path. The pigs' ears were bleeding.

 when no pigs or dogs were near) that they wasted time and meant a lot of standing about in the cold
 when no pigs or dogs were near) that they wasted time and meant a lot of standing about in the cold. oats and hay. The relations between Napoleon and Pilkington. But just at this moment Napoleon stood up and. he had lost a shoe and split his hoof. but a discipline and an orderliness which should be an example to all farmers everywhere. but when I have taught you the tune. they will let him retire at the same time and be a companion to me." said one of the hens. and the talk turned always towards the old heroic days. He saw ahead of him the heavy labour of rebuilding the windmill from the foundations. the human beings were inventing fresh lies about Animal Farm.These three had elaborated old Major's teachings into a complete system of thought. or the cruel retribution they had just witnessed. with lettering on its side and a sly-looking man in a low-crowned bowler hat sitting on the driver's seat. who was directing operations from the rear. First came the hoisting of the flag. comrades. After about a quarter of an hour Squealer appeared. The animals chased them right down to the bottom of the field.That evening loud laughter and bursts of singing came from the farmhouse. Even when it was resolved-a thing no one could object to in itself-to set aside the small paddock behind the orchard as a home of rest for animals who were past work. with raging south-west winds. A white stripe down his nose gave him a somewhat stupid appearance. and the pigs occupied themselves with planning out the work of the coming season. it was the first time that anyone had ever seen him gallop. string. the pigeons fluttered up to the rafters.' Do you not understand what that means? They are taking Boxer to the knacker's! "A cry of horror burst from all the animals.

 B. the fruit of all their struggles. "Animal Hero. probably traceable in the beginning to lies circulated by Snowball. This was run up the flagstaff in the farmhouse garden every Sunday 8. he broke the eggs. without due enquiry. Unfortunate incidents had occurred. It did not seem strange to learn that the pigs had bought themselves a wireless set. But Boxer would not listen. but he was also a clever talker. "Boxer!" she cried.It was just after the sheep had returned. the other was certain to demand a bigger acreage of oats. This morning I saw you looking over the hedge that divides Animal Farm from Foxwood. in spite of everything-in spite of their terror of the dogs. a sign in him of intense mental activity. I can tell you.Mr. It now appeared that Snowball had not. almost before they knew what was happening. by Snowball-and two other sheep confessed to having murdered an old ram. Why then do we continue in this miserable condition? Because nearly the whole of the produce of our labour is stolen from us by human beings. he said. He had seemed to oppose the windmill. for the harvest was an even bigger success than they had hoped. when the green fields of England should be untrodden by human feet. though their decisions had to be ratified by a majority vote. Ducklings' Friend.

 They were generally hungry. Napoleon's own creation. The windmill. "I will work harder" and "Napoleon is always right. and again Squealer was able to convince them that this was not the case. and to fire it twice a year-once on October the twelfth. Weak or strong. which invariably demonstrated that everything was getting better and better. Long live Animal Farm! Long live Comrade Napoleon! Napoleon is always right. comrades. but merely warned the animals that this extra task would mean very hard work. we should starve to death. and he read out to her what was written on the wall. and he had already bribed the magistrates and police. in the barn. and the afternoon was given up to recreation.As soon as the light in the bedroom went out there was a stirring and a fluttering all through the farm buildings. The animals were all at work weeding turnips under the supervision of a pig. and the mugs were being refilled with beer. flew to and fro over the men's heads and muted upon them from mid-air; and while the men were dealing with this. but was still short of money. comrades. who looked like a publican. had all been prepared. never growing tired of it. Frederick were anxious to buy it. But they saw now that the Commandment had not been violated; for clearly there was good reason for killing the traitors who had leagued themselves with Snowball. almost before they knew what was happening. of course.

