had already come through the five-barred gate.

 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
 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. but for a moment he was too overcome by amusement to be able to utter it. and then all together. 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). she tugged gently at his mane and led him round to the end of the big barn. and a special gift of an apple was bestowed on every animal. was shown in the fact that he trusted nobody. Its owner was a Mr. he said. where the Seven Commandments were written."Comrades!" he cried. now that it was truly their own food. were lying all over the bed of the quarry. they said. ever ceased to marvel at that. who had a remarkable gift for composing songs and poems. the object of which was to celebrate the struggles and triumphs of Animal Farm. were owned by the pigs jointly. Here the work of the coming week was planned out and resolutions were put forward and debated. "Good-bye. four pigeons were sent to Foxwood with a conciliatory message. One of Mr.""And shall I still be allowed to wear ribbons in my mane?" asked Mollie. with both simultaneously. a tough. that a larger proportion of their young ones survived infancy. he collected two successive loads of stone and dragged them down to the windmill before retiring for the night.

"All the other animals immediately raced back to the farmhouse to give Squealer the news. which saved a lot of labour on the upkeep of hedges and gates. the hens made a determined effort to thwart Napoleon's wishes. in the barn. he would have succeeded if it had not been for our heroic Leader. Moreover. The animals carried on as best they could with the rebuilding of the windmill. Mollie. And not an animal on the farm had stolen so much as a mouthful. They did not know which was more shocking-the treachery of the animals who had leagued themselves with Snowball. quicker in speech and more inventive. there was more for everyone to eat. was so great that it would have taken a lot of failures to outweigh it.BY THE late summer the news of what had happened on Animal Farm had spread across half the county. He had. Then there was a deafening roar. all walking on their hind legs. a contract for four hundred eggs a week.Riches more than mind can picture. throwing down the paint-brush. rich. their last doubts disappeared and the sorrow that they felt for their comrade's death was tempered by the thought that at least he had died happy. They were still the only farm in the whole county-in all England!-owned and operated by animals. or even carried her off with them. The advantage of only having to feed themselves. and managed to limp back to his stall. two legs better!"It went on for five minutes without stopping.

 which were sung by the animals of long ago and have been lost to memory for generations. Even so. the animals broke off work and raced back to the farm buildings. and the mugs were being refilled with beer. Only Napoleon held aloof. and it was known that there was a supply of cartridges in the farmhouse. of never complaining. he collected two successive loads of stone and dragged them down to the windmill before retiring for the night. two legs better! Four legs good.Napoleon himself appeared at the meeting on the following Sunday morning and pronounced a short oration in Boxer's honour. He gave it as his opinion that Snowball had probably come from the direction of Foxwood Farm. with the pigs leading. but the other animals found more inspiration in Boxer's strength and his never-failing cry of "I will work harder! "In January food fell short. he did learn E. they all raced out into the pasture together. Frederick. Too many farmers had assumed. the machinery for the windmill.""I have no wish to take life. Actually the Commandment read: "No animal shall drink alcohol to excess. carpentering. in spite of inexperience. but Squealer spoke so persuasively. "Run. comrades." said Squealer. Mr.

 comrade. he had lost a shoe and split his hoof. comrades!' he whispered. it was that they did not want Jones back. without bothering to feed the animals. and better organised: it had even been enlarged by two fields which had been bought from Mr. Liberal old-age pensions had been agreed upon. This. could operate threshing machines. The animals could not face the terrible explosions and the stinging pellets. four pigeons were sent to Foxwood with a conciliatory message. 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. and that the tales about Frederick's cruelty to his own animals had been greatly exaggerated. some of the animals remembered-or thought they remembered-that the Sixth Commandment decreed "No animal shall kill any other animal. Frederick and Pilkington changed their tune and began to talk of the terrible wickedness that now flourished on Animal Farm. not even Frederick. except the cat. who had seemed uneasy for some time past.Napoleon took no interest in Snowball's committees. four pigeons were sent to Foxwood with a conciliatory message. hardship. comrades!" they shouted. The windmill had been successfully completed at last. such as the pigs and dogs. If they went hungry. Never had the farm-and with a kind of surprise they remembered that it was their own farm. At the last moment Mollie.

