TOM. Many a mile have I ridden, and many a mile have I gone: Yet can I not find for me a fit companion. Many there be, which my company would frequent, If to do, as they do, I would be content. They would have me leave off my pride and my swearing, My new-fangled fashions, and leave off this wearing. But rather than I such companions will have, I will see a thousand of them laid in their grave. _Similis similem sibi quærit_, such a one do I seek, As unto myself in every condition is like. NEW. Sir, you are welcome; ye seem to be an honest man, And I will help you in this matter, as much as I can, If you will tarry here a while, I tell you in good sooth, I will find one as fit for you as a pudding for a friar's mouth. TOM. I thank you, my friend, for your gentle offer to me: I pray you tell me, what your name may be. NEW. Methink, by your apparel you have had me in regard; I pray you, of Nichol Newfangle have you never heard? TOM. Nichol Newfangle? why, we are of old acquaintance! NEW. By my troth, your name is quite out of my remembrance. TOM. At your first coming into England, well I wot, You were very well acquainted with Tom Tosspot. NEW. Tom Tosspot? _Sancti! amen!_ how you were out of my mind! TOM. You know, when you brought into England this new-fangled kind, That Tosspots and ruffians with you were first acquainted? NEW. It is even so, Tom Tosspot, as thou hast said. TOM. It is an old saying, that mountains and hills never meet; But I see that men shall meet, though they do not seek; And, I promise you, more joy in my heart I have found, Than if I had gain'd an hundred pound. NEW. And I am as glad as one had given me a groat, That I have met now with thee, Tom Tosspot. And seeing that thou wouldst a mate so fain have, I will join thee with one, that shall be as very a knave As thou art thyself, thou may'st believe me: Thou shalt see anon, what I will do for thee. For you seek for as very a knave, as you yourself are; For, like will to like, quoth the Devil to the Collier. TOM. Indeed, Nichol Newfangle, ye say the verity, For like will to like: it will none otherwise be. _Enter_ RALPH ROISTER. Behold, Tom Tosspot, even in pudding time[336] Yonder cometh Ralph Roister, an old friend of mine! By the mass, for thee he is so fit a mate, As Tom and Tib for Kit and Kate, Now welcome, my friend Ralph Roister, by the mass. RALPH. And I am glad to see thee here in this place. NEW. Bid him welcome hark, he can play a knave's part. TOM. My friend, you are welcome with all my heart. RALPH. God-a-mercy, good fellow, tell me what thou art. NEW. As very a knave as thou, though the best be too bad: TOM. I am one, which of your company would be very glad.