Oidipous instructs the men of Thebes to deign to touch him, yet since he has proven himself to be the source of Thebes’ pollution, it does not seem appropriate for him to make such a determination. [Mpea] [P] With respect to pollution it is for the god to instruct the people, how to cleanse themselves, and it is proper for the people to ignore mortal impulses and inquire rather into the will of the god. [Md] [Mip]