"August 1909" "The postcard is a kiss sent to the West, to the East" "Sweet flutter of the heart, consolation at once" "A couple of nice words do nothing less than give the greatest happiness" "And the promise of a making up clears away the shadow of a breakup." "Today, the postcard will speak its own truth..." "Open your eyes" "Keep your heart open, ladies and gentlemen" "A drawing in water-colour, silver dust, meek smiles" "And Memory reigns over an old and mysterious world" "People and stories" "Passions, loves and envies" "Plots, assassinations" "Join the dance!" "The postcard is a kiss sent to the West, to the East" "With only one drachma tomorrow buy something to sweeten every sorrow" "Write down and wish someone the best to relieve anger and unrest" "And send that postcard right away to find the soul that waits on its way" "Today, the postcard will speak its own truth..." "Open your eyes" "Keep your heart open, ladies and gentlemen" "Together we'll travel to faraway places" "But on the ocean you alone will steer the ship's wheel" "Come along with me tonight to go for a stroll in the dark" "Night has sent me a secret signal" "It's going to be cruel!" "People of Greece... the long awaited time for change has come." "The army made a move to bring on that change." "Right this moment that I'm speaking to you the army holds the fate of the nation in its hands." "August 1909." "People of Greece..." "Our homeland is under the most difficult circumstances." "The official state, insulted and humiliated, fails to defend its own rights." "All Greek people who bear the heavy burden of this grievous situation expressed their desire to take immediate measures to prevent similar perils in the future." "The Infantry and Navy Officers Association actuated by the very same sentiments and realizing the gravity of the situation makes the righteous appeal to the King  and his government to devote themselves completely to the immediate and quick correction of all ills in general" "and those of the army and the navy in particular." "Mr Venizelos?" " That's right." " Navy Lt Cdr Hadjikyriakos." "I'd like to welcome you on behalf of the Military Association." "Glad to meet you." "Any other luggage?" "The route to Athens remains wonderful." "Your arrival has been kept secret, Mr Venizelos." "How long can a secret be kept in this city?" "It's very difficult." "Your hotel is not particularly near to the centre for understandable reasons." "The centre is ten minutes away by carriage." "Ask Panagiotis for anything you need." "He is a man of trust." "I'm going to pick you up tomorrow at 12." " That means I'm free all day." " We thought you might want to rest." "I'll be greatly delighted to see Athens by evening once again." " Have a good rest, then." " Farewell, my dear." "[Christmas Carols]" "Come in, gentlemen!" "In a few minutes you're going to watch the greatest show of all times." "Come in!" "In a little while, the bodiless head is going to speak." "It has no arms, no legs, no torso." "It's only a head!" "Attention!" "We are going to wake it up. 1, 2, 3..." " What's your name?" " Hassan." " Where were you born?" " In the Sahara." " What's your mother's name?" " Jamilah." " Your father's?" " Mahmud." " And what do you eat?" " Chocolates and bananas." "Aha!" "Mr Venizelos, welcome to Athens." "Colonel Zorbas." "This way, please." "We are deeply moved by your eagerness and good will to travel as far as here in order to listen to us and give us your valuable advice." "Please, allow me to correct you, no advice!" "I feel inadequate to offer any advice." "You stopped the country at the last minute, on the edge of catastrophe." "We are military men, Mr Venizelos." "And we want to remain such." "How important this is!" "To know one's limits." "Mr Venizelos we know you have been following the political developments closely" "Thus I hold the opinion that it is perhaps superfluous to go back in time." "We all know what followed the infelicitous war of '97." "Political corruption, indifference shown by the people towards public affairs, a Palace trapped in foreign dependencies and liaisons, princes in charge of the army knowing nothing more than wearing the grand uniform, parties and politicians thirsty for power..." "We, army officers, a part of this country, of that downtrodden Greek people, on our own initiative we assumed the responsibility to stop even in the last minute Greece's downward spiral." "We don't have aspirations in politics." "You, somewhere on your island, with the soul of heroic Cretan people on your side, achieved great things." "We are convinced that Greece now needs you." "The situation impels us to brief, accurate and direct in our words." "Gentlemen," "I believe neither in miracle workers nor in miracles." "I believe that people can change their fates with continuous and consistent struggle." "Down in Crete, we were filled with joy and relief by the announcement of your salvage intervention." "Your fight is considered to be sacred." "Yet... someone cannot help but notice critical errors in the course of the revolution." " Speak your mind openly, Mr President." " That is what I always do." "A critical error you committed in my opinion is that you turned against political parties and sought to amend the state's condition by law." "Mr Venizelos... please don't force me into citing countless examples of political corruption of prime ministers, MPs and parties." "I am ashamed to mention them." "Old Voulgaris' wish for natural, and not political, liquidation of opposition leader Koletis was repeated in our days." "Mr Colonel..." "Prime ministers, MPs, parties and citizens epitomize the general political complexion of a country." "Here, the sovereign regulates the political system." " You should have turned against him..." " What should we have done?" "You should assume power and impose a dictatorship, rule the country by decree for at least one year, make the situation clear and, next, call a national constituent assembly to resolve the question of the form of government" "and to constrict the contraventions of the unaccountable sovereign whose actions in general and his involvement in the country's foreign affairs in particular, tolerated by each one of the prevailing governments, caused irreparable damage to the national interest." "You lost a unique opportunity, gentlemen." "What, in your judgment, should have we done and we didn't do" "I think we can decide upon it now." "We have the power to proclaim you as dictator so you can implement your program undistracted." "To my knowledge, it is too late now for the Military Association to stage a coup." "We still have the power to enforce our views." "The ideal opportunity has passed." "Such solutions are carried out within the first twelve hours!" "However Mr Venizelos if we adopted such extreme tactics, we would cause endangering reactions." "Mr Colonel, if the King was in disagreement, he could resign and go away." "Would you accept the premiership yourself, Mr Venizelos?" "Thank you for the honour but I think it would be completely inadvisable for both the country and me if I assumed control of the government at this very moment." "Don't forget, I am alone." "There will be reactions from the parties as well as the King himself." "because there is this idea that I'm an antidynastic." "Furthermore, I am absolutely needed in Crete at this very time." "I must go down there shortly." "Who is the most suitable political person among those you know for the current period, in your opinion?" "I will answer you after meeting some friends who must inform me about how the big parties are thinking." "Gentlemen, I'm here and I will help as far as my powers permit." "At the critical juncture where the country stands the problems that keep accumulating demand caution, alertness and unity!" "Mr Venizelos, we took the first decisive step." "The Military Association place all our trust in you." "What we ask of you, and that's the desire of all people, is to take action, to discover new forces, new people