Hmmmm. This page (click) calls an abbreviated version "Two Little Orphans" and attributes it to Roy Acuff, copyright 1963 - recorded by none other than Dolly Parton.

Ah, but wait! - this page has a 1953 recording, and lyrics that are almost exactly the same as what are in the Digital Tradition.

Jean's recording is on her "Precious Memories" album, Folkways F-2427. It's available from Smithsonian Folkways as a custom CD, and it's darn good.

On her album, Jean Ritchie calls the song "Two Little Childdren - The Orphan's Last Plea."

-Joe Offer-