Nevertheless, Oidipous seems to regard every prophecy as a matter of public interest or he makes no distinction between his private interests and the city’s interests. If he is right to consider all prophecy to be of public interest and if this applies to the prophecy given the Spartan embassy, Athens should regard that prophecy as meant for its consideration and response. How, then, should Athens properly respond to the god’s offer of help in obtaining a Spartan victory over Athens? [P] [Mip]