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

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

Earl of Chesterfield


My fate is like that of an eagle, who, being shot with an arrow, observes his own feathers on the arrow that kills him.	1
Knowledge … like a great rough diamond; it may do very well in a closet by way of curiosity, and also for its intrinsic value; but it will never be worn or shine, if it is not polished.	2
Wear your learning like your watch, in a private pocket, and do not pull it out and strike it merely to show that you have one.	3
Literature, like virtue, is its own reward.	4
Manners … Like a great rough diamond, it may do very well in a closet by way of curiosity, and also for its intrinsic value.	5
A weak mind is like a microscope, which magnifies trifling things, but cannot receive great ones.	6
In scandal, as in robbery, the receiver is always as bad as the thief.	7
Dissimulation and secrecy are like the alloy mingled with pure ore: a little is necessary, and will not debase the coin below its proper standard.	8
Snarl at pleasure, like a stoic.	9
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.	10
Women, and men who are like women, mind the binding more than the book.	11