Frank J. Wilstach, comp. A Dictionary of Similes. 1916.
Nonsense
Nonsense: like to the thundering tone of unspoke speeches … like the fiery tombstone of a cabbage.
—Richard Corbet
Nonsense—like swimming on a carpet.
—Charles Reade
Low nonsense is like that in the Barrel, which is altogether flat, tasteless and insipid. High nonsense is like that in the Bottle, which has in Reality no mere Strength and Spirit than the other, but frets, and flies, and bounces, and by the help of a little Wind that is got in it, imitates the Passions of much nobler liquor.
—Sir Richard Steele