For the first time, I had looked upon victory from the place of defeat, and because the victory was not my own, and I was apart from it, I felt it all the more. It was God's victory, the victory of the continuation of the world. It would bring me nothing, swell my fortunes not a bit. It was bitter, and I would always be outside, but never have I felt a deeper pleasure, never have I been more satisfied, for even if hardly anything was left of me, the world was full. And I was not the only one. A thousand men were on the train for seven hours, and in that time I do not believe a single word was spoken.
The narrator reflects on experiencing victory from a position of defeat, realizing that this triumph does not belong to him, but rather to a greater force. He acknowledges that while this victory doesn't enhance his personal circumstances, it has a profound impact on him. The sense of separation from this success brings both bitterness and a deep satisfaction, as he feels connected to a larger purpose in the world, even if...
