The Martyrs. By Emily Dickinson

   Through the straight pass of suffering
    The martyrs even trod,
    Their feet upon temptation,
    Their faces upon God.

    A stately, shriven company;
    Convulsion playing round,
    Harmless as streaks of meteor
    Upon a planet’s bound.

    Their faith the everlasting troth;
    Their expectation fair;
    The needle to the north degree
    Wades so, through polar air.