Boxer was an enormous beast. On Midsummer's Eve. of Foxwood. Fill your glasses to the brim. pigs. hens.

 and in a terrible voice Napoleon demanded whether any other animal had anything to confess
 and in a terrible voice Napoleon demanded whether any other animal had anything to confess. without bothering to feed the animals. The Commandments were written on the tarred wall in great white letters that could be read thirty yards away. and the rest of the pigs. Frederick was the more anxious to get hold of it. hundreds of sheep-and all of them living in a comfort and a dignity that are now almost beyond our imagining. we must not come to resemble him. She would vanish for hours on end. it came back to me in my dream. The building of the windmill. or drink alcohol. and Benjamin. As for the horses. so that that year the hens barely hatched enough chicks to keep their numbers at the same level. an especially devoted follower of Napoleon. Comrades. And suddenly. Snowball had made a close study of some back numbers of the Farmer and Stockbreeder which he had found in the farmhouse. whom they referred to as "Master. which was always served to him in the Crown Derby soup tureen. he would utter nothing beyond the cryptic remark that donkeys live a long time. the pension would be five pounds of corn a day and. with half a dozen guns between them. the animals watched the long line of pigs march slowly round the yard. but was not considered to have the same depth of character.

 their tiredness forsook them and they gambolled round and round the windmill. running faster than ever. and it was agreed by an overwhelming majority that rats were comrades. even as things were. presided over by himself. Jessie. and the mugs were emptied to the dregs. Last night. their enemies in flight. His twelfth birthday was approaching. Napoleon snuffed deeply at them and pronounced them to be Snowball's. and his great sides matted with sweat. What then must we do? Why. and nothing could be done in the fields. attended by his dogs and his cockerel. properly regarded.YEARS passed. Tomorrow Frederick's wagons would arrive and begin carting it away. sand. The dogs flanked the procession and at the head of all marched Napoleon's black cockerel. told the sheep to stay where they were. As soon as they were weaned. There was a good quarry of limestone on the farm. Unable at first to speak. Never listen when they tell you that Man and the animals have a common interest.

 the animals were somewhat surprised to hear Napoleon announce that the windmill was to be built after all. where Snowball and Napoleon sent for a ladder which they caused to be set against the end wall of the big barn. Without saying anything to the others. The windmill had been successfully completed at last. and a number of the pigs. never to engage in trade. with the nine young dogs forming a semicircle round them. and a speech by Squealer giving particulars of the latest increases in the production of foodstuffs. and that they were continually fighting among themselves and had resorted to cannibalism and infanticide. Their relations with the human race were now not quite the same as they had been before. At eleven o'clock Squealer came out to make another announcement. and lime for the schoolroom to be purchased. Snowball flung his fifteen stone against Jones's legs. they reasoned. to have dealings with scoundrels of that description.Rings shall vanish from our noses. Stone would have to be carried and built up into walls. Truth to tell. but Clover. seeming to know in advance that some terrible thing was about to happen. towards the end of January it became obvious that it would be necessary to procure some more grain from somewhere.Out of spite. All the other male pigs on the farm were porkers. the human beings pretended not to believe that it was Snowball who had destroyer the windmill: they said that it had fallen down because the walls were too thin. tucked his fore hoofs beneath him.

 (How these were to be procured. His body was buried at the foot of the orchard. the fields were full of weeds." he said. there must be no alteration in our plans: they shall be carried out to the day. it was felt that the killings which had taken place did not square with this. Actually the Commandment read: "No animal shall drink alcohol to excess. The corn ration was drastically reduced. producing thirty-one young pigs between them. and his little eyes darted suspicious glances from side to side before he proceeded. would have been contrary to the principles of Animalism. On every kind of pretext she would run away from work and go to the drinking pool. The next moment a choking roar of rage sounded from Napoleon's apartments. your resolution must never falter.The mystery of where the milk went to was soon cleared up. A few minutes later two pigeons came racing in with the news: "Boxer has fallen! He is lying on his side and can't get up!"About half the animals on the farm rushed out to the knoll where the windmill stood. it was noticed. they said. At the same time he warned them that after this treacherous deed the worst was to be expected. twenty cows. but. After this they went back to the farm buildings. they were partly offset by the fact that life nowadays had a greater dignity than it had had before. without speaking. As his last act upon earth.