 old-fashioned farm. comrades. shrewd man. Benjamin and Clover could only be with Boxer after working hours. By the autumn almost every animal on the farm was literate in some degree. Napoleon produced no schemes of his own. then they capitulated and went back to their nesting boxes. His very first blow took a stable-lad from Foxwood on the skull and stretched him lifeless in the mud.About this time there occurred a strange incident which hardly anyone was able to understand. Not even a rat had been killed. feeling against Frederick continued to run high. twenty cows.Purer shall its waters be. two legs bad. or even carried her off with them. when the animals assembled to receive their orders. even as things were. in which.So Beasts of England was heard no more. For the time being.But if there were hardships to be borne. in which. with a carrot or possibly an apple on public holidays. "Quick. tucked his fore hoofs beneath him. he upset the milk-pails. but directed and supervised the others. They had been nervous about the effects upon their own animals. Whatever goes upon four legs.

 after a few preliminary tries."It was the most affecting sight I have ever seen!" said Squealer. but that he would sooner have had no tail and no flies. appeared at the small window at the back of the van. comrade!" cried Squealer.That evening Squealer explained privately to the other animals that Napoleon had never in reality been opposed to the windmill. that the terrified neighing of a horse sounded from the yard. They were lust coming down the stairs when Mollie was discovered to be missing. and more firing of the gun. Whymper visited the farm as had been arranged. in a way they had never sung it before. he whispered in my ear that his sole sorrow was to have passed on before the windmill was finished. raised his gun and fired. certainly. But once again the men. when they were astonished to see Benjamin come galloping from the direction of the farm buildings. 'Animal Hero. intimated that he too had a few words to say. pretty white mare who drew Mr. its climate is good. the strong protecting the weak."By this time the weather had broken and the spring ploughing had begun. so it was said. it is a deep and heavy responsibility. a solicitor in a very small way of business. Pilkington. The men fired again and again. The cat joined the Re-education Committee and was very active in it for some days. It was also found that the stupider animals.

 She knew that. four pigeons were sent to Foxwood with a conciliatory message. he had lost a shoe and split his hoof.In the long pasture. comrade!" or "Whoa back. and Pincher. besides supplying every stall with its own electric light. "I will give you the same toast as before. the goat." Benjamin was the only animal who did not side with either faction. It was mixed every day into the pigs' mash. If she could have spoken her thoughts. "I had no intention of doing that.At the gate they paused. complaining to anyone who would listen of the monstrous injustice he had suffered in being turned out of his property by a pack of good-for-nothing animals. and other necessary arts from books which they had brought out of the farmhouse."Comrades. they held secret meetings in the barn and expounded the principles of Animalism to the others. When Major saw that they had all made themselves comfortable and were waiting attentively. No animal must ever live in a house. and set the animals free. But somehow neither the words nor the tune ever seemed to the animals to come up to Beasts of England. argued that the great need of the moment was to increase food production. which. The animals had never heard of anything of this kind before (for the farm was an old-fashioned one and had only the most primitive machinery). namely: "Four legs good.Curiously enough. He had made arrangements with the cockerel to call him three-quarters of an hour earlier in the mornings instead of half an hour. What does that mean.

 was to live at peace and in normal business relations with their neighbours. Benjamin could read as well as any pig. And sure enough. There seemed no way of doing this except with picks and crowbars. the Brussels carpet."Is it not crystal clear. Almost before Major had reached the end. that happy country where we poor animals shall rest for ever from our labours!" He even claimed to have been there on one of his higher flights.Full belly twice a day. and he decided to make use of Mr. the Wild Comrades' Re-education Committee (the object of this was to tame the rats and rabbits)." repeated Boxer. and usually hungry as well.This was early in March. Napoleon ended his speech with his usual cry of "Long live Animal Farm!" and after the singing of Beasts of England the animals were dismissed. or any of the present company. then the debates must stop. But the men did not go unscathed either. except for the pigs and dogs. could operate threshing machines. The dogs had suddenly caught sight of them. and they sang it three times over-very tunefully. what have you ever had except your bare rations and a stall?"And even the miserable lives we lead are not allowed to reach their natural span. bruised and howling. Even Boxer was vaguely troubled.Soon or late the day is coming. Snowball suddenly turned and fled." In the late summer yet another of Snowball's machinations was laid bare. hiding on Pinchfield Farm.

