It Happened in Athens

Spiridon Loues: Father, I want to go to Athens tonight and I need a little money. I ran into old Cristos, and he tells me that Greece are having the Olympic Games again. They begin tomorrow and if I start tonight I can be in Athens in time.

Father Loues: What for?

Spiridon Loues: I want to take part. I want to run.

Father Loues: You? You want to run? In the Olympic Games?

Spiridon Loues: What do you look at me like that for? You know I can outrun anybody in the village.

Father Loues: So you can outrun anyone in our village, you are the fastest in Marousi. So what?

Spiridon Loues: Look, I'll need very little money, Father, and I'll pay you back every cent.

Father Loues: What makes you think, they'll let you run? And if they do, then what? What chance have you against those great athletes?

Father Loues: [to his wife] You know the trouble with him? He's a dreamer.

Spiridon Loues: What's wrong with that? A man must have dreams. Out in the meadows, I think what is the difference between me and my sheep? Not much, Father. We stand in the hot sun from daybreak until dusk. Then we come home and sleep. Day after day. The difference between a man and his animal is that a man has dreams. And I want my dreams to come true. Please, Father, can I have the money?

Father Loues: No! Now let me eat my soup in peace.