"BOXER'S split hoof was a long time in healing. he had lost a shoe and split his hoof. but spent all his time in the farmhouse. It was a savage. The dogs saw to it that these orders were carried out. they knew every inch of the field. They were so delighted with the song that they sang it right through five times in succession. just at the moment when Jones and his men had got inside the yard. and had charged into battle with the words "Long live Humanity!" on his lips. Whymper heard nothing of this affair. But it appears to me that that wall looks different. According to Snowball. Napoleon was now a mature boar of twenty-four stone. But Boxer was still a little uneasy. Benjamin. For example. they absorbed everything that they were told. Mollie became more and more troublesome. the prize Middle White boar. in which. and accept the leadership of Napoleon. the animals were stricken with curiosity."Boxer!" cried Clover in a terrible voice. and it was only by a swift dash for their holes that the rats saved their lives. with half a dozen guns between them.

The mystery of where the milk went to was soon cleared up.By the autumn the animals were tired but happy. Snowball launched his first attack.Presently the tumult died down. as they imagined. After a moment. the long working hours. the men were glad enough to rush out of the yard and make a bolt for the main road. the only Berkshire on the farm. it was not from feeding tyrannical human beings; if they worked hard.Once again the animals were conscious of a vague uneasiness. Frederick and his men might make their long-expected attack at any moment.The three hens who had been the ringleaders in the attempted rebellion over the eggs now came forward and stated that Snowball had appeared to them in a dream and incited them to disobey Napoleon's orders. but it was cruel work. nails. Frederick. comrades!" they shouted. Jones's dressing-table. Jones was asleep. was a piece of paper with a promise to pay written upon it. sheep."Terrified. It was fully realised that though the human beings had been defeated in the Battle of the Cowshed they might make another and more determined attempt to recapture the farm and reinstate Mr. But somehow neither the words nor the tune ever seemed to the animals to come up to Beasts of England. work hard.

 and when they came back in the evening it was noticed that the milk had disappeared. But it appears to me that that wall looks different. What does that mean.And now. He was rumoured to be hiding on one of the neighbouring farms. but spent all his time in the farmhouse. comrades. If so. the remaining animals. Remember. I do not think. The animals were not certain what the word meant. that is different!" said Boxer." and "Animal Hero. suitable for drawing on." In the late summer yet another of Snowball's machinations was laid bare. and then Snowball and Napoleon called them together again. that they accepted his explanation without further questions. the plan could go forward without his interference. I would not have believed that such things could happen on our farm. better than that? But the explanation was really very simple. who only sprang from his place just in time to escape their snapping jaws. he was sure.Apart from the disputes over the windmill. quick!" he shouted.

 for the warmest place. at the critical moment. Mr. No one believes more firmly than Comrade Napoleon that all animals are equal. on the ground that it made them fat). and the other pigs sitting behind. and in fact understood the business of mowing and raking far better than Jones and his men had ever done. Clover forced her way to the front. Do you not remember how. you do not want Jones back?"Once again this argument was unanswerable. "I was at his bedside at the very last. should welcome this sacrifice as their own special contribution towards the building of the windmill. and then the building began. Henceforward the farm was to be known as "The Manor Farm"-which. however. When they got up again.4. flap his black wings. and two geese were killed. comrades. were more articulate.Silent and terrified. had been a capable farmer. What was it that had altered in the faces of the pigs? Clover's old dim eyes flitted from one face to another. for dogs at nine.

 and tell Squealer what has happened. then the dogs were gaining on him again. giving birth between them to nine sturdy puppies. All the pigeons. was its correct and original name. I dislike them myself. were arranging to install a telephone. but still it was coming. and used to write them out once or twice every day to refresh his memory.YEARS passed.At about the same time it was given out that Napoleon had arranged to sell the pile of timber to Mr.He should have learned to beFaithful and true to thee. Boxer's face. who had a remarkable gift for composing songs and poems. and they sang it three times over-very tunefully. to save the labour of cartage. he said. But of all their controversies." said Squealer. trying with all his might to remember what came next and never succeeding. and in a couple of minutes every animal was at his post. 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. The blackbirds whistled it in the hedges. 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. The life of an animal is misery and slavery: that is the plain truth.

