The Quote
The quote "but this was more than even I could believe" is from the story "The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse" written by William Saroyan.

Context
The quote is said by the narrator, a young boy named Aram, who is recounting a memorable incident from his childhood. The incident involves his cousin Mourad and their adventure with a beautiful white horse.

Explanation
The quote signifies the narrator's astonishment and disbelief at the turn of events in the story. It highlights the unexpected nature of the situation and the impact it had on the narrator.

Summary of the Story
"The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse" is set in a rural Armenian-American community during the early 20th century. The story revolves around the close bond between Aram and his older cousin Mourad. One day, Mourad discovers a beautiful white horse tied to a post near their village. They become fascinated by the horse and decide to take it for a ride.

Unforeseen Circumstances
As Aram and Mourad ride the horse, they encounter various obstacles such as a river and a group of older boys who try to steal the horse. Despite the challenges, they manage to keep the horse and even name it "Mickey." However, they soon realize that the horse belongs to a neighbor, John Byro, who is known for his strictness.

Consequences
The boys are filled with guilt and fear of the consequences of their actions. They decide to return the horse secretly during the night. However, their plan goes awry when John Byro catches them in the act. They confess their actions and apologize sincerely, expecting a harsh punishment.

The Unexpected Twist
To their surprise, John Byro is touched by their honesty and remorse. He not only forgives them but also allows them to keep the horse, realizing their love and care for it. This unexpected turn of events leaves the narrator in awe, leading him to exclaim, "but this was more than even I could believe."

Significance of the Quote
The quote demonstrates the innocence and naivety of the young narrator, who never anticipated such a positive outcome. It also emphasizes the moral lesson of honesty and the power of forgiveness, as the boys' genuine remorse results in a compassionate response from John Byro.

Conclusion
The quote "but this was more than even I could believe" reflects the narrator's astonishment at the unexpected turn of events in "The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse." It highlights the moral lesson of honesty and forgiveness, as well as the impact it has on the young narrator.