Frank J. Wilstach, comp. A Dictionary of Similes. 1916.
Retire
Calmly retire, like evening light.
—Nathaniel Cotton
Retired … like the moon in the west, when she foresees the shower and hides her fair head in a cloud.
—James Macpherson
Gloomily retired; like clouds that long having threatened rain, vanish behind the hills.
—James Macpherson
Retire within himself, like a tortoise when attacked.
—Voltaire
Retired as noontide dew.
—William Wordsworth