"Death warrants are supposed to be" By Emily Dickinson [Analysis]

Death warrants are supposed to be[1] An enginery of equity[2] A merciful mistake[3] A pencil in an Idol's Hand[4] A Devotee has oft consigned[5] To Crucifix or Block[6]
Poem 1375 [F1409] "Death warrants are supposed to be" Analysis by David Preest [Poem]

We usually suppose a death warrant to be the work of equity, as the condemned person deserves it, but that can be a mistake which we make out of mercy towards the judge. For often an 'Idol' has signed the death warrant for a 'Devotee,' who did not deserve it. Emily may have in mind a death-warrant served on her by some loved one, whom she idolised.
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