The problem with the Chorus’s skepticism is that it is directed against a prophet; one who speaks in situations in which the truth cannot otherwise be ascertained. To withhold judgment here is to reject any possible benefit that prophetic insight might confer. The citizenry is thus inclined to side with its ruler. It follows his lead as he rebukes Teiresias and makes counter-accusations. Knowing the seer’s claims to be the better of the two, the audience can successfully navigate the difficulty presented by their dispute and, more importantly, make a critical appraisal of Thebes’ error, which reveals that it is inappropriate to reject an accusation made by the god’s agent (as Athens has rejected Delphi’s reported promise to aid Sparta). The fact is that there is no evidence either for or against the prophecy. In the present circumstance, however, it would be wiser to heed prophet than ruler. [Mi] [Mpei]