies the patterns of the previous two clauses in relationship to Oidipous’s several earlier accounts of the prophecy he received at Delphi, for ἔδει substitutes for χρῆν while κτανῶν (killing) echoes κτενεῖν (to kill, l. 967) as opposed to “be the murderer” and “draw the blood” (ll. 793 and 995-6). Oidipous’s focus is again on his own commitment based on his own values and those of mortal society, for while the echo of prophecy makes it clear that the god gives weight to an altogether different perception of necessity, Oidipous remains certain that he must not kill his father. Recognizing the limitations of mortal morality dependent upon mortal knowledge, the audience might appreciate the fact that mortals can find the least painful resolution even to their most dire problems by availing themselves of the gods’ willingness and capacity to share their greater perspicacity. [Mpei] [Ap] To obtain this benefit requires however that mortals both consult their gods and do as their gods instruct. Any other response is impious and bound to make matters worse by giving cause for new corrections. [P] [Aj] [Mw]