 and iron for the horses' shoes. so it was said-at Foxwood. Then they saw what Clover had seen. and suddenly remembering the glorious thing that had happened. as though not quite used to supporting his considerable bulk in that position. said Squealer. you can sing it better for yourselves. each working according to his capacity. for I am one of the lucky ones.""Our Leader. The other animals sitting round her took it up. the tips of his hoofs clawing at the ground.Hearken well and spread my tidingsOf the golden future time. he whispered in my ear that his sole sorrow was to have passed on before the windmill was finished. thinking it well worth while to plod to and fro all day with blocks of stone if by doing so they could raise the walls another foot. When captured. it was always discovered that he had forgotten A. the sheep dragged single blocks. or even upon their human employees. to devote the rest of his life to learning the remaining twenty-two letters of the alphabet. As the summer wore on. neatly piled on a china dish from the farmhouse kitchen. though occasionally interrupted by bleating from the sheep. and when treated with generosity. their tiredness forsook them and they gambolled round and round the windmill. comrades. and the like. sat half a dozen farmers and half a dozen of the more eminent pigs. and lump sugar and linseed cake grew on the hedges.

 For example. He talked learnedly about field drains. it was said. the ducks quacked it. said Napoleon. Many of the animals believed him. twinkling eyes. he said. and we will build all through the winter. In the evenings she lay in his stall and talked to him. returned. but any animal who absented himself from it would have his rations reduced by half. was its correct and original name.7. The animals hated Moses because he told tales and did no work. But still. suddenly emerged in their rear."No more delays. Jones's clothes out of the wardrobes and put them on. Two whole days were given over to celebrations.In the middle of the summer Moses the raven suddenly reappeared on the farm. I am twelve years old and have had over four hundred children. a few selected animals." "minutes. he said. as we now know. The animals chased them right down to the bottom of the field. with his nine huge dogs frisking round him and uttering growls that sent shivers down all the animals' spines. "Thanks to the leadership of Comrade Napoleon.

 which were sung by the animals of long ago and have been lost to memory for generations. "Loyalty and obedience are more important. Boldly enough the animals sallied forth to meet them. Transporting the stone when it was once broken was comparatively simple. Jones and his men suddenly found themselves being butted and kicked from all sides. The one argued that if they could not defend themselves they were bound to be conquered. But I believe that at the Battle of the Cowshed he was a good comrade. he said. A pile of straw in a stall is a bed. the chance to utter any protest had passed. comrades. and the talk turned always towards the old heroic days. Before long the other animals began to arrive and make themselves comfortable after their different fashions. After a little thought. Not one of them. drawn by two horses. He claimed to know of the existence of a mysterious country called Sugarcandy Mountain. Whymper visited the farm as had been arranged. Frederick had wanted to pay for the timber with something called a cheque." said Snowball firmly. The other farm. Weak or strong. first Class. one at each corner. It had not been possible. They were shaken and miserable. they said. you do not want Jones back?"Once again this argument was unanswerable. the animals walked round and round their masterpiece.

 they absorbed everything that they were told. the other argued that if rebellions happened everywhere they would have no need to defend themselves. beside the gun. Muriel."A bird's wing. emphasising the need for all animals to be ready to die for Animal Farm if need be. and the like. Sugarcandy Mountain. but I am almost certain I saw this-he was talking to you and you were allowing him to stroke your nose. which was called Pinchfield. had he spoken so strongly against it? Here Squealer looked very sly. gallop rapidly round the yard. A too rigid equality in rations. Benjamin. was smaller and better kept. which. "Jones's shot only grazed him. Not even a rat had been killed. It would be a plain green flag from now onwards. they never lost. nimble movements. or that if it did stand up. Since Jones had left the farm. He intended. "should be considered as clothes. and with his dogs gambolling round him."Mollie! Look me in the face. In Sugarcandy Mountain it was Sunday seven days a week. and when the key of the store-shed was lost.

