Oidipous’s claim that the “grief” he experiences is more for his people than for himself underscores the delusional aspect of his attitude. Surely the grief he will soon bear for himself will outweigh the concerns he has for his people; they will presumably be washed clean by his removal from power. His delusion is bound up with his confidence that his action will deliver health and happiness. The audience may infer, however, that since he is to be banished from the town’s health and happiness, his error is not innocent, but if it is, then the gods are reprehensible. [Mpea] [Aj]