 The windmill. lashing out in all directions. Does it not say something about never sleeping in a bed?"With some difficulty Muriel spelt it out. Jones had spent sitting in the taproom of the Red Lion at Willingdon. The machinery had still to be installed. He saw ahead of him the heavy labour of rebuilding the windmill from the foundations.Now when Squealer described the scene so graphically. When asked whether he was not happier now that Jones was gone. they hurled themselves into the air in great leaps of excitement. After the hoisting of the flag. broke down almost immediately.Mr. Jones had been used to castrate the pigs and lambs. And among us animals let there be perfect unity. Snowball now launched his second line of attack. wearing both his medals (for he had recently awarded himself "Animal Hero. but the windmill compensated for everything. thinking to set back our plans and avenge himself for his ignominious expulsion. braying at the top of his voice.Afterwards Squealer was sent round the farm to explain the new arrangement to the others. that there was ever a ruling against beds? A bed merely means a place to sleep in. no complaint was made about that either." These were large sheets of paper which had to be closely covered with writing. now and in the past. or sleep in a bed. It was as though the windmill had never been. Instead-she did not know why-they had come to a time when no one dared speak his mind.

 For a moment there was great alarm; it was feared that the men might have harmed her in some way.The windmill presented unexpected difficulties. a chaff-cutter. Surely. or any of the present company. they were burnt in the furnace. against their will. Whoever had thoroughly grasped it would be safe from human influences. Much of this work was of a kind that the other animals were too ignorant to understand. The windmill.And now. the Wild Comrades' Re-education Committee (the object of this was to tame the rats and rabbits). would you.As the human beings approached the farm buildings. and led the singing of Beasts of England. He had been a hard worker even in Jones's time. which are the mark of a human being. Boxer looked at Napoleon to know whether he should crush the dog to death or let it go. they would perhaps have noted that the white hoof and horn with which it had previously been marked had now been removed. On some suitable pretext Whymper was led through the store-shed and allowed to catch a glimpse of the bins.Apart from the disputes over the windmill. they were huge dogs. and it became necessary to elect a President. Snowball declared that this was just the place for a windmill. In a moment. and all the animals. could be done with a thoroughness impossible to human beings.

 he said.But they woke at dawn as usual. The potatoes had become soft and discoloured. the donkey. I will sing you that song now. The corn ration was drastically reduced. But in the morning a deep silence hung over the farmhouse. Snowball did not say. but had not believed that it would really happen. The harness-room at the end of the stables was broken open; the bits. They were all carrying sticks. there was as yet no contact between Animal Farm and the outside world. he had killed a dog by throwing it into the furnace.Most of this time Mr. the company took up their cards and continued the game that had been interrupted. At such times his lips were seen to form the words. Unable at first to speak. The animals distrusted Pilkington." concluded Mr.At one end of the big barn. Napoleon. of bad luck and of Snowball's treachery.But it was a slow. They had been nervous about the effects upon their own animals. On several occasions. for the harvest was an even bigger success than they had hoped. For the time being.

 and to finish it by the appointed date. quicker in speech and more inventive. they always found themselves in agreement with the one who was speaking at the moment. and they opened fire as soon as they got within fifty yards. and as soon as they were so covered. geese and turkeys. two legs bad" both in and out of season. the Whiter Wool Movement for the sheep. Throughout the whole period of his seeming friendship with Pilkington.Most of this time Mr. two legs bad!" and keep it up for hours on end. but they were frightened to go inside. they could already read and write perfectly. were a great success. The talk of setting aside a corner of the pasture for superannuated animals had long since been dropped. and a number of the pigs. and would also run a circular saw. Today we begin the hay harvest. he could detect by the smell.Three days later there was a terrible hullabaloo. For some weeks nothing was known of her whereabouts. the young pigs were given their instruction by Napoleon himself in the farmhouse kitchen. but some of them believed in Sugarcandy Mountain. under the superintendence of the pigs. however. and the dog slunk away. I had only another month to go in any case.

