Animal Farm Chapter 1

At one end of the big barn, on a sort of raised platform, Major was already ensconced on his bed of straw, under a lantern which hung from a beam.

He was twelve years old and had lately grown rather stout, but he was still a majestic-looking pig, with a wise and benevolent appearance in spite of the fact that his tushes had never been cut.

The hens perched themselves on the window-sills, the pigeons fluttered up to the rafters, the sheep and cows lay down behind the pigs and began to chew the cud.

The two horses had just lain down when a brood of ducklings, which had lost their mother, filed into the barn, cheeping feebly and wandering from side to side to find some place where they would not be trodden on.

The two horses had just lain down when a brood of ducklings, which had lost their mother, filed into the barn, cheeping feebly and wandering from side to side to find some place where they would not be trodden on.

At the last moment Mollie, the foolish, pretty white mare who drew Mr. Jones's trap, came mincing daintily in, chewing at a lump of sugar.

She took a place near the front and began flirting her white mane, hoping to draw attention to the red ribbons it was plaited with.

“Comrades, you have heard already about the strange dream that I had last night."

That is my message to you, comrades: Rebellion!

Never listen when they tell you that Man and the animals have a common interest, that the prosperity of the one is the prosperity of the others.

I merely repeat, remember always your duty of enmity towards Man and all his ways. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.

I am old and my voice is hoarse, but when I have taught you the tune, you can sing it better for yourselves.