 The plot was for Snowball. and we will build all through the winter. There was nothing with which they could compare their present lives: they had nothing to go upon except Squealer's lists of figures. where they were toppled over the edge. the fruit of all their struggles. in those days they had been slaves and now they were free. he would ask the company to rise to their feet and make certain that their glasses were full. and all preparations had been made. sheep. Only Napoleon held aloof. and all the sheep. unable even to raise his head. and she complained of mysterious pains. All the same. whereat Boxer lifted his hoof. the rumours of an impending treacherous attack grew stronger and stronger. were hungry and laborious; was it not right and just that a better world should exist somewhere else? A thing that was difficult to determine was the attitude of the pigs towards Moses. and a young pig named Pinkeye was given the task of tasting all his food before he ate it.Clover.At the beginning. he said. He would trace out A. 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. they stood gazing mournfully at the litter of fallen stone Napoleon paced to and fro in silence. Only after weeks of vain effort did the right idea occur to somebody-namely.

 of marching every Sunday morning past a boar's skull which was nailed to a post in the garden. it was usually to make some cynical remark-for instance. Surely. and of the habit. which was named Foxwood.The animals crowded round the van. it is a deep and heavy responsibility. It had been agreed that they should all meet in the big barn as soon as Mr. Straw was laid down outside the doors of the farmhouse. and the afternoon was given up to recreation. When Mr. he did learn E. and yet there is not one of us that owns more than his bare skin."He is dead. It had become usual to give Napoleon the credit for every successful achievement and every stroke of good fortune. the animals were satisfied that they had been mistaken. They were the same four pigs as had protested when Napoleon abolished the Sunday Meetings. which was named Foxwood. to the number of thirty-five. It was situated somewhere up in the sky.Now. He assured them that the resolution against engaging in trade and using money had never been passed. the object of which was to celebrate the struggles and triumphs of Animal Farm.Napoleon decreed that there should be a full investigation into Snowball's activities. or any of the present company.

It was about this time that the pigs suddenly moved into the farmhouse and took up their residence there. "We all saw him running with blood. When time passed and the animals had evidently not starved to death. They were all slain on the spot. "Fools! Do you not see what is written on the side of that van?"That gave the animals pause. The sheep were the greatest devotees of the Spontaneous Demonstration. There were the bricks. comrades. an alarming thing was discovered. tell them the story of the Rebellion. never shirking and never volunteering for extra work either. 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. here and now I pronounce the death sentence upon Snowball." and had actually jumped to the conclusion that Boxer was being sent to the knacker's. And Boxer put out his nose to sniff at the bank-notes. so that future generations shall carry on the struggle until it is victorious. He snuffed in every corner. they slept on straw. 'No animal shall sleep in a bed with sheets. came skipping towards them. simply took advantage of it. comrade-that Snowball was Jones's agent from the very beginning-yes. Hitherto the animals on the farm had had a rather foolish custom of addressing one another as "Comrade. Only after weeks of vain effort did the right idea occur to somebody-namely. The cows declared unanimously that Snowball crept into their stalls and milked them in their sleep.

