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

Near

Near as two ha’pennies for a penny.
—Anonymous

Near as one second is to another.
—Anonymous

Near as the bark to [the] tree.
—William Camden (Remains)

As neere is Fancie to Beautie, as the pricke to the rose, as the stalke to the rynde, as the earth to the roote.
—John Lyly

More near and near,
Like doves about a dovecote, wheeling round.
—Alfred Tennyson