Whence comes Iokaste’s notion to visit the temples of the gods? She seems to feel it simply materialized in her mind, but the audience may detect again the work of the god. He is not only present to hear what she says and condemn her; he may also be present to speak through her, for δόξα μοι παρεστάθη can also be taken to mean “the teachings took their stand at my side,” where teachings might be divine instruction. Iokaste seems perhaps to have become aware that her thoughts are not entirely her own; they seem to be entering her mind from the side (παρ). Apollo may at this moment inhabit her mind to suggest that she engage in pious behavior that makes a mockery of her arrogant and utterly impious belief that she and Laios could challenge a god’s decree and defeat it. [Gd] [Apcma] [Apam] [Apcmu] [P] [Mpea]