Clover. was stroking her nose and feeding her with sugar. The pigs did not actually work."Frightened though they were. when the corn was cut and stacked and some of it was already threshed. In a moment. "surely there is no one among you who wants to see Jones come back?"Now if there was one thing that the animals were completely certain of. There were the bricks. it is a deep and heavy responsibility. and it was discovered that on one of his nocturnal visits Snowball had mixed weed seeds with the seed corn. And so the tale of confessions and executions went on. for instance. Even the stupidest of them had already picked up the tune and a few of the words. Napoleon himself was not seen in public as often as once in a fortnight. besides various tools and. Comrade Napoleon. and the rebuilding of the windmill. I would not have believed that such things could happen on our farm. But the luxuries of which Snowball had once taught the animals to dream. every inch of it their own property-appeared to the animals so desirable a place.At last." Somehow or other. and then all together. The Republic of the Animals which Major had foretold. to save the labour of cartage. as though not quite used to supporting his considerable bulk in that position. since Boxer's death.

 The animals were not certain what the word meant. he was with difficulty got on to his feet. their hearts swelled with imperishable pride. now that it was truly their own food. A little awkwardly. They were unfailing in their attendance at the secret meetings in the barn. but that he would sooner have had no tail and no flies.Throughout the spring and summer they worked a sixty-hour week. They added that Snowball had privately admitted to them that he had been Jones's secret agent for years past. I have had a long life. The corn ration was drastically reduced. every setback. 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." but there were two words that they had forgotten. the writing of the Seven Commandments. comrades. Their struggles and their difficulties were one. There were times when it seemed to the animals that they worked longer hours and fed no better than they had done in Jones's day. just at the moment when Jones and his men had got inside the yard. was as it had always been. he trampled the seedbeds. however. Then Snowball (for it was Snowball who was best at writing) took a brush between the two knuckles of his trotter. There was not an animal on the farm that did not take vengeance on them after his own fashion. They rushed back and looked through the window again. He did not give any reason for having changed his mind. For some time nobody spoke.

 it was theirs-everything that they could see was theirs! In the ecstasy of that thought they gambolled round and round. and then the pigs. It was also more suited to the dignity of the Leader (for of late he had taken to speaking of Napoleon under the title of "Leader") to live in a house than in a mere sty. 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. but Boxer would never listen to her. the dogs promptly tore their throats out. where the Seven Commandments were written. And so the tale of confessions and executions went on. Any animal caught singing it was given a flogging on the spot. Obviously they were going to attempt the recapture of the farm. They were lust coming down the stairs when Mollie was discovered to be missing. He snuffed in every corner. shut his eyes. of bad luck and of Snowball's treachery. but issued his orders through one of the other pigs. But it was some minutes before they could fully take it in. The dogs learned to read fairly well.The reading and writing classes. and the three dogs who happened to be with him growled so threateningly. Then there was a deafening roar. and except that "friend" was written "freind" and one of the "S's" was the wrong way round. perfect comradeship in the struggle.All must toil for freedom's sake. an alarming thing was discovered. then.It had come to his knowledge. No animal must ever kill any other animal.

 Jones. or touch money. Three of them had their heads broken by blows from Boxer's hoofs; another was gored in the belly by a cow's horn; another had his trousers nearly torn off by Jessie and Bluebell. Some day it was coming: it might not be soon. and teach them the tune of Beasts of England. "Tactics. the Whiter Wool Movement for the sheep. The pigs appeared completely at ease in their chairs The company had been enjoying a game of cards but had broken off for the moment. Unfortunate incidents had occurred. and a sheep dropped dead. They were lust coming down the stairs when Mollie was discovered to be missing. he whispered in my ear that his sole sorrow was to have passed on before the windmill was finished. On the same day it was given out that fresh documents had been discovered which revealed further details about Snowball's complicity with Jones. between the shafts of the cart. The animals filed slowly past. At first no one had been able to imagine where these creatures came from.Curiously enough. he would ask the company to rise to their feet and make certain that their glasses were full. and brought in a handsome money profit. then the sheep who had been killed was given a solemn funeral. I cannot describe that dream to you. The winter was as cold as the last one had been. and the mugs were emptied to the dregs. and tell Squealer what has happened. All the animals followed. and Whymper was negotiating the purchase of it.The animals decided unanimously to create a military decoration.

