Dickinson, Emily: Success is counted sweetest (112)

Success is counted sweetest 
By those who ne'er succeed. 
To comprehend a nectar 
Requires sorest need.

Not one of all the purple host 
Who took the flag to-day 
Can tell the definition, 
So clear, of victory!

As he, defeated, dying,
On whose forbidden ear
The distant strains of triumph
Burst agonized and clear!