Sometimes(occasionally; now and then [ˈsəmˌtaɪmz]) the work(the task or effort required [ðə wərk]) was hard(difficult or strenuous [wɑz hɑrd]); the implements(tools or instruments used for a specific purpose [ðə ˈɪmpləmənts]) had been designed(were originally created [hæd bɪn dɪˈzaɪnd]) for human beings(intended for use by people [fər ˈjumən biɪŋz]) and not for animals(not intended for use by animals [ənd nɑt fər ˈænəməlz]), and(conjunction used to connect words or phrases [ənd]) it(refers to the situation or fact [ɪt]) was(past tense of 'to be' [wɑz]) a great drawback(a significant disadvantage or obstacle [ə greɪt ˈdrɔˌbæk]) that(introduces a clause explaining the drawback [ðət]) no animal(not a single animal [noʊ ˈænəməl]) was able(had the ability or capacity [wɑz ˈeɪbəl]) to use(to operate or handle [tɪ juz]) any tool(any instrument or device [ˈɛni tul]) that(introduces a relative clause describing the tool [ðət]) involved(required or necessitated [ˌɪnˈvɑlvd]) standing(being upright on [ˈstændɪŋ]) on his hind legs(on the back legs [ɔn hɪz haɪnd lɛgz]). But(conjunction indicating contrast [bət]) the pigs(a specific group of animals on the farm [ðə pɪgz]) were so clever(were very intelligent or resourceful [wər soʊ ˈklɛvər]) that(introduces a clause explaining the result of their cleverness [ðət]) they(the pigs [ðeɪ]) could think(were able to devise [kʊd θɪŋk]) of a way round(a solution to overcome [əv ə weɪ raʊnd]) every difficulty(each and every problem [ˈɛvəri ˈdɪfɪˌkəlti]). As for(regarding or concerning [ɛz fər]) the horses(a specific group of animals on the farm [ðə ˈhɔrsɪz]), they(the horses [ðeɪ]) knew(were familiar with [nu]) every inch(all parts or details [ˈɛvəri ɪnʧ]) of the field(the area of land [əv ðə fild]), and(conjunction used to connect words or phrases [ənd]) in fact(indeed; actually [ɪn fækt]) understood(comprehended [ˌəndərˈstʊd]) the business(the process or activity [ðə ˈbɪznɪs]) of mowing(cutting grass or crops [əv maʊɪŋ]) and(conjunction used to connect words or phrases [ənd]) raking(gathering or smoothing with a rake [ˈreɪkɪŋ]) far better(much more effectively [fɑr ˈbɛtər]) than(used for comparison [ðən]) Jones(a proper noun, likely a person's name [ʤoʊnz]) and(conjunction used to connect words or phrases [ənd]) his men(the people working for Jones [hɪz mɛn]) had ever done(had ever performed the task [hæd ˈɛvər dən]). The pigs(a specific group of animals on the farm [ðə pɪgz]) did not actually work(did not physically perform labor [dɪd nɑt ˈæˌkʧuəli wərk]), but(conjunction indicating contrast [bət]) directed(guided or instructed [dɪˈrɛktɪd]) and(conjunction used to connect words or phrases [ənd]) supervised(oversaw and managed [ˈsupərˌvaɪzd]) the others(the other animals [ðə ˈəðərz]). With(because of [wɪθ]) their(belonging to the pigs [ðɛr]) superior knowledge(greater understanding or expertise [suˈpɪriər ˈnɑlɪʤ]) it(refers to the situation or fact [ɪt]) was natural(seemed logical or expected [wɑz ˈnæʧərəl]) that(introduces a clause explaining what was natural [ðət]) they(the pigs [ðeɪ]) should assume(would take on [ʃʊd əˈsum]) the leadership(the role of guiding and directing [ðə ˈlidərˌʃɪp]). Boxer(a proper noun, likely an animal's name [ˈbɑksər]) and(conjunction used to connect words or phrases [ənd]) Clover(a proper noun, likely an animal's name [ˈkloʊvər]) would harness themselves(would attach themselves with straps or gear [wʊd ˈhɑrnɪs ðɛmˈsɛlvz]) to(to the direction of [tɪ]) the cutter(a machine for cutting grass or crops [ðə ˈkətər]) or(used to introduce an alternative [ər]) the horse-rake(a tool pulled by a horse for gathering hay [ðə horse-rake]) (no bits or reins(equipment used to control horses [(noʊ bɪts ər reɪnz]) were needed(were required [wər ˈnidɪd]) in these days(at this time [ɪn ðiz deɪz]), of course(as expected [əv kɔrs])) and(conjunction used to connect words or phrases [ ənd]) tramp steadily(walk heavily and consistently [træmp ˈstɛdəli]) round and round(in a circular path [raʊnd ənd raʊnd]) the field(the area of land [ðə fild]) with(accompanied by [wɪθ]) a pig(one of the pigs [ə pɪg]) walking behind(following along [ˈwɔkɪŋ bɪˈhaɪnd]) and(conjunction used to connect words or phrases [ənd]) calling out(shouting or announcing [ˈkɔlɪŋ aʊt]) ‘Gee up, comrade(a command to move forward, addressed to a fellow worker [‘‘gee əp comrade*’**’])!’ or(used to introduce an alternative [ər]) ‘Whoa back, comrade(a command to stop or slow down, addressed to a fellow worker [‘‘whoa bæk comrade*’**’])!’ as(depending on [ɛz]) the case(the situation [ðə keɪs]) might be(could be [maɪt bi]). And(conjunction used to connect words or phrases [ənd]) every animal(each and all animals [ˈɛvəri ˈænəməl]) down to(including even [daʊn tɪ]) the humblest(the lowest in rank or status [ðə ˈhəmbələst]) worked(exerted effort [wərkt]) at(in the activity of [æt]) turning the hay(flipping the hay to dry it [ˈtərnɪŋ ðə heɪ]) and(conjunction used to connect words or phrases [ənd]) gathering it(collecting the hay together [ˈgæðərɪŋ ɪt]). Even(used to emphasize something surprising [ˈivɪn]) the ducks(a specific group of animals on the farm [ðə dəks]) and(conjunction used to connect words or phrases [ənd]) hens(a specific group of animals on the farm [hɛnz]) toiled(worked hard [tɔɪld]) to and fro(back and forth [tɪ ənd froʊ]) all day(the entire day [ɔl deɪ]) in the sun(under the sunlight [ɪn ðə sən]), carrying(transporting [ˈkɛriɪŋ]) tiny wisps(small strands or pieces [ˈtaɪni wisps]) of hay(dried grass [əv heɪ]) in their beaks(in their mouths [ɪn ðɛr beaks]). In the end(finally; eventually [ɪn ðə ɛnd]) they(the animals [ðeɪ]) finished(completed [ˈfɪnɪʃt]) the harvest(the process or period of gathering crops [ðə ˈhɑrvəst]) in(within a period of [ɪn]) two days’ less time(two fewer days [tu deɪz lɛs taɪm]) than(used for comparison [ðən]) it(refers to the harvest [ɪt]) had usually taken(had typically required [hæd ˈjuʒəwəli ˈteɪkən]) Jones(a proper noun, likely a person's name [ʤoʊnz]) and(conjunction used to connect words or phrases [ənd]) his men(the people working for Jones [hɪz mɛn]). Moreover(in addition; furthermore [mɔˈroʊvər]), it(refers to the harvest [ɪt]) was(past tense of 'to be' [wɑz]) the biggest harvest(the largest amount of crops gathered [ðə ˈbɪgəst ˈhɑrvəst]) that(introduces a relative clause describing the harvest [ðət]) the farm(the agricultural land [ðə fɑrm]) had ever seen(had ever experienced [hæd ˈɛvər sin]). There was(there existed [ðɛr wɑz]) no wastage(no loss or waste [noʊ wastage]) whatever(at all [ˌwəˈtɛvər]); the hens(a specific group of animals on the farm [ðə hɛnz]) and(conjunction used to connect words or phrases [ənd]) ducks(a specific group of animals on the farm [dəks]) with(having [wɪθ]) their sharp eyes(their keen eyesight [ðɛr ʃɑrp aɪz]) had gathered up(had collected [hæd ˈgæðərd əp]) the very last stalk(the final piece of stem [ðə ˈvɛri læst stɔk]). And(conjunction used to connect words or phrases [ənd]) not an animal(not a single animal [nɑt ən ˈænəməl]) on the farm(living on the agricultural land [ɔn ðə fɑrm]) had stolen(had taken without permission [hæd ˈstoʊlən]) so much as(even [soʊ məʧ ɛz]) a mouthful(a small amount of food [ə ˈmaʊθˌfʊl]).
All through that summer(Throughout the entire duration of that particular summer season [ɔl θru ðət ˈsəmər]) the work of the farm(the various tasks and activities required to maintain and operate the farm [ðə wərk əv ðə fɑrm]) went like clockwork(proceeded smoothly, efficiently, and according to schedule, like a well-maintained clock [wɛnt laɪk ˈklɑkˌwərk]). The animals(referring to the non-human creatures living on the farm [ðə ˈænəməlz]) were happy(experiencing joy, contentment, and well-being [wər ˈhæpi]) as they had never conceived it possible to be(more joyful than they had ever imagined or believed possible [ɛz ðeɪ hæd ˈnɛvər kənˈsivd ɪt ˈpɑsəbəl tɪ bi]). Every mouthful of food(each portion of food consumed [ˈɛvəri ˈmaʊθˌfʊl əv fud]) was an acute positive pleasure(provided a sharp and intense feeling of enjoyment and satisfaction [wɑz ən əˈkjut ˈpɑzətɪv ˈplɛʒər]), now that it was truly their own food(because the food now belonged to them and was not controlled by someone else [naʊ ðət ɪt wɑz ˈtruli ðɛr oʊn fud]), produced by themselves(created or grown by the animals themselves [prəˈdust baɪ ðɛmˈsɛlvz]) and for themselves(intended for their own consumption and benefit [ənd fər ðɛmˈsɛlvz]), not doled out to them(not given to them in small or limited portions [nɑt doʊld aʊt tɪ ðɛm]) by a grudging master(by an owner who was unwilling or reluctant to give generously [baɪ ə ˈgrəʤɪŋ ˈmæstər]). With the worthless parasitical human beings gone(Now that the humans, who were considered useless and dependent, had left [wɪθ ðə ˈwərθləs parasitical ˈjumən biɪŋz gɔn]), there was more for everyone to eat(there was a greater quantity of food available for all the animals [ðɛr wɑz mɔr fər ˈɛvriˌwən tɪ it]). There was more leisure too(There was also more free time available [ðɛr wɑz mɔr ˈlɛʒər tu]), inexperienced though the animals were(even though the animals lacked experience in managing the farm [ˌɪnɛkˈspɪriənst ðoʊ ðə ˈænəməlz wər]). They met with many difficulties(They encountered numerous challenges and problems [ðeɪ mɛt wɪθ ˈmɛni ˈdɪfɪˌkəltiz]) – for instance(as an example [fər ˈɪnstəns]), later in the year(at a later time during the same year [ˈleɪtər ɪn ðə jɪr]), when they harvested the corn(when they gathered the mature corn crop [wɪn ðeɪ ˈhɑrvəstɪd ðə kɔrn]), they had to tread it out(they had to separate the grain from the husks by stepping on it [ðeɪ hæd tɪ trɛd ɪt aʊt]) in the ancient style(using a traditional, old-fashioned method [ɪn ðə ˈeɪnʧənt staɪl]) and blow away the chaff(and remove the unwanted outer layers of the grain by blowing air on it [ənd bloʊ əˈweɪ ðə ʧæf]) with their breath(using the air expelled from their mouths [wɪθ ðɛr brɛθ]), since the farm possessed no threshing machine(because the farm did not have a mechanical device for separating grain from stalks [sɪns ðə fɑrm pəˈzɛst noʊ threshing məˈʃin]) – but the pigs with their cleverness(however, the pigs, due to their intelligence [bət ðə pɪgz wɪθ ðɛr ˈklɛvərnəs]) and Boxer with his tremendous muscles(and Boxer, due to his great physical strength [ənd ˈbɑksər wɪθ hɪz trɪˈmɛndəs ˈməsəlz]) always pulled them through(always helped them overcome the difficulties [ˈɔlˌweɪz pʊld ðɛm θru]). Boxer was the admiration of everybody(Boxer was highly respected and admired by all the other animals [ˈbɑksər wɑz ðə ˌædmərˈeɪʃən əv ˈɛvriˌbɑdi]). He had been a hard worker(He had always worked diligently and tirelessly [hi hæd bɪn ə hɑrd ˈwərkər]) even in Jones’s time(even when Mr. Jones was the owner of the farm [ˈivɪn ɪn ˈʤoʊnzɪz taɪm]), but now he seemed more like three horses than one(but now he appeared to be working with the strength of multiple horses [bət naʊ hi simd mɔr laɪk θri ˈhɔrsɪz ðən wən]); there were days when the entire work of the farm seemed to rest on his mighty shoulders(on some days, it appeared that he was single-handedly responsible for all the farm work [ðɛr wər deɪz wɪn ðə ɪnˈtaɪər wərk əv ðə fɑrm simd tɪ rɛst ɔn hɪz ˈmaɪti ˈʃoʊldərz]). From morning to night(Throughout the entire day [frəm ˈmɔrnɪŋ tɪ naɪt]) he was pushing and pulling(he was exerting physical effort in various tasks [hi wɑz ˈpʊʃɪŋ ənd ˈpʊlɪŋ]), always at the spot where the work was hardest(always working in the most challenging and demanding location [ˈɔlˌweɪz æt ðə spɑt wɛr ðə wərk wɑz ˈhɑrdəst]). He had made an arrangement with one of the cockerels(He had agreed with a young rooster [hi hæd meɪd ən ərˈeɪnʤmənt wɪθ wən əv ðə cockerels]) to call him in the mornings half an hour earlier than anyone else(to wake him up earlier than the other animals [tɪ kɔl ɪm ɪn ðə ˈmɔrnɪŋz hæf ən aʊər ˈərliər ðən ˈɛniˌwən ɛls]), and would put in some volunteer labour(and would do extra work willingly [ənd wʊd pʊt ɪn səm ˌvɑlənˈtɪr ˈleɪbər]) at whatever seemed to be most needed(wherever the most urgent task was [æt ˌwəˈtɛvər simd tɪ bi moʊst ˈnidɪd]), before the regular day’s work began(before the scheduled work hours started [ˌbiˈfɔr ðə ˈrɛgjələr deɪz wərk bɪˈgæn]). His answer to every problem, every setback(His response to any difficulty or obstacle [hɪz ˈænsər tɪ ˈɛvəri ˈprɑbləm ˈɛvəri ˈsɛtˌbæk]), was ‘I will work harder!’ – which he had adopted as his personal motto(which he had chosen as his guiding principle [wɪʧ hi hæd əˈdɑptəd ɛz hɪz ˈpərsɪnəl ˈmɑtoʊ]).