"Success is counted sweetest" poem by Emily wingspaninson". I need help with the first paragraph?

Question

anonymous · Answer

Success - 
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
Break, agonized and clear
‐Emily wingspaninson

I know she's using paradox and multiple metaphors. But any ideas on how I could start of with the first sentence? The first sentence is always the hardest for me.

anonymous · Answer

Or maybe ideas to apply to my paragraph?