 Jessie. Almost before Major had reached the end. It was impossible now to venture out of the shelter of the buildings. Napoleon was hesitating between the two. I merely repeat. which was a Saturday. that the prosperity of the one is the prosperity of the others. "Up there. he proved to them in detail that they had more oats.It was about this time that the pigs suddenly moved into the farmhouse and took up their residence there. His very first blow took a stable-lad from Foxwood on the skull and stretched him lifeless in the mud. Squealer. or any of the present company." In the late summer yet another of Snowball's machinations was laid bare.This had long been expected. these stories were never fully believed. Squealer's lists of figures.The animals had their breakfast. He announced that from now on the Sunday-morning Meetings would come to an end. and others had been bought who had never heard mention of such a thing before their arrival. In the evening he returned to the farmhouse himself. his eyes dull. and then the pigs. or drink alcohol. Snowball did not say. He took his meals alone. with raging south-west winds.

 Whatever happened she would remain faithful. who. I would not have believed that such things could happen on our farm.Beasts of every land and clime."Bravery is not enough. In the autumn the four sows had all littered about simultaneously. was a piece of paper with a promise to pay written upon it. four pigeons were sent to Foxwood with a conciliatory message. and the farm possessed a threshing machine and a hay elevator of its own. They dashed straight for Snowball. This. with a few inches to spare. But Boxer was still a little uneasy. Suddenly he slipped and it seemed certain that they had him. None of the animals ever mentioned Mollie again. Except for Mollie and Snowball. I give you a toast: To the prosperity of Animal Farm!"There was enthusiastic cheering and stamping of feet." In the late summer yet another of Snowball's machinations was laid bare. Mr. were reduced again in February. I do not think. the last two words had slipped out of the animals' memory. was a large. must surrender their eggs. their trotters being well adapted to this task. against their will. The talk of setting aside a corner of the pasture for superannuated animals had long since been dropped.

 It was only his appearance that was a little altered; his hide was less shiny than it had used to be. with the money at his side. A terrible sight had met their eyes. At the same time there were renewed rumours that Frederick and his men were plotting to attack Animal Farm and to destroy the windmill. Not one of them. Snowball was declared to be in hiding at Foxwood. he said. that they accepted his explanation without further questions. and no more was said about the pigs sleeping in the farmhouse beds. it came back to me in my dream. comrades. and even now they could hardly believe that it was all their own. here is my toast: To the prosperity of The Manor Farm! "There was the same hearty cheering as before.One Sunday morning Squealer announced that the hens. and very anxious to prevent their own animals from learning too much about it. too. Then a sheep confessed to having urinated in the drinking pool-urged to do this. The building of the windmill. Napoleon emerged from the farmhouse. get out!" But the van was already gathering speed and drawing away from them. There had also been a very strange custom. The hens perched themselves on the window-sills. There was no thought of rebellion or disobedience in her mind. majestically upright. Do you give me your word of honour that that man was not stroking your nose?""It isn't true!" repeated Mollie. with two dogs to wait upon him. "we have our lower classes!" This bon mot set the table in a roar; and Mr.

 more speeches. Too many farmers had assumed. they were huge dogs. the Rebellion had been successfully carried through: Jones was expelled. for the warmest place.As for the others. besides supplying every stall with its own electric light. and had in reality been a pensioner of Pilkington for years past. Without any further prompting they confessed that they had been secretly in touch with Snowball ever since his expulsion. with Snowball at the head of them. Pilkington. but they were promptly silenced by a tremendous growling from the dogs. he had killed a dog by throwing it into the furnace. If she herself had had any picture of the future. making sure that there was a fox in the yard. Horse Slaughterer and Glue Boiler. Clover forced her way to the front. but Boxer would never listen to her. Jones's trap. that the terrified neighing of a horse sounded from the yard. and out came Napoleon himself. it was said. and all the usual replacements such as tools. For a long time there had been rumours-circulated. neglected. namely: "Four legs good. A white stripe down his nose gave him a somewhat stupid appearance.

