Through the strait pass of suffering — Polar Explorers

Through the strait pass of suffering-1
The Martyrs-even-trod.
Their feet-upon Temptations-
Their faces-upon God-

A stately-shriven-Company-5
Convulsion-playing round-
Harmless-as streaks of Meteor-
Upon a Planet's Bond-

Their faith-the everlasting troth-9
Their Expectation-fair-
The Needle-to the North Degree-
Wades-so-thro' polar Air!
(F.187/J.792)
[1, 2] suffering, Martyrs:: polar explorers who suffer for their belief.
[3] Temptation:: of the exploration.
[4] faces upon God:: direction upon God's will, uncontrollable.
[5] Shriven:: confessed, a truth disclosed (of the North Pole).
[6] Convulsion:: a tumult, during the exploration.
[8] Bond:: a place being restrained.
[9] everlasting troth:: repeating their pledge continuously.
[10] Expectation fair:: a valid, ample prospect.
[11, 12] North, Polar:: a hint on the North Pole.

This city was named Kane, in honor of a gentleman of that name (a brother of Dr. E. K. Kane, the Polar explorer), who was then their guest, and who has since given a graphic account of this remarkable exodus, in a lecture before the Pennsylvania Historical Society. ─ Harper's Magazine, Volume VI (1853)