Teiresias gives as his reason for resisting Oidipous’s pressure his fear of suffering “likewise,” which seems to mean the suffering that comes from speech, like Oidipous’s, that is not πρὸς καιρόν: “opportune” or “appropriate.” As he applies pressure to the prophet, Oidipous ignores any immunity the latter’s service to the god might presumably carry with it. Thus, without intending or realizing it, by disrespecting Teiresias, he disrespects the god. The prophet’s present explanation indicates, however, that Oidipous’s suffering at the god’s hands is a punishment for his disrespect, which is further associated with his resistance to the idea that he could be the source of Thebes’ pollution. This resistance is threatening now to turn violent. Indeed, where Oidipous calls Teiresias “faint-hearted” (ἄθυμος; line 319), the audience may find Oidipous excessively empassioned. [Md] [P] [Aj]