Arguing that he must “formulate a quick counter” (ταχὺν δεῖ κἀμὲ βουλεύειν παλίν), Oidipous may also be heard to say “consult again.” With whom, however, would he consult, if not with his advisor, Kreon, whom he now takes to be his adversary, or with the god by way of a medium like Teiresias, whom he takes to be an accomplice in the plot against him (or the oracle at Delphi, whom Athens takes to be an accomplice in a plot against it)? [Gt-a] He therefore (like Athens) has no intention of seeking any counsel but that of his own reason. [Mp] Thus, where Oidipous opines that it would be a mistake to bide one’s time and remain inactive, the ambiguity in his speech will perhaps prompt the audience to consider that he would do well to follow the advice Kreon just gave him to depart for a direct consultation with the god at Delphi. While he believes that the delay for a consultation would weaken his position, this is precisely what the choral leader has counseled. The audience may well wonder whether a delay for the purpose of further consultation at Delphi might harm Oidipous; he has long since killed Laios, married Iokaste, and fathered children that are also his siblings. These things cannot be reversed. Nor, if myth is reliable, can the revelation of these facts be prevented. Thus, while a consultation may seem pointless, if the word’s double meaning affords the god the opportunity to urge a consultation, this may prompt the audience to consider that, while it can see no benefit to be derived from consultation, if the god wishes it, it would not be a bad idea to give it a try. To Oidipous’s objection that delay benefits the enemy, however, the audience may suppose the god to be in fact no enemy. The best response to an apparent plot, then, is consultation. [Gd] [Mi]