and go ahead." "We stand by your side." "Mr Venizelos..." "You came to us with the New Year." "This cannot be a coincidence." "May 1910 become the start of a new decade for a new Greece." "I was the first Greek visiting Turkey." "Abdul Hamid himself was our guide." "Tell us, Niki, how did he look?" "Deadly pale with a beard dyed black." "I still recall the image." "On our return after the 'selamlique' ritual he drove the 'Victoria' himself, the horses galloped fast uphill." "Servants and valets were running behind." "Some were fat and were dripping in sweat." "Tell us about the dinner party, Your Highness." " Again?" " Please, Niki!" "He came to take us with his chocolate coloured carriage." "The Sultan's favourite colour!" "At the table he insisted on sitting next to my spouse." "The scoundrel was moving the plates and the cutlery by himself." "The food was horrible." "I was told that it was from a Hotel." "But the most amazing thing was the cutlery." "It was rusty!" "At some point when no one was looking I wiped it on the table cloth." "It left some red stains..." "You should have seen the Austrian ambassador's face." "When I showed him the stains, he was left speechless." "He dropped his monocle and it nearly fell into the mayonnaise." "I'll be right back." "Don't be late, Andreas." "I'm sorry to be disturbing you, Your Highness." "What's going on?" "I was informed that Venizelos arrived on F/B 'Singapore.'" " Does my father know?" " You are the first to know." " Where is he staying?" " At 'Hermes' Hotel." "In any case, we are informed that he has already met members of the Military Association." " Can you personally confirm it?" " No." "However his convictions are known." "You remember our conversation some time ago." "Mr Metaxas, I'm leaving this place in two hours." "You know where you can find me later in the evening." "Thank you for coming." "Do you have any vehicle to go back down to Athens?" "Please, go back to your company I will find a way." "Keep the news for your and His Majesty." "Have a good time." "It is an ancient custom in my homeland to take advantage of the last sip of the drink and, freed by wine, to say things we wouldn't say otherwise." "Well, there is something I have thought many times." "And I thought of it again tonight seeing you all gathered here, full of ideas and creative enthusiasm." "Well, what I'm thinking is... how one could... change this.... oriental idleness characterizing our country." "It is certain that the foreign people we admire, whose methods we seek to apply, have attentively studied our forefathers." "They started off with the ideas of the old inhabitants of this land!" "We are the origin of their civilization!" "What else is it, then, but hard work and proper method that distinguishes them from us?" "This is what gives them their leading position!" "My wish, then... and I apologize for saying so much more than a toast allows, my wish is that you, the new generation of Greek intellectuals, should rid the country of the 'Orient' that characterizes it." "And with love, close to the people and not far from them, find the new paths." "Mr Venizelos, do you really believe that common people are looking forward to something better?" "My opinion is that, rightly or not, they are steeped in this 'Orient' as you put it." "Perhaps there is a danger they might be opposed to you in your efforts at change." "I believe, Mr Benakis, that we cannot expect much from the people." "I mean people having no other concern than their daily bread." "I also believe and this is also my hope thanks to which I carry on my struggle that our call is anticipated by the people." "This is what history teaches us." "The most important thing is who are those appealing to the people for something better, for what goal they are calling them" "So, by some profoundest instinct, the people approve or reject their leaders." "But all that is beyond this toast." "Here's to the people!" " And here's to new ideas!" " Here's to them!" "Mr Venizelos, just a little while ago, you used the word 'love.'" "I have never heard this word being used like that before with so close reference to daily striving." "For these ideas I drink to your health." "Don't forget that Mr Venizelos is Cretan." "And as far as I know their very life is a passion, eros." "During a fete in Sfakia, years ago," "I heard the following verse:" "The sun rises from your breast and sets into your wavy hair." "Isn't it beautiful?" "Well, I accept the challenge so listen to that too:" "Four red apples on the highest branch" "Many jump to pick them but you will eat them, darling." "There must be a way to collect all these amazing songs." "Don't you think it is equally as important as a political action to have these folkloric treasures collected?" "It's up to you." "Well, go ahead." "Take the decision and all these treasures are yours!" "This is something I noticed the few days I've been in Athens." "All of us talk of change, all of us want the change but no one takes the initiative." "You are right." "I know." "You who possess the economic power have the greatest responsibility." "All of us must realize it." "We must put all our energy in Greece and work hard!" "I believe my good friend Mollas has something to add to what we say." "Please forgive me for taking this initiative but I thought you might like to hear from Mollas' art, from his folk heroes what they're thinking about this country." "Please, come in." " Mr Venizelos?" " Yes." " You're staying at 'Hermes' Hotel." " That's right." "I want to send you one of my books on the political problems of the Balkans." "Oh, I will receive it with great pleasure, Mr Bourchier." " I'm a long time admirer of yours." " Thank you." "I've been following you closely." "Would you like to dine with me, before your return to Crete?" "With pleasure." "Well, well, well!" "Welcome, my dear child Hadjiavatis" "How are you, my dear child?" "Is everything all right?" "I can't complain, my Lord." "I can't complain, my Agha." "Thank heavens, I'm in good health, my Lord." "I was looking for you, Hadjiavatis, in order to assign you a task." "Rest assured that your effort will be paid more than the usual." "Whatever you want me to, may God prolong your life!" "Your most humble and obedient servant, my Lord!" "Thank you very much for your compliments, Hadjiavatis" "I want you, my dear child, to find a good servant for me to hire as my domestic service." "Agha:" "He must be good, he must be honest." "Hadjiavatis:" "He will be as honest as I am, my Agha..." "This is amazing!" "I have never seen it before." "This is a rather original thing, therefore neglected too." "If you want, I can take you to the real folk theatre one evening." "Mr Venizelos, I wanted to meet you for a long time and even more now that it seems your influence over Greek politics is becoming decisive." "Everyone can see that the future of Greece will be sealed by your personality." "I respect your view which results from experience and knowledge of the problems of the wider Balkan region." "Still, let me point out that this country can demonstrate several personalities who can lead to different, potentially better outcomes." "Do you sincerely believe so?" "Mr Venizelos," "I've lived and worked for many years in the Balkan region." "I feel more like a man from the Balkans than an Englishman." "I've got sick of seeing in your parliament the grandsons of the grandfathers of the most powerful families." "The Parliament of the Greeks is a mouldy parliament." "We agree on many things, Mr Bourchier." "But the new ideas, the modern views, all that took place in the European scene years ago, were results of conflicts." "It's the struggle of new classes that seek to express themselves." "Do you really think that such a thing has ever taken place in Greece and failed?" "Do you really think that... anything like that happened now with the Military Association?" "Politics is about imagination, about risk." "Do you believe that the military men have a gambler's psychology?" "I