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

Dismal

Dismal as a hearse.
—Nicolas Boileau

Dismal as death.
—Cleanthes

Dismal as a wet Derby day.
—Alfred Edward Housman

Dismal as a mute at a funeral.
—William Makepeace Thackeray

Dismal as the month in which Christmas is celebrated.
—Bonnell Thornton