Frank J. Wilstach, comp. A Dictionary of Similes. 1916.

John Davidson

Bloomed like smouldering lilies unconsumed.

The world
Deceived itself as maidens do with dolls.

Distresses … like old men’s thoughts of love’s first kiss.

As easy as for you to take a drink.

Expanding like the dawn.

Flare
Like a spent lamp about to die.

Free-handed as a harlot.

Hurried like a torrent through a strait.

Lurk like vermin.

Spacious as the element.

Unspeakably stale
Like vats in desuetude shrunk.

Startled like a moon-caught ghost.

Sweet as aerial chimes
Of flower-bells.