 It had not been possible. From now onwards I shall get up a full hour earlier in the mornings. A minute later all five of them were in full flight down the cart-track that led to the main road. 'Animal Hero." In the late summer yet another of Snowball's machinations was laid bare. Frequently he did not even appear on Sunday mornings. listening to him. comrades. They had not been milked for twenty-four hours. Jessie. Even the tune of Beasts of England was perhaps hummed secretly here and there: at any rate. the sight of Napoleon.Napoleon decreed that there should be a full investigation into Snowball's activities. Napoleon's own creation. carrying tiny wisps of hay in their beaks. Boxer and Clover. it seemed to the animals that they did remember it. everyone. but of late the subject had been discussed more and more."' she announced finally. and his great sides matted with sweat.The three hens who had been the ringleaders in the attempted rebellion over the eggs now came forward and stated that Snowball had appeared to them in a dream and incited them to disobey Napoleon's orders. and was full of plans for innovations and improvements. and sometimes used to read to the others in the evenings from scraps of newspaper which she found on the rubbish heap. they had entered into a plot to murder Napoleon.

 and the contract for eggs was increased to six hundred a week. Snowball was said to be at Pinchfield. and was holding it against her shoulder and admiring herself in the glass in a very foolish manner. comrades. 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). as they imagined. and a special gift of an apple was bestowed on every animal. to all others present-to feel that a long period of mistrust and misunderstanding had now come to an end. and sharply ordered Boxer to let the dog go. He was rumoured to be hiding on one of the neighbouring farms. comrades. Moreover. sheep broke down hedges and devoured the clover." said Boxer in a weak voice. Frederick and his men might make their long-expected attack at any moment. Pilkington had each played an ace of spades simultaneously. and a murmur of dismay went round. he said. who had been hiding behind the hedge. The mechanical details came mostly from three books which had belonged to Mr. when they were astonished to see Benjamin come galloping from the direction of the farm buildings. but it seemed to all of them that it was far worse now that it was happening among themselves. Actually the Commandment read: "No animal shall drink alcohol to excess. and the skull had already been buried. occasionally snuffing at the ground.

 At a moment when the opening was clear. Jones and all his men. was inscribed on the end wall of the barn. hearing in it a prophecy of their future doom. That night there came from the farmhouse the sound of loud singing."Mollie. as usual.Most of this time Mr. and the root cause of hunger and overwork is abolished for ever. that is different!" said Boxer.The mystery of where the milk went to was soon cleared up. with the money at his side. as they imagined. For a moment there was great alarm; it was feared that the men might have harmed her in some way. the tame raven.""That was part of the arrangement!" cried Squealer. The animals lashed ropes round these. in spite of receiving every attention a horse could have. Yes. the crowing of the cockerel. which could be made to operate a dynamo and supply the farm with electrical power. It was lucky that the owners of the two farms which adjoined Animal Farm were on permanently bad terms. it was a fact that every animal on the farm knew it. As usual. he said.

 Every night. with an escort of six dogs who closely surrounded him and growled if anyone came too near. was distinctly seen to emerge from the back door. as we now know. The animals watched them. and the next moment the cowardly enemy was running for dear life. Building had to stop because it was now too wet to mix the cement. One day. Snowball was racing across the long pasture that led to the road. Finally Napoleon raised his trotter for silence and announced that he had already made all the arrangements. The wheat crop was full of weeds. the anniversary of the Rebellion." "reports. He did not give any reason for having changed his mind. The price of these would pay for enough grain and meal to keep the farm going till summer came on and conditions were easier. unable to make up his mind. the Wild Comrades' Re-education Committee (the object of this was to tame the rats and rabbits). You would not rob us of our repose. To my mind this explains a great deal. the other animal must stand aside: and also that all pigs. hundreds of sheep-and all of them living in a comfort and a dignity that are now almost beyond our imagining. in fact." said Squealer. and even now they could hardly believe that it was all their own. that I shall be with you for many months longer.

Within a few weeks Snowball's plans for the windmill were fully worked out. there were a few words that he felt it incumbent upon him to say. there was a stormy debate over the correct retiring age for each class of animal. Frederick shouted to his men to get out while the going was good. "Snowball! He has been here! I can smell him distinctly!" and at the word "Snowball" all the dogs let out blood-curdling growls and showed their side teeth. but also slept in the beds. "Fools! Do you not see what is written on the side of that van?"That gave the animals pause. Muriel read the Commandment for her. The two cart-horses.However. that I shall be with you for many months longer. But in the morning a deep silence hung over the farmhouse.Now. They rushed back and looked through the window again. as Benjamin is growing old too. was still believed in. Napoleon had really been in secret agreement with Frederick. On it was pencilled the words: "Serves you right. The animals had assumed as a matter of course that these would be shared out equally; one day. Frederick. But Squealer counselled them to avoid rash actions and trust in Comrade Napoleon's strategy. it was that they did not want Jones back. bitter battle. Not even a rat had been killed. There.

 She was two years past the retiring age. though the name under which he had been exhibited was Willingdon Beauty) was so highly regarded on the farm that everyone was quite ready to lose an hour's sleep in order to hear what he had to say. Her coat was newly clipped and she wore a scarlet ribbon round her forelock. but she could not look Clover in the face. that Comrade Napoleon sprang forward with a cry of 'Death to Humanity!' and sank his teeth in Jones's leg? Surely you remember that. or the cruel retribution they had just witnessed. one at each corner. He had. Muriel. "Napoleon is always right. another special meeting was held in the barn for the animals to inspect Frederick's bank-notes.In the middle of the summer Moses the raven suddenly reappeared on the farm. 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."Now. No animal must ever live in a house. Snowball was secretly frequenting the farm by night! The animals were so disturbed that they could hardly sleep in their stalls. though the increase was not so great as had been expected in earlier years. give several deep sniffs. his sides matted with sweat. who were the brains of the farm. the stones they had broken and carried so laboriously scattered all around. and brought in a handsome money profit. and once on Midsummer Day. 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. They had also dropped their championship of Jones.

3. with guilt written on every line of their countenances. But the luxuries of which Snowball had once taught the animals to dream. but he was still a majestic-looking pig. but that he would sooner have had no tail and no flies. so far as they knew. For some time nobody spoke.Mr. broke down almost immediately. "Gentlemen.Cruel whips no more shall crack. Though not yet full-grown. produced by themselves and for themselves. the animals broke off work and raced back to the farm buildings. and teach them the tune of Beasts of England. but. besides supplying every stall with its own electric light. said Squealer. I think you will be able to finish the windmill without me. but at this moment the sheep set up their usual bleating of "Four legs good. the retiring age had been fixed for horses and pigs at twelve. She appeared to be enjoying herself. Not a pig appeared to be stirring. In a moment the dogs came bounding back. what difference does it make whether we work for it or not?".

 They were unfailing in their attendance at the secret meetings in the barn. Frederick should be boiled alive. And when the nine dogs of Napoleon's own bodyguard. Napoleon reposed on a bed of straw on the platform. Here. and after breakfast there was a ceremony which was observed every week without fail. Muriel. comrades! The hay is waiting. the retiring age had been fixed for horses and pigs at twelve."At this moment there was a tremendous uproar. Without saying anything to the others. we must not come to resemble him. and the windmill neared completion. And a moment later. Sometimes on the slope leading to the top of the quarry. a violent quarrel was in progress.The animals were taken aback. 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. The animals watched his coming and going with a kind of dread. Whymper to spread a contrary impression. and yet they allowed him to remain on the farm. Nevertheless. Boxer!" they chorused. This time the stones had vanished too. must surrender their eggs.

 comrades) contain substances absolutely necessary to the well-being of a pig. except for being a little greyer about the muzzle. It was as though they had never seen these things before. It was uncertain whether Boxer had understood what Clover had said. Napoleon himself appearing in a black coat. comrades. He was a sly-looking little man with side whiskers. just at the moment when Jones and his men had got inside the yard. the prize Middle White boar. Apart from the regular work of the farm. Did we not give him 'Animal Hero. the human beings pretended not to believe that it was Snowball who had destroyer the windmill: they said that it had fallen down because the walls were too thin. Sentinels were placed at all the approaches to the farm. No animal shall drink alcohol. who was a dangerous character and a bad influence.Riches more than mind can picture. Even the cat suddenly leapt off a roof onto a cowman's shoulders and sank her claws in his neck. As usual. They tiptoed from room to room.He would end his remarks. comrades."Is it not crystal clear. And among us animals let there be perfect unity.All this while no more had been seen of Snowball. He said very quietly that the windmill was nonsense and that he advised nobody to vote for it.

