The Enemy Strives to Retain the Initiative 501 A Major Effort in the North Is Planned 501 The Attack on the Northern Flank 504 The Attack via Sidi Nsir 505 The Enemy Fails, South of the Medjerda 507 The Outcome of the 26 February Offensive 508 New Instructions for Army Group Africa 509 Axis Logistical Preparations 512 The Battle of Médenine 514 Rommel Leaves Tunisia 519

The trees in the garden rained flowers. Children ran there joyously. They gathered the flowers Each to himself. Now there were some Who gathered great heaps -- Having opportunity and skill -- Until, behold, only chance blossoms Remained for the feeble. Then a little spindling tutor Ran importantly to the father, crying: "Pray, come hither! See this unjust thing in your garden!" But when the father had surveyed, He admonished the tutor: "Not so, small sage! This thing is just. For, look you, Are not they who possess the flowers Stronger, bolder, shrewder Than they who have none? Why should the strong -- The beautiful strong -- Why should they not have the flowers?" Upon reflection, the tutor bowed to the ground, "My lord," he said, "The stars are displaced By this towering wisdom."

Twenty Six

the cardinal number that is the sum of twenty-five and one

being six more than twenty

The Renunciation 497

AFTER CASABLANCA 687 Part Seven: Conclusion

THE END OF THE COMMON POOL 656