Rovewell (Captain), in love with Arethusa, daughter of Argus. The lady’s father wanted her to marry Squire Cuckoo, who had a large estate; but Arethusa contrived to have her own way and marry Captain Rovewell, who turned out to be the son of Ned Worthy, who gave the bridegroom £30,000.—Carey, Contrivances (1715).
Rowe (Nicholas), poet-laureate (1673, 1714-1718). The monument in Westminster Abbey to this poet was by Rysbrack.
Rowena (The lady), of Hargettstanstede, a ward of Cedric the Saxon, of Rotherwood. She marries Ivanhoe.—Sir W. Scott, Ivanhoe (time, Richard I.).
Rowland (Childe), youngest brother of Helen. Under the guidance of Merlin, he undertook to bring back his sister from elf land, whither the fairies had carried her, and he succeeded in his perilous exploit.—An Ancient Scotch Ballad.
Rowland for an Oliver (A), a tit for tat; getting as good as you gave. Rowland (or Roland) and Oliver were two of Charlemagne’s paladins, so much alike in prowess and exploits that they might be described as “fortemque Gyan, fortemque Cloanthum” (Æneid, i. 222).
Och! Mrs. Mustard-pot, have you found a Rowland for your Oliver at last?—T. Knight, The Honest Thieves.
Rowley, one of the retainers of Julia Avenel (2 syl.).—Sir W. Scott, The Monastery (time, Elizabeth).
Rowley (Master), formerly steward of Mr. Surface, Sr., the friend of Charles Surface, and the fidus Achātês of Sir Oliver Surface, the rich uncle.—Sheridan, School for Scandal (1777).
Rowley (Thomas), the hypothetical priest of Bristol, said by Chatterton to have lived in the reigns of Henry VI. and Edward IV., and to have written certain poems, of which Chatterton himself was the author.
Rowley Overdees, a highwayman.—Sir W. Scott, Guy Mannering (time, George II.).