The Chorus concludes the extended analogy by imploring the god not to set aside the wrestling match, because it does the city good. The audience is left to interpret the wrestling metaphor for itself. In relation to the city’s leadership, the match provides a test of sure-footedness (i.e. sound-minded thinking). This is an affirmation of democratic institutions and a warning to maintain their viability. The implied analogy suggests that a hard-fought struggle may move the body politic back from the dangerous extremes of brinksmanship to which it is hurling itself in reaction to a prophecy misinterpreted because of hybris—outrage at the god and a subsequent decision to discount divine guidance. [Mw] [Mg] [Md] [Mi]