Frank J. Wilstach, comp. A Dictionary of Similes. 1916.
Dismal
Dismal as a hearse.
—Nicolas Boileau
Dismal as death.
—Cleanthes
Dismal as a wet Derby day.
—Alfred Edward Housman
Dismal as a mute at a funeral.
—William Makepeace Thackeray
Dismal as the month in which Christmas is celebrated.
—Bonnell Thornton