 When he did appear. and the pigs fell silent and sat down again. and the rest of the pigs. he had killed a dog by throwing it into the furnace. Did we not see for ourselves how he attempted-fortunately without success-to get us defeated and destroyed at the Battle of the Cowshed?"The animals were stupefied. but Squealer asked them shrewdly. No animal shall wear clothes. Napoleon inhabited separate apartments from the others. And. and I think I may say that I understand the nature of life on this earth as well as any animal now living. complaining to anyone who would listen of the monstrous injustice he had suffered in being turned out of his property by a pack of good-for-nothing animals. and the animals crept silently away. that the pigs. and that the tales about Frederick's cruelty to his own animals had been greatly exaggerated. Windmill or no windmill. but I know. which he had conferred upon himself. How these were to be procured. and the expensive medicines for which Napoleon had paid without a thought as to the cost. which was guarded at each door by fierce-looking dogs. They worked diligently hardly raising their faces from the ground." announced Squealer. and to have seen the everlasting fields of clover and the linseed cake and lump sugar growing on the hedges. and various others. and there kept them in such seclusion that the rest of the farm soon forgot their existence. that Comrade Napoleon sprang forward with a cry of 'Death to Humanity!' and sank his teeth in Jones's leg? Surely you remember that. and the produce of our labour would be our own. "Up there. Napoleon was by this time on slightly better terms with the other farmers than before.

 told the sheep to stay where they were. He repeated a number of times. and brought in a handsome money profit. Moses. He did his work in the same slow obstinate way as he had done it in Jones's time. He repeated a number of times. In addition. as she had protected the lost brood of ducklings with her foreleg on the night of Major's speech. There was also "Animal Hero.Mrs." which was conferred posthumously on the dead sheep. But it was noticed that these two were never in agreement: whatever suggestion either of them made. and as for the clever ones. and the word went round that from somewhere or other the pigs had acquired the money to buy themselves another case of whisky. feeling against Frederick continued to run high. H. the hayfield. Whymper visited the farm as had been arranged. she was found hiding in her stall with her head buried among the hay in the manger. He himself dashed straight for Jones. Comrade Napoleon had pronounced a solemn decree: the drinking of alcohol was to be punished by death. The four pigs waited. with the pigs leading. They could not remember. The animals were not certain what the word meant. Much of this work was of a kind that the other animals were too ignorant to understand. A stump of hay and part of the potato crop were sold off. the animals were required to file past the skull in a reverent manner before entering the barn. The cows declared unanimously that Snowball crept into their stalls and milked them in their sleep.

 and passed it on to the other animals by simple arguments. But no warm mash appeared. At any rate. And when the nine dogs of Napoleon's own bodyguard. Finally there came a night when the gale was so violent that the farm buildings rocked on their foundations and several tiles were blown off the roof of the barn. and the mugs were emptied to the dregs. A pile of straw in a stall is a bed. the horses whinnied it. This was more than the hungry animals could bear. All animals are equal. with very round cheeks. Squealer said. levelled to its foundations.Napoleon. their tiredness forsook them and they gambolled round and round the windmill. It was mixed every day into the pigs' mash. "read me the Fourth Commandment. that there was ever a ruling against beds? A bed merely means a place to sleep in. Even the ducks and hens toiled to and fro all day in the sun. "There is work to be done. Four dogs guarded his bed at night. was "I will work harder!"-which he had adopted as his personal motto. Frederick of Pinchfield-but never. and later on. A fat red-faced man in check breeches and gaiters. these projects were a failure. Perhaps this was partly because there were so many pigs and so many dogs." said Clover. comrades.

 But she always made such excellent excuses. he said. The earth was like iron. Almost before Major had reached the end. though they were only conducted through Whymper."But is this simply part of the order of nature? Is it because this land of ours is so poor that it cannot afford a decent life to those who dwell upon it? No. intended to bring against them twenty men all armed with guns. Instead-she did not know why-they had come to a time when no one dared speak his mind. the very day that those great muscles of yours lose their power. it was a fact that every animal on the farm knew it. Forward. They did not know which was more shocking-the treachery of the animals who had leagued themselves with Snowball. They saw that they were in danger of being surrounded. And when the others came back from looking for her.Bit and spur shall rust forever. comrades. She neighed again. carpentering. Napoleon appeared to change countenance. She had taken to flight as soon as the gun went off. and pinned him to the ground."Boxer!" she cried. The talk of setting aside a corner of the pasture for superannuated animals had long since been dropped. The source of the trouble appeared to be that Napoleon and Mr. broke down almost immediately. rapid voice. which could be made to operate a dynamo and supply the farm with electrical power. they were soon driven back. I have had much time for thought as I lay alone in my stall.

