Great Regulars: The often rhythmic, deeply dramatic oration

begins with a refrain, "Weep not, weep not." This command is directed to the family of a deceased woman, who is survived by a "Heart-broken husband," a "Grief-stricken son," and a "Left-lonesome daughter." The minister delivering the "funeral sermon" tasks himself with convincing the grieving family that their loved one "is not dead," because she is "resting in the bosom of Jesus," and she has "only just gone home.

from Linda Sue Grimes: Suite101.com: James Weldon Johnson's Go Down Death

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