personally don't." "Of course, the opportunity offered by the military with the Goudi coup could be carried on by a politician and be given the political content it was lacking." "To put it bluntly, we, in England, believe that you are the person who, even at this point, is able to give that missing content." "Look at where you are!" "I can't ever imagine that you'll stop having the problems of a 'station' amidst the sea." "Your friends up north will want your seas." "Your friends down south will always seek to dock at your ports." "Oh, by heaven, I'm lucky not to be Greek." "I have no choice." "I was born here." "So I'm going to go through the problems of this land." "I have only one thing to add." "These people have the right to decide what they want to do with their friends who only mean to pass by and rest awhile on this land." "That's our substantial disagreement." "This small piece of land has had the same stones, the same trees for centuries now." "Life will first decide here, at this piece of land." "Mr Venizelos..." "What are you saying now, you must never forget yourself." "We'd been on the top up 'n' away and the stars were high, and the stars were many, but their light died away" "Then we sat at a beach far away and there was silence, and there were birds, but they've flown away." "And we had roses, roses in our heart oh beloved, in our veins" "Now only a fragrance, only sadness there remains." "Does Your Majesty allow me [in German] to address Him, too, by His dear Danish name 'Wilhelm'?" "Well, if it amuses you." "There is in no doubt that your unique personality deserves to be immortalised." "You old flatterer!" "Anyway, I'm sure you'll make it." "I have trust in your talent." "Thank you very much, Your Majesty." "[in Greek]" "There's no doubt, Your Majesty, that he possesses exceptional skills." "He's determined... an outstanding diplomat... tireless." "And something important..." "He is a person new, unspoilt..." "Do you regard the fact that he remains unknown to the people as an advantage?" " Of course, Your Highness." "However, Venizelos is not so unknown as you think." "The people frequently speak about the events of Theriso Revolt." "Mr Streit, how could we be sure about Venizelos?" "He has never made his positions clear." "Also the fact that he has been here for so long and never wanted to meet us..." "You took this out of my mouth, Your Highness." "Certainly, Venizelos is not an absolutely reliable person with regard to our interests" "He has never stated his friendship." "Yet, he has never stated the opposite either." "Do you reckon that... we can ignore Venizelos?" "Do we have any other solution?" "In my opinion, we don't, Your Majesty." "I believe you must meet Venizelos as soon as possible." "I'd also make another step forward." "Why not test Venizelos' reactions when he takes office?" "I shall invite him one of these days." "Where do the party leaders stand?" "They don't express themselves with clarity." "This tells us much..." "But according to my information" "I know they have been quite occupied with Venizelos' arrival and activities." "The Austrian ambassador told me the other day that he has serious reservations about Venizelos." "The German ministry of foreign affairs shares the same view too." "I imagine that the Crown Prince returning in a few days will carry a more precise opinion of Kaiser and his government." "Metaxas is at all events sure that the English are favourably disposed towards Venizelos." "He's of Cretan breed with 15,000 faces..." "The Queen once said to me that his sweet smile bites dangerously." "Who's that young lady?" "She's Aikaterini Kriezi." "She's the new maid of honour." "A wonderful person and an excellent opera talent." "Why?" "Did you rehearse her?" "Is there anything else I can do for you?" "Oh please!" "There must be another solution." "Excuse me, are you sure there's nothing else to be done?" " Like what?" " Please, Antonis!" "Let's go!" " We can't sleep a wink!" " Maybe I can do something for you." "I've hardly worn it a couple of times so far." "I think it's a little tight in the shoulders." "No, it fits you perfectly." "It's simply the cut of the suit." " The King is so elegant." " Very!" "I insist that you must put it on." "His eyes will examine you carefully when you meet him." "When's the next boat for Crete?" "Before telling me that joke what did I just see at the reception?" "A couple in desperation woke up the receptionist in order to complain." "They came in Athens for their honeymoon and they can't sleep a wink all night." "And how are we involved in this?" "Well, they're staying in the room next to yours and all night, they say, they can hear the conversations of the company." "Especially, a bass male voice doesn't let them fulfil the primary goal of this journey." "Who might have a bass voice around here?" "Mr Venizelos it's already past four." "You must have some rest." "I'll come tomorrow at about half past ten." "It's a long road to the Royal Summer Palace in Tatoi." "I'll be ready and waiting, Mr Repoulis." " Good night, Mr Venizelos." " Good night." " Good night." " Good night." "Mr Venizelos..." "It'll be my honour if you accept me helping you with all my strength." "I'd like to be by your side." "Do you realize the adversities we will face?" "I do." "Allow me to doubt it." "I myself cannot realize either." "But I sense by instinct that the difficulty will come from sides we cannot even imagine." "My dear, everything will depend on tomorrow's appointment with the King." "You know that I trust and think highly of you." "I'm thankful for that." " Good night." " Good night." "Mr Venizelos." "Come in, Mr Venizelos." " Welcome." " Your Majesty." "The farm outside is marvellous this time of the day." "So what do you think?" "Shall we walk while talking?" "Do you know how young I was when I came to Greece, Mr Venizelos?" "I was almost an adolescent." "Look at me." "My hair turned white." "And I haven't seen anything change." "It is natural, Your Majesty, if you think for a moment the long-time occupation of Greece." "No, this is not it." "Believe me." "I have thought of everything." "The Greek... is the most solitary citizen in the world." "And whenever he says that he believes in a party, he puts on an act!" "He's a know-all!" "He is suspicious... the Greek!" "I agree with you, Your Majesty, but... but I have faith in the other sides of the Greek, in his many virtues!" "He just needs help." "The Greek is in need of moral motivation." "While their leaders in charge lack this quality, it is natural for the people to be in moral decline alike." "You say that you're going to put things in order." "What are you going to do with the army?" "I'm personally going to take charge of the Ministry of Defence." "I'm going to enforce obedience." "I'm going to place around me the most honest and capable officers." "You know Dousmanis, Metaxas..." "They're young, well-educated officers." "I sent them to Germany." "They will help you..." "What are you going to do about favouritism?" "You know that the plagues of Egypt weren't 7 but 8..." "The eighth one... is the favouritism in Greece and it's the worst of all." "Ethical forces do exist, Your Majesty, which are able through sustained effort to undertake the task of the nation's recovery." "If the Crown places itself at the head of the reconstructing struggle, then I promise you that within a two-year period" "Greece will be unrecognizable." "This has always been my desire, Mr Venizelos." "All my life" "I have fought against the party system." "In 1874 I called Trikoupis to take office." "Everyone was against this." "What was the result?" "The distrust and dishonesty of Trikoupis towards the Crown." "I insist, Your Majesty!" "Give one more chance to the young people!" "My collaborators and I are looking forward to begin the fight." "Can you hear, Mr Venizelos?" "The peacocks!" "They are in their mating season." "Their cries are like men's." "Well, up until the keeper brings their feed they craze peacefully, on friendly