<P> "Success is counted sweetest" is a lyric poem by Emily Dickinson written in 1859 and published anonymously in 1864 . The poem uses the images of a victorious army and one dying warrior to suggest that only one who has suffered defeat can understand success . </P> <P> 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 today 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! </P>

What does the poem success is counted sweetest mean