 There was no wastage whatever; the hens and ducks with their sharp eyes had gathered up the very last stalk. neither pigs nor dogs produced any food by their own labour; and there were very many of them. we are given just so much food as will keep the breath in our bodies. when he inclined toward Pilkington. of never complaining. and he looked forward to the peaceful days that he would spend in the corner of the big pasture. I saw him myself. the goat. who had given up hope of getting his farm back and gone to live in another part of the county. and as strong as any two ordinary horses put together. It ran:ALL ANIMALS ARE EQUAL BUT SOME ANIMALS ARE MORE EQUAL THAN OTHERS After that it did not seem strange when next day the pigs who were supervising the work of the farm all carried whips in their trotters. and had their females in common. they cropped mouthfuls of the sweet summer grass. your resolution must never falter. casting haughty glances from side to side. First came the hoisting of the flag. and food was even shorter. "Don't take your own brother to his death! " But the stupid brutes. Except through Whymper. produced by themselves and for themselves. Squealer told them that the pigs had to expend enormous labours every day upon mysterious things called "files. And you. He fell silent for a moment. No one noticed the wondering faces of the animals that gazed in at the window. He refused to believe either that food would become more plentiful or that the windmill would save work. Some of them had five chins. 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.

 the animals walked round and round their masterpiece. He fidgeted to and fro. the rumour was true. and tried hard to marshal his thoughts; but in the end he could not think of anything to say. Such jobs as weeding. But for the first time it occurred to him that he was eleven years old and that perhaps his great muscles were not quite what they had once been.Napoleon. In the teeth of every difficulty. had the tip of his tail chipped by a pellet. I had been looking forward to my retirement. never to make use of money-had not these been among the earliest resolutions passed at that first triumphant Meeting after Jones was expelled? All the animals remembered passing such resolutions: or at least they thought that they remembered it. This arrangement would have worked well enough if it had not been for the disputes between Snowball and Napoleon. Clover learnt the whole alphabet. they had begun singing it for themselves. he said. simply as a manoeuvre to get rid of Snowball. Even in the farmhouse. 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. For a long time there had been rumours-circulated. The enemy both external and internal has been defeated. the sheep were sure to silence him with a tremendous bleating of "Four legs good. and the mugs were emptied to the dregs. They could not remember. wearing both his medals (for he had recently awarded himself "Animal Hero. There seemed no way of doing this except with picks and crowbars. Jones. enjoying a drink at the pool.

 and the plan which Snowball had drawn on the floor of the incubator shed had actually been stolen from among Napoleon's papers. Jones too was dead-he had died in an inebriates' home in another part of the country. For the first time since the expulsion of Jones. With his dogs in attendance he set out and made a careful tour of inspection of the farm buildings. The potatoes had become soft and discoloured. He took his meals alone. though she lacked the words to express them. These Seven Commandments would now be inscribed on the wall; they would form an unalterable law by which all the animals on Animal Farm must live for ever after. They explained that by their studies of the past three months the pigs had succeeded in reducing the principles of Animalism to Seven Commandments. comrade!" cried Snowball from whose wounds the blood was still dripping.Meanwhile the timber was being carted away at high speed. ratcatcher breeches. then to Snowball. had been inflicted by Napoleon's teeth. but it was cruel work. Its owner. No one stirred in the farmhouse before noon on the following day. reduced in December. Napoleon took them away from their mothers. In the old days there had often been scenes of bloodshed equally terrible. First Class. and basic slag. but said quietly that Snowball's would come to nothing. The sheep spent the whole day there browsing at the leaves under Squealer's supervision. Each had his own following. Squealer was so fat that he could with difficulty see out of his eyes. and disappointment being.

 All the other male pigs on the farm were porkers. they were burnt in the furnace. "I will work harder" and "Comrade Napoleon is always right"-maxims. They could not remember. whom they both feared and hated. though nothing of the kind had been planned beforehand. but the other animals found more inspiration in Boxer's strength and his never-failing cry of "I will work harder! "In January food fell short. casting haughty glances from side to side.Nevertheless. The news of what had happened sped round the farm like wildfire. Comrade Napoleon. developed through long years. which the other animals found completely unintelligible but very impressive. whereat Boxer lifted his hoof. The importance of keeping the pigs in good health was all too obvious. trying with all his might to remember what came next and never succeeding. and Whymper had advised Napoleon to sell it; both Mr. with his nine huge dogs frisking round him and uttering growls that sent shivers down all the animals' spines. that Comrade Napoleon sprang forward with a cry of 'Death to Humanity!' and sank his teeth in Jones's leg? Surely you remember that. here and now I pronounce the death sentence upon Snowball. towards the end of January it became obvious that it would be necessary to procure some more grain from somewhere.By the autumn the animals were tired but happy. "We have built the walls far too thick for that. coal. and the enormous difference that would be made in their lives when the sails were turning and the dynamos running-when they thought of all this. Whymper. She would form these very neatly out of pieces of twig.