terms..." "Upon eating they make a fuss, nip one another, grabbing the food right out of one another's mouth." "You are a Cretan, a Greek, no doubt, but not from the Greek mainland." "Beware of your friends." "I know that they're all around you" "Be careful when giving out the feed..." "Since you're asking for trouble, go ahead!" "I wish you will manage to convince the others as you did convince me." " Have you ever met my son, Dinos?" " I haven't, Your Majesty." "I'll invite you one of these days to make his acquaintance." "October 1910 Rising to power" " Well, did you hear today's news?" " Why?" "Is there any news today?" " There is a muttering about alliances." " Ha-ha, alliances!" "With who?" " With Serbians and Bulgarians!" " A disgrace!" "Is it true that we'll have a war with Turkey?" "Don't you say now that I'm supposed to fight against a Turk?" " Such a disgrace!" " Where Venizelos has got us up to, don't be surprised, if they tell us to fight for a 'Greater Greece!" "'" " Extra, extra, read all about it!" " General mobilization!" "War declared!" "So it is true!" " War?" " Mobilization!" "The Turks..." "Ladies and gentlemen, no more lies so stay calm!" "Hey, Mister, where are you off to?" "Sit down!" "This extra concerns you all!" "Lefteris put his sign and now roll up your sleeves!" " We don't understand!" "What sign?" " Let me explain everything, sir." "The paper says..." "It's in Greek." "You understand Greek, right?" "So... 'Right this moment in the cabinet meeting, convened at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the decision was taken for a general mobilization of the country." "That's all from Lefteris!" "So we're going to wear the army uniform?" "Exactly!" "Especially on you, the khaki uniform will look smashing!" "Better wish not having me as your instructor." "Ladies and gentlemen, plebs and blue-blooded, reservists and conscripts and common lads, colleagues, neighbours and brothers pull yourselves together!" "Let's see how the ribbon bars and the epaulettes will manage." "It looks as if we forgot our brothers in Ioannina and Thessaloniki!" "Hey, how about going together up north?" "They have a wine in Ioannina..." "perfect like diamond!" "and girls like..." "oh Mother of Mercy!" "Maestro, play our own communiqué!" "If you are one of those struggling for a living" "Or one of the usual suspects according to police" "Take a 'mannlicher' at the shoulder and march on" "You'll get dressed in the khaki uniform" "Take a 'mannlicher' at your shoulder and march on" "You'll get dressed in the khaki uniform" "But if you are one of those hanging out at posh places" "And everyday is a holiday for you" "Shake a leg!" "Stand at attention and get a bloody move on!" "You'll get, willy-nilly, dressed in the same uniform" "Shake a leg!" "Stand at attention and get a bloody move on!" "You'll get, willy-nilly, dressed in the same uniform" "Left-right!" "Left-right!" "Left-right!" "Greece made us her soldiers overnight!" "Left-right!" "Left-right!" "Left-right!" "Roll up your sleeves and start the fight!" "If you are one of those always starving to death" "And you never had more than one pair of underpants" "The smell from the cookhouse will make up for all the rest" "Put on the khaki uniform that suits you best" "The smell from the cookhouse will make up for all the rest" "Put on the khaki uniform that suits you best!" "But you who are an old pro at racketeering and selling us a pup" "Shake a leg, or I'll give you the thrashing you deserve" "The country now needs even the very last reserve" "Shake a leg, or I'll give you the thrashing you deserve" "The country now needs even the very last reserve" "Left-right!" "Left-right!" "Left-right!" "Greece made us her soldiers overnight!" "Left-right!" "Left-right!" "Left-right!" "Roll up your sleeves and start the fight!" "All this time we were only talks..." "We shall start, we shall overcome, and we shall chase them away!" "Today, tomorrow and the day after!" "Now is the opportunity, now is the time!" "Get at them, lads of Greece!" "Maestro... see you as a sergeant any time soon." "Left-right!" "Left-right!" "Left-right!" "October 1912" "Where do we stand?" "The Army under Crown Prince is stationed in Gefyra Topsin." "The Crown Prince Constantine has issued an operations order and reports that the forward line of the enemy stretches over the 'Harmagiui,' 'Duduler' and 'Tria Khania' hills." "and is organized in defensive formation." "The weather is rainy." "The army will attack tomorrow in order to encircle the right flank of the enemy." "Where is the Halaris Division?" "At the 4th km on Thessaloniki-Serres Highway." "Anything new from Crown Prince's negotiations?" "No, Mr Prime Minister." "Tahsin Pasha sent new proposals for surrender." "The Crown Prince rejected them." "While the Bulgarian Cavalry reaches Apostolar..." "It has already got there with direction to Thessaloniki." "Call the King on the phone immediately," "If he's sleeping, wake him up." "I want to speak to him right now." "And draft the following telegram... to the Crown Prince Constantine." "To Commander in chief" "You are asked... to accept... the offered to you... surrender of Thessaloniki... and enter the city.... without... delay..." "I hold you responsible... for any postponement" "even of a single moment... 2:30 a.m." "The Prime Minister..." "Mr Prime Minister?" "Mr Prime Minister?" "A telegram from Thessaloniki." "Thessaloniki is Greek." "The Crown Prince entered the city." "Read it." "After considerable delay by Turkish emissaries in returning and affirming their consent to my terms of surrender," "I ordered today at 9:30 a.m." "the onward march of the army." "However at 4:30 p.m. before the battle started" "Turkish Army Commander, Tahsin Pasha, sent me a letter dispatched by officers under his command stating that he accepts my terms of surrender of both his army and the city of Thessaloniki." "For this reason I sent him two of my officers to draft the relevant surrender protocol and I immediately halted the march of the army." "Constantine, Commander in chief." "Send a telegram to the King to depart for Thessaloniki promptly." "We have to parade today!" "They must not let the Bulgarians get into the city!" "Notify the foreign ambassadors to get in contact with me!" "Thessaloniki is ours!" "Your Highness, the prime minister has sent us the following telegram." "To Commander in chief in Thessaloniki." "Informed by the telegram sent by Your Highness from Thessaloniki this evening the entrance of Your Highness and, therefore, of your army in the capital of Macedonia" "I offer the warmest congratulations of the Government to you both." "27th of October, 1912 Venizelos." "A rather cordial telegram..." "Chief of Staff Dousmanis, please take notes and send the following telegram to Mr Prime Minister." "To Prime Minister in Athens." "I fully realize the weight of the responsibility I shoulder and I ask you kindly from this moment on to never remind me of that again for any reason whatsoever." "Whether I ought... or not to accept the surrender of Thessaloniki," "it would strictly be my own responsibility to judge while being on the spot and imposing my own terms." "That is clearly evident... by the result achieved..." "Thessaloniki, 27th of October, 1912." "Constantine." "Your Highness, the revered Abbot of Iviron monastery." "They can't hear you, they can't hear you," "The voice was Turkish and now is Greek." "My compliments, my Lord." "Here's the most peaceful spot in the city." "It's meant for those who seek love and tranquillity." "These women... these children..." "They don't simply work." "They live here." "The pleasure of this association was their own choice." "This salon is not for everyone." "Only if they want it, you can walk through this door again." " On what basis?" " Of the art of love, naturally..." "Thessaloniki is an enchanting city." "It's a city and a country at the same time." "You, Greeks, are the fewest." "The Turks and we, Jews, made everything that exists." "Yet Thessaloniki