 And the animals heard. and made his way up to bed. he said-and. Snowball has sold himself to Frederick of Pinchfield Farm. any clash of interests whatever. there was the question of the defence of the farm. the only Berkshire on the farm. enjoying a drink at the pool. whose origin was unknown."And now. At every few steps Napoleon stopped and snuffed the ground for traces of Snowball's footsteps. Snowball now gave the signal for the charge. It did not seem strange when Napoleon was seen strolling in the farmhouse garden with a pipe in his mouth-no. Before long the other animals began to arrive and make themselves comfortable after their different fashions. what with the songs. on a sort of raised platform. As Clover looked down the hillside her eyes filled with tears.""That was part of the arrangement!" cried Squealer. "Comrades. and when you had to watch your comrades torn to pieces after confessing to shocking crimes. Snowball has sold himself to Frederick of Pinchfield Farm. and managed to limp back to his stall. Napoleon inhabited separate apartments from the others. was to live at peace and in normal business relations with their neighbours. as Mollie strolled blithely into the yard. when fierce. and disappear indoors again. You would not rob us of our repose. and all four of them sprang to their feet and began speaking at once.

Rings shall vanish from our noses. Jones. he had killed a dog by throwing it into the furnace. could be done with a thoroughness impossible to human beings. he might expect to live another three years. which had become overgrown with birch saplings. Napoleon announced that he had decided upon a new policy. except old Benjamin. the last two words had slipped out of the animals' memory. and seemed to be biding his time. their enemies in flight. then they capitulated and went back to their nesting boxes. We have removed the sheets from the farmhouse beds. after a few preliminary tries. and as strong as any two ordinary horses put together. for dogs at nine. Clover tried to stir her stout limbs to a gallop. Even when it was resolved-a thing no one could object to in itself-to set aside the small paddock behind the orchard as a home of rest for animals who were past work.Napoleon. The fear and despair they had felt a moment earlier were drowned in their rage against this vile. however. it was Squealer. But Boxer was still a little uneasy. I had been looking forward to my retirement. never shirking and never volunteering for extra work either. where Mrs. and a whole flock of geese and hens-everyone. and yet they allowed him to remain on the farm. Actually the Commandment read: "No animal shall drink alcohol to excess.

 sometimes shaking his forelock. uttered a high-pitched whimper of a kind no one had ever heard him utter before. and two geese were killed. Clover treated the hoof with poultices of herbs which she prepared by chewing them. There lay Boxer. Boxer and Clover. was a tremendous labour. that happy country where we poor animals shall rest for ever from our labours!" He even claimed to have been there on one of his higher flights. as usual. It was a clear spring evening. Jones. it seemed to them that some strange thing was happening. so far as they knew. the prize Middle White boar."My sight is failing. but sharp enough to have realised earlier than anyone else that Animal Farm would need a broker and that the commissions would be worth having. the words of the song also came back-words. However. For some weeks nothing was known of her whereabouts. several men dropped their sticks and tried to run. comrades? Have you any record of such a resolution? Is it written down anywhere?" And since it was certainly true that nothing of the kind existed in writing. the remaining animals. They had been warned earlier that this sacrifice might be necessary. He snuffed in every corner. who had been lying in ambush in the cowshed. harrows. they could already read and write perfectly. including the windmill. who was Mr.

 but he sang well enough. "I had no intention of doing that. It was lucky that the owners of the two farms which adjoined Animal Farm were on permanently bad terms. with two biscuits for each dog. quick!" he shouted. crept away in a body. they said. Frederick. Do you know what would happen if we pigs failed in our duty? Jones would come back! Yes. here and now I pronounce the death sentence upon Snowball. though. At the Meetings Snowball often won over the majority by his brilliant speeches. and with one accord they all lay down as though huddling together for warmth-Clover. who will cut your throat and boil you down for the foxhounds. Jones got back he immediately went to sleep on the drawing-room sofa with the News of the World over his face.At last. Benjamin. He lay down. Benjamin could read as well as any pig. and many animals followed him? And do you not remember. There seemed no way of doing this except with picks and crowbars. and he looked forward to the peaceful days that he would spend in the corner of the big pasture. They were unnecessary. but very stupid. Napoleon had accepted. out from the door of the farmhouse came a long file of pigs. drive out the humans. when I was a little pig. a little distance beyond the clouds.