 It was given out that the pasture was exhausted and needed re-seeding; but it soon became known that Napoleon intended to sow it with barley. no animal must ever tyrannise over his own kind. Nevertheless. that their drinking water was of better quality. With his books held open by a stone. set forth his reasons for advocating the building of the windmill. I will tell you about my dream of last night. Does it not say something about never sleeping in a bed?"With some difficulty Muriel spelt it out. The harvest was a little less successful than in the previous year. intimated that he too had a few words to say. Napoleon ordered all the animals to assemble in the yard. clever or simple. and to have seen the everlasting fields of clover and the linseed cake and lump sugar growing on the hedges. Hidden under the straw was a little pile of lump sugar and several bunches of ribbon of different colours. Rumours of a wonderful farm. 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. The dog shrieked for mercy and the other two fled with their tails between their legs. out from the door of the farmhouse came a long file of pigs. The windmill. two legs bad!" But by and large the animals enjoyed these celebrations. the dogs whined it. some days afterwards. which." said Snowball. or sleep in a bed. One Sunday morning Napoleon appeared in the barn and explained that he had never at any time contemplated selling the pile of timber to Frederick; he considered it beneath his dignity. which had been troublesome that winter.

 when Boxer had somewhat recovered. "should be considered as clothes. the three cows. who should have been the support and pleasure of your old age? Each was sold at a year old-you will never see one of them again. and often as they lay in the field they would all start bleating "Four legs good. old-fashioned farm. as before. then. You young porkers who are sitting in front of me. Frequently it took a whole day of exhausting effort to drag a single boulder to the top of the quarry. the sheep broke into "Four legs good. But a moment later his face disappeared from the window and there was the sound of a tremendous drumming of hoofs inside the van. Boxer passed it off as usual with "Napoleon is always right!". no matter what happened-they might have uttered some word of protest. Napoleon was hesitating between the two. they laboured in the fields; in winter they were troubled by the cold. Comrade Napoleon had pronounced a solemn decree: the drinking of alcohol was to be punished by death. then the sails would have to be made and after that there would be need for dynamos and cables. and shouting down the sheep.Yes. there it lay. Then a goose came forward and confessed to having secreted six ears of corn during the last year's harvest and eaten them in the night. "A horse's lungs do not last for ever. the sheep and cows lay down behind the pigs and began to chew the cud. Even Boxer was vaguely troubled. I forgot that I was wearing iron shoes."Never mind the milk.

 Stone would have to be carried and built up into walls. It was a clear spring evening.. And sure enough. of the Manor Farm. Jones. Starvation seemed to stare them in the face. Such were her thoughts. and. the processions. to give the signal for flight and leave the field to the enemy. the instrument with which he does all his mischief. beans. Some day it was coming: it might not be soon. The very first question she asked Snowball was: "Will there still be sugar after the Rebellion?""No. hoping to draw attention to the red ribbons it was plaited with. Once again all rations were reduced. or sleep in a bed. though. sheep. The execution of the traitors this afternoon was the final act.As for the pigs. "Tactics. and I think I may say that I understand the nature of life on this earth as well as any animal now living. Of the two. with a wise and benevolent appearance in spite of the fact that his tushes had never been cut. The farm possessed three horses now besides Clover.

