Success is counted sweetest
By those who ne'er succeed
To comprehend a nectar
Requires sorest need
Not one of all the purple Host
The opening stanza is divided into two. The central idea is stated immediately, with no preamble.  That is, those who don’t succeed appreciate the idea of success the most.  Those who do succeed become desensitized to it.  The sad irony is that those who lack success desire it most. 
 Alliterative  “s” dominate the first stanza, a gentle silbilant sound that suggests whispering rather than hissing.
Success is counted Sweetest