 What does that mean. Napoleon then led them back to the store-shed and served out a double ration of corn to everybody. A special committee of pigs had been at work upon them for the past three weeks. with his moonshine of windmills-Snowball. But the pigs were so clever that they could think of a way round every difficulty. It was always the pigs who put forward the resolutions. The animals listened first to Napoleon. The stupidest questions of all were asked by Mollie. Do you know what the real reason was? Snowball was in league with Jones from the very start! He was Jones's secret agent all the time. and in summer by the flies. intimated that he too had a few words to say. Any animal caught singing it was given a flogging on the spot. He sets them to work. through the agency of Whymper. there was something resembling a rebellion. The next moment a choking roar of rage sounded from Napoleon's apartments. They all declared contemptuously that his stories about Sugarcandy Mountain were lies. However. Led by three young Black Minorca pullets. some of the animals were disturbed when they heard that the pigs not only took their meals in the kitchen and used the drawing-room as a recreation room. "I trust that every animal here appreciates the sacrifice that Comrade Napoleon has made in taking this extra labour upon himself. it was theirs-everything that they could see was theirs! In the ecstasy of that thought they gambolled round and round. and the plan which Snowball had drawn on the floor of the incubator shed had actually been stolen from among Napoleon's papers. He would perch on a stump. Who will believe that I did not do this on purpose?""No sentimentality. and might have continued singing it all night if they had not been interrupted. I am twelve years old and have had over four hundred children. Muriel read the Commandment for her. and other necessary arts from books which they had brought out of the farmhouse.

 all the animals turned and fled through the gateway into the yard. which was the signal for retreat. Amazed. Second Class. they hated it more than ever. of whatever degree. nimble movements. And the news soon leaked out that every pig was now receiving a ration of a pint of beer daily. and would also run a circular saw. He said very quietly that the windmill was nonsense and that he advised nobody to vote for it. and a whole flock of geese and hens-everyone. They had never seen animals behave like this before. Benjamin. That was how the mistake had arisen. with all its pastures worn out and its hedges in a disgraceful condition. usually Squealer. and our enemies would be upon us. such as rats and rabbits-are they our friends or our enemies? Let us put it to the vote. and we will build all through the winter.Three days later it was announced that he had died in the hospital at Willingdon.Napoleon took no interest in Snowball's committees. comrade? Have we not driven the enemy off our soil-the sacred soil of Animal Farm? ""But they have destroyed the windmill. such as the pigs and dogs. The cows lowed it. the dogs promptly tore their throats out. then paused and added impressively: "I warn every animal on this farm to keep his eyes very wide open. and as Napoleon was the only boar on the farm. comrades? Have you any record of such a resolution? Is it written down anywhere?" And since it was certainly true that nothing of the kind existed in writing. and finally squeezed herself in between Boxer and Clover; there she purred contentedly throughout Major's speech without listening to a word of what he was saying.

Then they filed back to the farm buildings and halted in silence outside the door of the farmhouse.YEARS passed. where are those four foals you bore. by Snowball-and two other sheep confessed to having murdered an old ram. he said." he said. crying out at the tops of their voices. what the animals must do was to procure firearms and train themselves in the use of them. It was well seasoned. while. he said. after a few preliminary tries. One symptom of this was that they had begun to call Animal Farm by its proper name and ceased to pretend that it was called the Manor Farm. who were generally recognised as being the cleverest of the animals. The two with the hammer and the crowbar were drilling a hole near the base of the windmill.Twelve voices were shouting in anger. and the cleverer ones at once began to learn the Commandments by heart. of course) and tramp steadily round and round the field with a pig walking behind and calling out "Gee up. Napoleon sent for pots of black and white paint and led the way down to the five-barred gate that gave on to the main road. and other necessary arts from books which they had brought out of the farmhouse. it was unnecessary to fence off pasture from arable land." cried Squealer almost pleadingly. and two geese were killed. a little distance beyond the clouds. not even human life. If one of them suggested sowing a bigger acreage with barley. with two biscuits for each dog. not speaking. They.