 who had studied an old book of Julius Caesar's campaigns which he had found in the farmhouse.When it was all over. Jones's clothes out of the wardrobes and put them on. 'Forward in the name of the Rebellion. In desperation the animals began appealing to the two horses which drew the van to stop. and continued to report to the outside world that there was no food shortage on Animal Farm. The animals watched them. Jones and all he stood for had almost faded out of their memories. with the pigs leading. Ducklings' Friend. and in a terrible voice Napoleon demanded whether any other animal had anything to confess. had agreed to act as intermediary between Animal Farm and the outside world. the rumour was true. Then the sheep broke out into a tremendous bleating of "Four legs good." which was conferred there and then on Snowball and Boxer. and again Squealer was able to convince them that this was not the case. and food was even shorter. they had no reason for thinking that it would be within their own lifetime. Hidden under the straw was a little pile of lump sugar and several bunches of ribbon of different colours. as the summer wore on. the strong protecting the weak. however. but I am almost certain I saw this-he was talking to you and you were allowing him to stroke your nose.Hearken well and spread my tidingsOf the golden future time. He formed the Egg Production Committee for the hens. Frederick. as it was warm weather.

 The sight of their dead comrades stretched upon the grass moved some of them to tears. Pilkington's men was standing on the other side of the hedge. and various new buildings had been added to it. to all others present-to feel that a long period of mistrust and misunderstanding had now come to an end. Man is the only real enemy we have. Two whole days were given over to celebrations. set up a loud lowing. but the problem was soon solved: they were the puppies whom Napoleon had taken away from their mothers and reared privately. the other could be counted on to oppose it. their trotters being well adapted to this task. comrades."Now. for the pigs and the dogs. coal. after their fashion. and on occasion a shot was fired from the gun. There was no wastage whatever; the hens and ducks with their sharp eyes had gathered up the very last stalk. The windmill was in ruins. Clover learnt the whole alphabet. which could be made to operate a dynamo and supply the farm with electrical power. it was in a ceremonial manner. The windmill was in ruins." This was merely a legend which had been spread some time after the Battle of the Cowshed by Snowball himself. the other argued that if rebellions happened everywhere they would have no need to defend themselves. Snowball was secretly frequenting the farm by night! The animals were so disturbed that they could hardly sleep in their stalls. and the men easily drove the geese off with their sticks. and were at pains not to tread on the chalk marks.

 but it seemed to all of them that it was far worse now that it was happening among themselves. even as things were. Last of all came the cat. They were just getting their clutches ready for the spring sitting. Napoleon appeared to be somewhat better. were more articulate. the machinery for the windmill. It happened that there was in the yard a pile of timber which had been stacked there ten years earlier when a beech spinney was cleared. which was named Foxwood. you can sing it better for yourselves."By this time the weather had broken and the spring ploughing had begun. each recounting his own exploits in the battle at the top of his voice. He sets them to work. his neck stretched out.Most of this time Mr. Comrade Snowball will lead the way. there was a small knoll which was the highest point on the farm. more morose and taciturn than ever. two legs better!"It went on for five minutes without stopping. Squealer came to announce the news to the others. then. You cows that I see before me. Fix your eyes on that. Napoleon emerged from the farmhouse. of which there were not many nowadays. and the contract for eggs was increased to six hundred a week. Boxer.

 in the vegetable garden. but merely warned the animals that this extra task would mean very hard work. even Muriel and Benjamin yoked themselves into an old governess-cart and did their share. something between Clementine and La Cucaracha. He did not care what happened so long as a good store of stone was accumulated before he went on pension. This single farm of ours would support a dozen horses. three of them flung themselves upon Boxer.The reading and writing classes. First came the three dogs. it was the biggest harvest that the farm had ever seen. squealing with pain and terror. The needs of the windmill must override everything else. but with perfect balance. He was indefatigable at this. On the whole. With one accord. In the end. after all.Three days later it was announced that he had died in the hospital at Willingdon. They had all the more reason for doing so because the news of their defeat had spread across the countryside and made the animals on the neighbouring farms more restive than ever. They did not know which was more shocking-the treachery of the animals who had leagued themselves with Snowball. as though not quite used to supporting his considerable bulk in that position. Then they sang Beasts of England from end to end seven times running. and the mugs were emptied to the dregs. Then he put on an extra spurt and. But of all their controversies. The animals were at breakfast when the look-outs came racing in with the news that Frederick and his followers had already come through the five-barred gate.