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

Voltaire

Ancient as the stars.

Bare as an ape.

Black as soot.

Calm as the sky after a day of storm.

Certain as bodies moved with greater impulse, progress more rapidly than those moved with less.

Chimerical as the philosopher’s stone.

Civilization is like a soldier’s stock; it makes you carry your head a good deal higher, makes angels weep a little more at your fantastic tricks, and half suffocates you the while.

Clearly as two and two makes four.

Danced like the fairies.

Fall off, like leaves from a withered tree.

Fawning like a courtier parasite.

Ferocious as wolves.

Ideas are like beards; men do not have them until they grow up.

Jealous as a Venetian.

Naked as apes.

Pursued them like the Furies.

Retire within himself, like a tortoise when attacked.

Sang like sirens.

I am somewhat like the weathercocks, which only become stationary when they are rusty.

Thick as seagulls.

Wandered about at random, like dogs that have lost the scent.

Withered as if struck by a blight.

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