 for whom they had an almost filial respect; but it was doubtful whether they understood very much of it. Whymper had bought himself a dogcart. and near at hand there lay a lantern." which was conferred there and then on Snowball and Boxer. "Jones's shot only grazed him. Later there would also be need for seeds and artificial manures. after all. and made it a point of honour not to let it be seen that he was in pain. D. which was called Pinchfield. comrades." said Clover. Even when you have conquered him. Frequently it took a whole day of exhausting effort to drag a single boulder to the top of the quarry. it was said. a contract for four hundred eggs a week. The animals chased them right down to the bottom of the field. but in fact no animal had ever actually retired. he had reason to think. and occasionally feeding Moses on crusts of bread soaked in beer. Napoleon took them away from their mothers. There was. even in defence of their own interests. Going back. with two dogs to wait upon him. Who will believe that I did not do this on purpose?""No sentimentality. that sooner or later justice will be done. they had developed a certain respect for the efficiency with which the animals were managing their own affairs. G.

 It was situated somewhere up in the sky. It is summed up in a single word-Man. No one noticed the wondering faces of the animals that gazed in at the window.Though we die before it break;Cows and horses. Napoleon reposed on a bed of straw on the platform. except Jones. his mug in his hand. he lurched across the yard." said Snowball firmly. The animals watched them. but they were promptly silenced by a tremendous growling from the dogs. The other farm. He was trying to kick his way out.By the evening. And in a few days' time the pigs intended to hold a memorial banquet in Boxer's honour. and it would also be necessary to begin saving up again for the machinery for the windmill. Snowball also threw on to the fire the ribbons with which the horses' manes and tails had usually been decorated on market days. Nine hens had died in the meantime. by a tremendous."BOXER'S split hoof was a long time in healing. He seldom talked. Then a sheep confessed to having urinated in the drinking pool-urged to do this. beasts of Ireland. comrade-that Snowball was Jones's agent from the very beginning-yes. Breakfast was an hour later than usual. Muriel began to spell out the words. I have had much time for thought as I lay alone in my stall. they reasoned. were a great success.

 and it was a stirring tune. and after a single singing of Beasts of England. he said. more processions. It was Clover. under the superintendence of the pigs. and it was a stirring tune." or made elementary remarks such as "Mr. Yes. Only Boxer and Clover never lost heart. and various new buildings had been added to it."To celebrate our victory!" cried Squealer. make use of the fallen stones. sing Beasts of England. In his speeches. and the contract for eggs was increased to six hundred a week. he said. as well as on the other two anniversaries. The wheat crop was full of weeds. and found traces of Snowball almost everywhere. that the windmill would be a failure. comrades. But Benjamin pushed her aside and in the midst of a deadly silence he read:" 'Alfred Simmonds. it had been of a society of animals set free from hunger and the whip. they absorbed everything that they were told. menacing growls. TWO LEGS BAD. for the overthrow of the human race! That is my message to you. Comrade Napoleon.

 Squealer easily convinced them that the veterinary surgeon in Willingdon could treat Boxer's case more satisfactorily than could be done on the farm. lifting his trotter and wiping away a tear. every one of you will scream your lives out at the block within a year. and nine enormous dogs wearing brass-studded collars came bounding into the barn. and had been bought by the veterinary surgeon. to be worn on Sundays and holidays. They ran thus:THE SEVEN COMMANDMENTS1. contemptible act. where Mrs. perfect comradeship in the struggle. No animal shall kill any other animal. by their human neighbours. usually Squealer. who thought she remembered a definite ruling against beds.Every Monday Mr. they had entered into a plot to murder Napoleon. and that if they wasted time on the windmill they would all starve to death. there must be no alteration in our plans: they shall be carried out to the day. was in charge of the defensive operations. They were executed immediately. The news of what had happened sped round the farm like wildfire. pointing to the sky with his large beak-"up there. he would say that God had given him a tail to keep the flies off. And when. It had been felt that the existence of a farm owned and operated by pigs was somehow abnormal and was liable to have an unsettling effect in the neighbourhood. it had been found necessary to make a readjustment of rations (Squealer always spoke of it as a "readjustment. If a window was broken or a drain was blocked up. Indeed. more morose and taciturn than ever.

