Frank J. Wilstach, comp. A Dictionary of Similes. 1916.
Friend
A false friend is like a shadow on a dial; it appears in clear weather, but vanishes as soon as a cloud approaches.
—Anonymous
A true friend is like sound health; the value of it is seldom known until it is lost.
—Anonymous
A real friend is somewhat like a ghost or apparition; much talked of, but rarely seen.
—Charles N. Buck
The malyce of a friend, is like the sting of an Aspe, which nothing can remedie, for being pearced in the hande it must be cut off, and a friend thrust to the heart it must be pulled out.
—John Lyly
But as all floures that are in one Nosegay, are not of one nature, nor all Rings that are worne vppon one hande, are not of one fashion: so all friendes that associate at bedde and at boord, are not one of disposition.
—John Lyly
Friends are like melons: to find one good, you must a hundred try.
—Claude Mermet
A friend both wise and true amid all shocks resplendent shines, like fire upon a rock’s high top, which dissipates the darkness round and fills the travellers by with joy profound.
—Asian
A friend should be like money, tried before being required, not found faulty in our need.
—Plutarch
A profitless friend is like a fleece without hair.
—Osmanli Proverb
An untried friend is like an uncracked nut.
—Russian Proverb
A new friend is as new wine; when it is old thou shalt drink it with pleasure.
—Sirach
Old friends, like old swords, still are trusted best.
—John Webster
Friends, like mistresses, are avoided for obligations past.
—William Wycherley