In mercy Chloe spare his pain,
Not ever let him know it.
The following specimens of good-natured levity and humour were also produced by him, without any study or previous meditation.
The little girl, who was his favourite, as has before been mentioned, one day led him by the hand into the kitchen, to deliver a message to a servant. A young woman who had lived long in the family, and was much respected, was ironing linen. Her name was Susan, and the child desired Porson to write some verses upon her. Porson, as soon as he returned to the parlour, pronounced the following lines.
When lovely Susan irons smocks,
No damsel ere looked neater,
Her eyes are brighter than her box,
And burn me like a heater.