is Greek, now." "For one day." "That's only for today but we first ploughed and seeded the soil of this land." "The soil yes but what about the homes and the life?" "No." "You, Greeks, always unsociable, glued to your flags and symbols, have been offered hospitality in Thessaloniki." "In Thessaloniki of love and commerce." "If I were in your position, in the position of the new boss," "I wouldn't lay my hands on two things." "Love... and commerce." "Good morning, Mr Grigoriades?" "I haven't seen you for a while." "I know why you came." "For Giannis." "Listen to me, dear sir." "We're waging a war." "The truth is that our army is fighting under difficult conditions." "But right now there's no place for the slightest pusillanimity!" "What matters most is to make everyone understand that we're fighting a liberation struggle." "You, in the press, have to stress that!" "Mr Prime Minister, what do you expect by assigning Prince Crown to the Army of Epirus?" "What distinguishes Constantine is his volcanic temperament." "You must add to that his authority and the affection shown to him by soldiers and officers alike." "Is it true that you will soon visit the frontline?" "I'm leaving in two days." "It'd be my pleasure to travel with you." "I very much liked your last Sunday article." "You lay things right in moderation." "Do you consider this to be the best way to write?" "Certainly not, in Greece." "You, journalists, impress the people with big talk, with strong emotions... if necessary, you invent them." " The press only?" " Of course not." "There's certainly a deeper need among the people." "You look optimistic, Mr Prime Minister." "Are you not?" "Mr Prime Minister allow me to tell you that we, your friends, are worried about all that legend surrounding the person of Constantine." "Crown Prince is indeed a legend, my dear." "A legend foreign powers will exploit when the Prince rises to throne." "You're stirring great passions, dangerous..." "But let's assume that you are right" "What will you do?" "What will be the reaction of the people?" "Look at this corridor, my dear." "The only person that's not in danger to be removed is Maria." "The woman that serves the tea." "No one is indispensable, Mr Grigoriades." "See you soon." "Prince Nikolaus' report was filed under 'Urgent.'" "What's going on in Thessaloniki?" "Public order is being kept at a satisfactory level." "Prince issued orders about how Bulgarian troops should behave." " And what about the King?" " He's recovering his former daily routine." "He restarted his evening walks on the beach." "We must prepare ourselves for the trip the day after tomorrow." "You'll arrange a cabinet meeting for tomorrow morning" "The London Times has a report from Thessaloniki." "It's signed by Bourchier." "It echoes views hold by the Palace." "You never rest." "You look pale." " Is this tea from your village?" " Yes, they brought it to me yesterday." "It smells sweet." "It's snowing outside." "February 1913 Ioannina" "I glad we are all together here today." "There is no doubt that you, staff officers, form the elite of the army." "I'm particularly satisfied with the way you acted against the enemy." "I, on behalf of the government, expect quick results from you." "Your Highness, you have the full support of the government." "You have the public opinion on your side." "We expect new successes from you shortly." "Only... something I'd like to stress, more like... a feeling I got from the morning inspection than a specific event." "I got the impression that the officer... distances himself from the soldier." "So, the soldier has no way... of confessing his problems..." "the problems remain within himself." "And the problems become bitterness..." "And we all know what accumulated bitterness in the army means." "Mr Prime Minister, you're attempting criticism on a very delicate matter." "Allow me to characterize your conclusions as premature." "The only moment that vividly bears witness to this contact or, on the contrary, its absence is that of the battle." "Mr Prime Minister, may I?" "The problem of soldiers' provisions must be resolved." "The deliveries are carried out with great delay and the undernourishment gives rise to incidents of disobedience." "You can clearly recall the severe objections we voiced when your government wished to assign army reorganization to the French Military Mission." "Are you certain, Your Highness, that we would not have encountered similar problems if he had appealed to Germans?" "I am certain that we would have not." "It's not the right moment to resolve these differences, gentlemen." "Upon my return to Athens, I'll attend to this matter personally." "Still, I insist that apart from the provisions the distance between officers and soldiers is increased by the different life they lead." "The soldier has been missing his family for a long time now." "He lives amidst the snow." "I plead with you, Your Highness, the cases of an extravagant way of life of certain officers to be no more." "I am responsible for my officers' attitude, Mr Prime Minister." "I haven't noticed any such case." "Frequently, the closest to me collaborators went without even food for many days." "Your opinion is influenced by irresponsible advisers." " Your Highness!" " You're offending the officers," "Mr Prime Minister!" "Not the whole rank, but some of them." "Let's not get further into this." "Our goal is Ioannina!" "I'll forget everything we said." "And you, forget my irritation too." "Down there in Athens, we're giving a different, multi-directional fight." "I spoke of isolated cases." "We are aware of the army's problems." "The government has full confidence in you." "Your Highness, go ahead!" "Here's to the success at Ioannina!" "Long live the Crown Prince!" "Long live the armed forces!" "You must have courage, Your Highness." "Something very serious happened." "Yesterday evening your father was assassinated in Thessaloniki." "The murderer is a half-crazed anarchist." "The king was shot three times." "One of the bullets was fatal." "Pluck up your strength at this critical moment." "Your Highness, you are the King of Greeks." "We have to leave for Athens in an hour." "Come, Your Highness." "Long live the King of Greeks, Constantine!" "Long live!" "(together) Traitor!" " Did you say something?" " No, you?" " Pro-German!" " Pro-French!" " Gallophile!" " Teutophile!" " We'll tear you to shreds!" " We'll chop you to pieces!" " We have Germany along with us!" " We have England!" " We have Constantine!" " We have Venizelos!" " Fools!" " Cowards!" " Long live the neutrality!" " Long live the war!" " Down with the Entente!" " Long live the Entente!" "Cut it out, please!" "Cut it out!" "Because your shouts are heard up high to Pantheon!" "Do you know what time it is?" "What's all this nonsense regarding alliances you're talking about?" "There's not a single moment of the day you wouldn't hear the Greeks quarrel." "I'm at my wits' end!" "The 'Triple Entente,' says, came to blows with the 'Triple Alliance.'" "Germany declared war on France." "France declared war on Germany." "Russia declared war on Germany and Austria." "Austria declared war on Russia," "England, France, Scotland," "Belgium, Serbia and Montenegro." "And right here..." "my brain stops working." "What am I supposed to do?" "Which side am I on?" "Who shall I go along with?" "Who are my friends?" "And who are my enemies?" "All right, I'll take my rifle but... who am I going to follow?" "These days you must keep your eyes open" "You must know what to do and where to go" "Who's on your side and who's a liar" "Who you must be afraid of and who you must love" "France..." "Prussia..." "Austria..." "England..." "They hold knives, they partition the Earth" "And those who promise you eternal friendship" "They're ready to stab you in the back" "A deck of marked cards" "Someone holds in the hands" "Knowing who will win in advance and what'll be the fate of every one of us" "A deck of marked cards" "Someone holds in the hands" "Knowing who will win in