Frank J. Wilstach, comp. A Dictionary of Similes. 1916.
Pedro Calderón de la Barca
As might a wolf just fasten’d on his prey.
A frown from some conciliated face.
Are like new plays, which self-complacent authors
Offer at some eight hundred royals each,
But which, when once they’re tried, you purchase dear
Eight hundred for a royal.