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

Sir William Schwenk Gilbert

Blind as death itself.

Calm as a lake in heaven.

Curled up in his heart, like a little squirrel in its nest.

As dear to me as my own right hand.

Free as a mountain bird.

Free as a tethered ass.

Helpless as the dead.

Imperceptibly as old age comes on.

As innocent as a new-laid egg.

Pert as a school-girl well can be.

Pure as the summer sun of Southern heaven.

Start, like a frightened roe.

Sweet … as the new-mown hay.

Thrills … like a thing of song and gladness.

True as the sun.

Trustful as innocence.

Unsettles
Like a bed of stinging nettles.

Welcome as flowers that bloom in the spring.