Frank J. Wilstach, comp. A Dictionary of Similes. 1916.
Virtue
Virtue, like the sun, retains its resplendence, though frequently obscured by clouds.
—Anonymous
Virtue is like a rich stone, best plain set; and surely virtue is best in a body that is comely, though not of delicate features, and that hath rather dignity of presence than beauty of aspect.
—Francis Bacon
Virtue is like precious odors, most fragrant when they are incensed, or crushed; for prosperity doth best discover vice, but adversity doth best discover virtue.
—Francis Bacon
Virtue is like health, the harmony of the whole man.
—Thomas Carlyle
Like other plants, virtue will not grow unless its roots be hidden, buried from the eye of the sun.
—Thomas Carlyle
Virtue and learning, like gold, have their intrinsic value; but if they are not polished, they certainly lose a great deal of their lustre; and even polished brass will pass upon more people than rough gold.
—Earl of Chesterfield
The pleasure of a fine woman is like that of her own virtue—not so much in the thing, as the reputation of having it.
—Colley Cibber
Virtue is like the polar star, which keeps its place, and all stars turn towards it.
—Confucius
My virtue, like a string, wound up by art
To the same sound, when yours was touched, took part,
At distance shook, and trembled at my heart.
—John Dryden
The virtues, like the muses, are always seen in groups. A good principle was never found solitary in any breast.
—Jane Porter
The virtues are lost in interest, as rivers are lost in the sea.
—François de La Rochefoucauld
Virtue, like the clear heavens, is without clouds.
—Sir Philip Sidney
Virtues and discourses are like friends, necessary in all fortunes; but those are the best which are friends in our sadnesses, and support us in our sorrows and sad accidents: and in this sense, no man that is virtuous can be friendless.
—Jeremy Taylor