 All were agreed that no animal must ever live there. At first they pretended to laugh to scorn the idea of animals managing a farm for themselves. and near at hand there lay a lantern. During the next three months there was much secret activity. pass on this message of mine to those who come after you. Such were her thoughts. Mollie became more and more troublesome. But once again the men.Then they filed back to the farm buildings and halted in silence outside the door of the farmhouse. No animal shall sleep in a bed.That evening loud laughter and bursts of singing came from the farmhouse. They were just getting their clutches ready for the spring sitting.Presently the tumult died down.Wheat and barley. and Benjamin. But the problem the animals could not at first solve was how to break up the stone into pieces of suitable size. Still. In the evening he returned to the farmhouse himself. They found it comforting to be reminded that. he did learn E. D. perpetually involved in lawsuits and with a name for driving hard bargains. and he read out to her what was written on the wall. Several of them would have protested if they could have found the right arguments. Fill your glasses to the brim. It was as though they had never seen these things before. had already recovered and made off. He was.However.

Suddenly. and how he had not paused for an instant even when the pellets from Jones's gun had wounded his back. The rest of the animals sat facing them in the main body of the barn. He called the animals together and told them that he had a terrible piece of news to impart. Beasts of England had been abolished. and it was a great drawback that no animal was able to use any tool that involved standing on his hind legs. Alone among the animals on the farm he never laughed. Napoleon inhabited separate apartments from the others. the plan could go forward without his interference.It was a pig walking on his hind legs.About this time there occurred a strange incident which hardly anyone was able to understand. Windmill or no windmill. It was noticed that they wagged their tails to him in the same way as the other dogs had been used to do to Mr. and it would also be necessary to begin saving up again for the machinery for the windmill. work hard. the ploughed fields where the young wheat was thick and green. intimated that he too had a few words to say. now mounted on to the raised portion of the floor where Major had previously stood to deliver his speech. executed by Squealer in white paint. "Loyalty and obedience are more important. for I am one of the lucky ones.Soon or late the day is coming. They. even Snowball and Napoleon. First came the hoisting of the flag. should decide all questions of farm policy. and the red roofs of the farm buildings with the smoke curling from the chimneys. "We all saw him running with blood. or any of the present company.

 how many thousands of gallons of milk have you given during this last year? And what has happened to that milk which should have been breeding up sturdy calves? Every drop of it has gone down the throats of our enemies. That was theirs too. He would put his snout to the ground. it was he who had actually been the leader of the human forces. In a moment he was out of the door and they were after him. who had remained on his feet. "Loyalty and obedience are more important. Then he put on an extra spurt and. casting a peculiar sidelong look at Snowball. Immediately the dogs bounded forward. besides supplying every stall with its own electric light. Napoleon himself. Curiously enough.He carried a whip in his trotter. and always ate from the Crown Derby dinner service which had been in the glass cupboard in the drawing-room. comrades? You would not have us too tired to carry out our duties? Surely none of you wishes to see Jones back?"The animals reassured him on this point immediately. F. But in the morning a deep silence hung over the farmhouse. menacing growls."But is this simply part of the order of nature? Is it because this land of ours is so poor that it cannot afford a decent life to those who dwell upon it? No. Whatever goes upon four legs. Until now the animals had been about equally divided in their sympathies. and on occasion a shot was fired from the gun. He does not give milk. as Squealer did not fail to point out. and this sudden uprising of creatures whom they were used to thrashing and maltreating just as they chose. and the skull had already been buried. it was laid down as a rule that when a pig and any other animal met on the path. The pigs' ears were bleeding.