advance" "And what'll be the fate of every one of us" "Once more, our 'friends' use their favourite ploy selling us as slaves, filled with joy" "And my share of their loot left aside is poverty, misery and plight" "Greeks, wake up and open your eyes to tell what is true from what is lies" "And the time has come to tell your bosses we don't want any profits, don't want any losses" "A deck of marked cards" "Someone holds in the hands" "Knowing who will win in advance" "And what'll be the fate of every one of us" "Do come in, Mr Metaxas." "I asked to see you, because I know your devotion." "I'm alone." "The king has not recovered yet." "The day after tomorrow, another doctor is coming from Berlin." "I'm desperate." "The Prime Minister today is going to ask the parliament to let the country go to war." "We have to stop him." "We must keep our neutrality." "Your Majesty..." "what do you think we must do?" "In my view we're heading towards a definitive rupture with Venizelos government." "Germany is our friend." "Germany will win the war." "This is something the Prime Minister ignores." "In private talks I have put forward the same argument, Your Majesty." "The Prime Minister believes the opposite." "He speaks with absolute certainty of an Entente's victory." "Mr Metaxas..." "I have trust in you." "All our officers appreciate you." " You have to stand by the Throne." " I know how to keep my oath." "You enjoy my absolute favour, Major." "I'll speak very highly of you to the King." "The King knows well I never fall back in fight." "I shall never forget your great support." "You are the ideals of an entire lifetime, Your Majesty." "Give this pin to your spouse." "As a reminder of these hard moments..." "You honour me." "Gentlemen, I consider the Treaty of Bucharest as the constitutional chart of the Balkan peninsula." "To our dismay, the European War, that came too soon before Greece could organize her new dominions brings about grave dangers to the equity and balance of power established by the Treaty of Bucharest." "Unfortunately, one of the countries which ratified that treaty, accustomed for decades now to believe that she is only a step away from the fulfilment of her national aspirations, reckons that she cannot succumb to this treaty." "I ask then what politician could ever come to this tribune and responsibly declare in the event that Bulgaria attacks Serbia and achieves the crashing of Serbia and therefore achieves disproportional territorial gains to the detriment of this country, what responsible politician" "would dare say to the Greek people to sleep peacefully, because Bulgaria directly or through others reassures us that she is not nourishing today any aggression towards us." "We are truly in the face of one of the most important periods in our national history." "Our duty is, examining the situation in an objective manner, to decide what serves the utmost interests of the country." "To be sure, one cannot avert a danger by avoiding it." "We shall not avert the danger that threatens us by saying the Pater Noster asking from God to let us live today and as for tomorrow..." "God might take care of us again." "We shall avert the danger only by having a far-reaching strategy." "If we aim not at what is possible, likely to happen now or in the months to come, but at what is going to certainly happen in not so many years from now." "The honourable leader of main oppositional party, Mr Gounaris, faulted me for another flaw of mine." "For my confidence, because I told him I am confident." "Well, gentlemen, it is true that in politics the greatest achievements are accomplished by the believers rather than the sceptics!" "When in October of 1912 the government headed by me encountered the forthcoming war in Balkans, in which" "Greece was required to participate without setting any conditions, because they could not be set at that very moment," "I had confidence, and my collaborators, the Crown had it too, confidence in the vitality of the nation, confidence in the gains we were bound to make if we were to rally to this cause with our modest but well-organized army." "This confidence led us to wage a war which all the great men, even the military pundits, named hopeless for the Balkan peoples." "The honourable leader of the main opposition can see then that confidence in the vitality of the nation does not constistute an element of failure." "Surely, if the confidence is accompanied by crossing of the fingers, with unconcern about what is happening to us, then, of course, this confidence can not yield any fruits." "when this confidence, however, is accompanied by the perpetual, unending labour for the preparation of the country to face the changing circumstances, by the diagnosis of the future and not by limiting ourselves to mending the present," "then this confidence aspires to greatness, it is that kind of confidence that made great and admired deeds in this world." "The session is adjourned for ten minutes." "We'll win the voting." "I spoke bluntly so that the people know what's going on in this country." "After all, this tactics of passive waiting has to come to an end." "I've no delusions about the problems we're going to face." "Mr Prime Minister, please let me use some of your time." " Take a seat, please." " Thank you." "I want to add something to what I said earlier." "I preferred not to mention it in my speech because in case you win the voting, my assessments shouldn't leave any shade of defeatism among the people." "Do you really believe, Mr Prime Minister, the people approve of your decision to participate in the European War?" " Please, Mr Chairman..." " After two Balkan Wars, do you believe that the Greeks would take the arms and dash into Turkey?" "You have immense experience of the country's political life." "You have a special capability to apprehend the public sentiment." "But you are used to being in line with it and that's exactly where our disagreement lies." "My belief is that the politician ought to... inspire the people, to tutor the people!" "I would betray my ideas, Mr Chairman, if at this moment" "I was to lose the unique opportunity to ensure new Greek territories." "You're gambling at the same table with strong gamblers, Mr Prime Minister." "I know it." "I'm going to gamble judiciously." "Besides, I have learnt the rules of the game." "Luck has never let us down so far, Mr Chairman." "It's on our side." "When you come back to the hall... look at the pensive faces of the people and draw your own conclusions." "Do you know this car?" "No, Mr Prime Minister." "I've been seeing it everywhere for days now." "The day before yesterday it 'escorted' me to Benakis." "Let's see if the bullets miss the mark again this time." "Dinos has been asking for you." "[in German]" "He has been crying your name in his fever." " Come with me." "Let's go to him." " Yes, I would very much want to see him." "Johaness has just sent the children and his mother to Berlin." " He wanted me to visit you." " And how is he?" "He's been longing for Greece and your company, Your Majesty." "Dinos is very fond of him." "You are both so kind!" "Come with me." "I am frightened!" "Do you hear me?" "I feel afraid here!" "Come with me." "I don't understand." "What does he mean by 'venal press'?" "Bribable, corrupt press." "Venizelos clearly means that German propaganda has paid off a part of the Greek press." "What are the reactions?" "There were sharp criticisms on this claim but, as you understand, the impression remained." "Notify Mr Venizelos." "I want to see him." "Tomorrow." "It's the only thing that is French here." " Here's to your health, Apostolos!" " Here's to yours." "It took you too long to come." "The situation stinks for a long while now." "Now it's time to make our move." "If we don't do this in time, we'll be wiped out." "What are your time margins?" "I haven't got many choices." "My own people say to me" "'Are you mad, Apostolos?" "Don't you see where the country is headed for?" "Is there distress?" "There is anger, Giannis." "The