 but a discipline and an orderliness which should be an example to all farmers everywhere. which was followed by what sounded like a violent quarrel and ended at about eleven o'clock with a tremendous crash of glass. giving birth between them to nine sturdy puppies. who had remained on his feet. If they went hungry. that they accepted his explanation without further questions. never to engage in trade." These were large sheets of paper which had to be closely covered with writing.Like all of Napoleon's speeches. and in fact had never been there in his life: he was living-in considerable luxury. "Vote for Snowball and the three-day week" and "Vote for Napoleon and the full manger. rushed out and pecked viciously at the calves of their legs. The Meeting always ended with the singing of Beasts of England."I thought so. Snowball has sold himself to Frederick of Pinchfield Farm. whom Mr. except Napoleon. for the pigs and the dogs. Jones and his men suddenly found themselves being butted and kicked from all sides. it seemed to the animals that they did remember it. and the animals toiled harder than ever. it was the first time that anyone had ever seen him gallop. Mollie?""He didn't! I wasn't! It isn't true!" cried Mollie. There is a pretty good store of stone accumulated. and passed it on to the other animals by simple arguments.

 the other could be counted on to oppose it. executed by Squealer in white paint. the pigeons fluttered up to the rafters. he was with difficulty got on to his feet. and mangel-wurzelsShall be ours upon that day. Jones's. Startled. "Beasts of England was the song of the Rebellion. No creature among them went upon two legs." cried Snowball." she said. and seemed to be biding his time. and iron for the horses' shoes. there was no doubt as to which way the vote would go.The very next morning the attack came."He is dead. the others found that she had remained behind in the best bedroom. Boxer was an enormous beast. Led by three young Black Minorca pullets. who had been sent out on the day before. and brought in a handsome money profit. his tail rigid and twitching. Starvation seemed to stare them in the face. 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. and decreed that any animal giving so much as a grain of corn to a hen should be punished by death.

 kicked off his boots at the back door. Huge boulders. Boxer could not get beyond the letter D. For some weeks nothing was known of her whereabouts.""Ah. the anniversary of the Rebellion. 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. Jones. for instance. So far from being decorated. who was marching ahead with a gun in his hands. The human beings did not hate Animal Farm any less now that it was prospering; indeed. and in August Napoleon announced that there would be work on Sunday afternoons as well. and lanterns in the stalls were forbidden to save Oil. His answer to every problem. were more articulate. rich. The hens. and Whymper had advised Napoleon to sell it; both Mr. carry out the orders that were given to her.The animals were not badly off throughout that summer. One night at about twelve o'clock there was a loud crash in the yard. said Squealer. Clover forced her way to the front. the prize Middle White boar.

"But at this moment the three cows. they were able to forget that their bellies were empty. and not for a pack of idle. saved five bushels of corn at the harvest by gathering up the stray grains. "Fools! Do you not see what is written on the side of that van?"That gave the animals pause. and an electric milking machine. that they lived longer. pervading the air about them and menacing them with all kinds of dangers. Boxer. and in fact had never been there in his life: he was living-in considerable luxury. between Animal Farm and its neighbours. And the behaviour of the cat was somewhat peculiar. it was said. And every animal down to the humblest worked at turning the hay and gathering it. Without any further prompting they confessed that they had been secretly in touch with Snowball ever since his expulsion. Clover was an old stout mare now. As the summer wore on. At first no one had been able to imagine where these creatures came from. 'Forward. Boxer was an enormous beast. On Midsummer's Eve. of Foxwood. Fill your glasses to the brim. pigs. hens.