How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #4
As he defeated – dying –
On whose forbidden ear (9-10)
Dying is pretty dissatisfying. This soldier is paying the ultimate price for losing the battle, but he's also receiving the ultimate reward: a full appreciation of what it means to be victorious. Still, we doubt that this is much in the way of consolation for a dying man.
Quote #5
The distant strains of triumph
Burst agonized and clear! (11-12)
This is an odd description, but it's a pretty telling one. Line 12 puts "agonized" and "clear" together to remind us that agony is directly linked to understanding. You have to feel the pain before you receive the gain… of understanding and appreciation. Um, good for you?