people without realizing it are on our side." "They got sick of the war." "We need to be careful with the slogans." "This time we must not make any mistakes." "Round up our own men." "How many can we have in ten days?" "Without money, about 70 With money, three times this figure." "Unfortunately, no one takes risks for the ideology alone." "The socialists gather together in the house next to us." "Are there many of them?" "A few." "How's the writing going?" "This is yours." "'With You' dedicated to army commander, Constantine." "How's your health, Your Majesty?" "It's getting better, Mr Prime Minister." "Thank you." "I'm debilitated by the fever." "Mr Prime Minister, before reporting to me," "I have some complaints to make." "They informed me that yesterday in the parliament you criticized Germany." "I was referring to the government's foreign policy." "And you attacked Germany." "We have to be careful, Mr Prime Minister." "Especially, these days." "The government have nothing to hide." "Neither what they're thinking nor what they're going to do." "On the occasion of the general mobilization in Bulgaria the other day" "I deemed it right to lay bare, in broad terms, what is due in the future." "What is due, Mr Prime Minister?" "The best thing for Greece, Your Majesty, her general or special interest, is to take the side of the Entente, more specifically, to come to Serbia's aid in the event of a Bulgarian attack." "I am aware of the treaty we signed with the Serbians, Mr Prime Minister, but what you may be overlooking is that the general Balkan crisis is placed within the European War." "I am aware of that, Your Majesty, and I believe that Greece must benefit from this war as much as possible." "But do you know what you're telling me?" "That Greece must get involved in the European War!" " Exactly, Your Majesty." " But this is sheer madness." "We haven't provoked this war, Your Majesty." "The things compel us to choose sides." "Do you know, Mr Prime Minister, how many millions of troops will Germany send to Bulgaria?" "Are you informed about the latest technical advances of the Germans in heavy weaponry?" "What do we have to offer?" "Our flesh?" "The general staff has a different opinion." "Serbians and Greeks can marshal together 350.000 bayonets!" "The Bulgarians helped by Central Powers don't exceed the 250.000!" "Besides, the allies of Entente have superior supply lines because they're controlling the port of Thessaloniki whereas the supply line of the enemies is stretched to Budapest." "Germany has decided to crash Serbia and she will succeed." "I wouldn't like to see myself defeated by the Germans." "If that happens, Your Majesty," "Greece will return to her old frontiers." "But beyond any estimation we make there's a people here that wants to expand their frontiers in any direction where old tracks of the Greek nation still exist." "The people... want to rest, Mr Prime Minister." "They want to settle down within the existing frontiers." "Give up the grand fantasies." "Your Majesty, you force me to speak as a representative of popular sovereignty." "You don't have the right to disagree with me all over again." "Eight months ago, you might still... doubt the popular support for my policies." "Yet, in last May elections" "I unmistakably brought the matter of the Serbian Treaty before the people." "Its implementation was the basis of my politics." "The majority of the people approved of it." "Your duty is to respect them." "I obey the people's verdict only for the internal affairs but for the foreign affairs..." "You are repealling the constitution, Your Majesty!" "...for the great national questions, I have to insist, Mr Prime Minister, when I feel that something is right or wrong." "Then, issue a decree suspending the constitution and take the responsibility!" "I am held responsible before God!" "Your Majesty, I respect your condition but you can't speak like that." "It wasn't God that brought you in Greece, Your Majesty, you are here thanks to your father, who was elected King by the Greeks." "Your power is founded on the people's vote." "Don't forget that." "Enough, I pray!" "[in German]" "Calm down, my love!" "Help!" "Help!" "Will you have a drink?" "With pleasure, Mr Benakis." "What's wrong, gentlemen?" "Mr Chairman, I urgently asked to see you because important events take place on the frontier." "The officers arrived in the morning." "Major Iliakis," "Captain Doxaras." "They serve in the 4th Army." "Sit down, please." "Mr Chairman, this is the sad news they brought:" "Yesterday at noon, a Bulgarian battalion with ten German cavalrymen at the vanguard crossed the frontier." "Fort Rupel came under Bulgarian occupation since yesterday noon." "What do the officers have to say?" "I've been serving in the fort for a year, Mr Chairman." "Yesterday morning, around ten o' clock, the guards informed me that something unusual was happening." "The report mentioned German and Bulgarian in sight." "I gave orders for immediate action." "And when with the help of artillery I repelled the forces of the enemy," "I asked the headquarters for orders." "Mr Chairman, I have the responsibility of 4th Army's communications." "From the reading of the telegrams, I determined that the orders were contradictory." " How dare you judge staff's orders?" " They weren't clear, Mr Chairman." "Furthermore, what left an impression on all of us was the staff's slowness in answering, bearing in my mind the problems we were facing." "Headquarters' orders became most explicit at 4 in the afternoon." "I have with me the copy of the telegram ordering the Greek troops to withdraw without any resistance to the interior of the region and thirty kilometres away, as well as to surrender the fort with all its shell-firing guns." " How many guns were surrendered?" " Eight guns and great number of shells." " And you, how did you get to Athens?" " By sick leave." "Mr Chairman, the officers want to convey their colleagues' message of concern." "They are afraid that there is an immediate danger of occupation of Kavalla, Serres and Drama." "They are expressing their doubts about the proper and, let me say, honest use of neutrality." "What do the officers demand?" "What the officers demand, Mr Chairman, you have given me the chance to expose to you already in the past." "The officers demand that you should take initiative, Mr Chairman." "They ask you to take action." "You know very well my opinion on your suggestions." "Besides, I'm not prime minister any longer." "It's not me who suggests." "It's a demand put by a great number of officers." "I'm sorry to interrupt you, Mr Chairman but right this moment I had a call from Athens." "Thugs of the Reservists invaded the print shop of the newspaper 'Athens,' set fire to the offices, and are searching for Grigoriades in order to lynch him." "Thank you, Gentlemen." " Good night." " Good night, Mr Chairman." "Good night." "I must see the Admiral." "Arrange an appointment for me." " Mr Chairman..." " Admiral..." "Mr Repoulis..." "We're very sorry to interrupt your occupation, Mr Kountouriotis." "I wish this was my real occupation, Mr Repoulis!" "Come along." "It's a beautiful day, isn't it?" "Elizabeth, bring us something refreshing." "Here is nice." "Make yourselves comfortable." "What's new, Mr Chairman?" "I have a feeling that you came here to take me from my flowers..." "Did I understand right?" "Do you like my garden, Mr Repoulis?" "I've straightened it up with my own hands." "Thank you, Elizabeth." "Thank you." "You look well, Admiral." "The explanation is simple." "My sleep is tranquil because I've never wronged anyone." "But I've been wronged by others." "Then, at my age, the problems are getting fewer." "Love, for example." "Once in a while I read about it in books and it puzzles me." "I say to myself... see how you forgot that people fall in love!" "Doesn't this thought bring you sadness?" "No." "Mr Chairman, the older you get, the tighter your circle becomes and closes up." "I don't claim that mine was enormous." "It wasn't small either." "It's been a long time since I last saw you, Mr Chairman" "I'm afraid you have a whole lot of trouble with the King." "You two don't stick together." "It's like you are after the same mistress... and she hasn't made up her mind about whom she wants." "He who takes initiative wins." "Don't you know that I'm his aide-de-camp?" "You do face great dilemmas, Admiral,... but you are indispensable." "You inspire respect." "We are in need of your authority." "This authority, you're talking about... is a debt I've been paying all my life and I never square up." "Is Daglis with us?" "He accepted to move on condition that you also agree." "You're right, Mr Chairman." "It's true." " They have set to selling out everything." " The sell-out is on, Admiral!" "Of everything we gained with our blood!" "The Palace pursues its own foreign policy." "I tried not to mince my words with Constantine... but he's avoiding me." "He realized I'm not one of his men." "I'm sick and tired!" "Dousmanis goes out, Metaxas gets in." "Metaxas goes out, Streit gets in." "The German ambassador is always there." "Do you know where I learnt to cultivate trees and flowers?" "Constantine taught me!" "An amazing gardener!" "He puts his heart into it." "He knows all about them, he loves them!" "When you asked to see me," "I already knew." "The truth is that I expected you earlier." "Off you go, then." "Have a safe voyage." "You should only look for a good captain though, Mr Chairman." "Not a clumsy one like me." "1916 To Thessaloniki" "I want a word with you next time." "You'll get a licking again." "You'll be given a good ticking off." "I wonder what excuses you'll find this time." "You've been doing this over and over!" "You keep me waiting for years!" "You make me go down on my knees for you!" "You make me feel like a masochist!" " Do you have an appointment?" " There's something I'm waiting for." " Are you waiting, too?" " Yes, I have a meeting." " There comes Europe!" " I feel her scent." " I can hear her steps." " Where've you been, honey?" "My name is Europe" "Everyone wants me and adores me" "And everyone lusts after me" "My name is Europe" "All men run behind" "Wrapped up in my intoxicating scent" "My name is Europe, I am of noble descent" "A fateful creature, a little bit cruel" "In Berlin, in Paris and in London I'm hanging about" "My name is Europe, and in Athens" "I often come and go" "With the Tsoliades I drink retsina and give a kiss to Entente" "My little Greece" "I've been protecting you for years and years" "My little Greece be patient, the ice has melted" "Lean on me" "We're travelling into the unknown but don't be afraid" "I'm your Europe, always yours" "Never forget that" "His name is Lefteris" "And comes from Crete" "A stout fellow full of passion" "He thrills my senses, he makes me die with just only one gaze of his eyes" "But the other fellow, Constantine," "Sofia's husband, I lust after too" "I give everything away for this man" "Only to take him in my arms" "Who am I going to choose?" "Constantine?" "Or Lefteris from Crete?" "One of them is not enough, I want them both" "But don't tell anyone, it's a secret..." "My little Greece" "I've been protecting you for years and years" "My little Greece be patient, the ice has melted" "Lean on me" "We're travelling into the unknown but don't be afraid" "I'm your Europe, always yours" "Never forget that" "I'm your Europe, always yours" "Never forget that" "November of 1920 The Electoral Defeat" "Please calm yourself, have a seat." "Don't go away, Mr Chairman." "You mustn't leave the country." "Don't you ever think that I'm going away out of cowardice." "I must go for the benefit of this wretched country." "It is now that the people need you more." "The people got sick and tired." "I deluded myself that people were on my side." " You can give us courage, Mr Chairman." " I haven't got the strength anymore." "I don't hold any grudge against the people." "I dragged them into a very demanding endeavour." "The people were allured by the antiwar propaganda." "Koumoundouros once said:" "'Little but honest Greece.'" "It seems like that's all the people are asking for." "They're not seeking great dreams." "They want a good administration of their household, and their children to come back from the army." "These very same people will call you back in six months." "In six months the impending disasters will be irreparable." "I'm no longer young, Mrs Delta." "I've never felt elsewhere the tranquillity I felt at your home." "As if it was my house." "Please..." "Convey my greetings to everyone." "Especially, to your mother." "Mr Chairman, the new correspondent of Times is waiting for you." "I told you I'm not seeing journalists." "He pressingly insisted." "He had to see you before you leave." "Michalis, I miss Crete." "I want to see Chania." "[A tune from Asia Minor]" "[Traditional Cretan Music]" "You're looking well, young lad." "(conversation in Cretan dialect)" "And you got off the donkey neatly too." "Come in and have some rest." "Do your remember Cleo, Lefteris?" "Sit down, Lefteris." " How's your family?" " The girl is in America, married." "The boy works on ships, a sailor." "A tortured soul, Lefteris." "We have grown old, Petros." "How long has it been since..." "Do you remember Theriso?" "How's your health?" "The heart..." "doesn't obey me enough anymore." " Have you seen a doctor?" " I have." "There's nothing they can do here." "When was the last time we saw each other?" "The last time?" "I wish I knew." "I wrote to you once or twice." " Did you write to me?" " Yes, I did." "You cut yourself off, Lefteris." "You did that early on." "We went our separate ways." "You flew up high." "You governed Greece..." "Whither Greece now, Lefteris?" "Back to 1909 again... to the same powerful families in the same armchairs, with the same pockets." " The people renounced me, Petros." " You didn't listen to our voice." "My dreams were a heavy burden on them." "The rifles at Theriso were lying in wait." "Do you remember our talks in Akrotiri about our 'friends,' the Great Powers?" "How did you come to believe they could change?" "You were to fight beasts." "Why did you go unarmed?" "The people didn't give me time." "I wanted to raise them on a higher level." "They preferred to stay where they already stood at." " I was dreaming of another Greece." " What Greece, Lefteris?" "The old and powerful families from Greek mainland?" "Why then did you ask people to give their flesh and blood?" "The same ones that put you in the game the same sold you off." "That's the way we see things we who are far from embassies and ministries." "What are you doing now?" "You married a rich woman, I heard." "Why have you given up, Lefteris?" "Why do you let the others into the game?" "I got tired, I got disappointed from Greece, Petros." "You got tired, eh?" "Some powerful persons say they have beaten you hollow." "Go back, Lefteris." "Start right from the beginning again!" "I'm sorry that I'm saying all that but given the condition of my heart I can't go out anymore and I have talked with Cleo a thousand times about everything." "Do you remember it?" "You gave it away to me at Theriso." "When you smoked the last cigarette, you gave it to me." "And I kept it because I liked the inscriptions, the engravings and the pictures." "All these years in my pocket, the letters withered away like I withered away myself." "Now as they say to me it costs a lot of money." "Did you know that?" "Do you get any pension?" "How do you make ends meet?" "I have... the olive trees, the vines..." "Time for me to leave, Petros." "Take them and crack them on your way back so the return won't seem long to you." "I'll come again, Petros." "We'll meet again." "Are you telling the truth or in the Cretan way?" "He returned to politics scoring a triumphant victory in 1928 elections." "His political career came to an end with his death in 1936." "However his activity and volcanic temperament left an indelible mark on the face of Modern Greece."