Chapter Rostocostojambedanesse to Royal Mottoes of R by Brewer's Readers Handbook

Rousseau (Jean Jacques) used to say that all fables which ascribe speech and reason to dumb animals ought to be withheld from children, as being only vehicles of deception.

I shall not ask Jean Jacques Rousseau
If birds confabulate or no;
‘Tis clear that they were always able
To hold discourse—at least in fable.

Cowper: Pairing Time Anticipatia (1782).

In the eighteenth century, Jean Jacques Rousseau was often referred to by the initials J. J.

Roustam or Rostam, the Persian Herculês. He was the son of Zâl, and a descendant of Djamshid. At one time Roustan killed 1000 Tartars at a blow; he slew dragons, overcame devils, captured cities, and performed other marvellous exploits. This mighty man of strength fell into disgrace for refusing to receive the doctrines of Zoroaster, and died by the hand of one of his brother named Scheghad (sixth century B.C.). (See Rustam, p. 942.)

Rover (The), Willmore, a dissolute young spark, who thinks vice “is naughty but yet nice.” The hero of O’Keefe’s comedy called Wild Oats (1798).

(Mrs. Behn has a comedy called The Rover, pt. i., 1677; pt. ii., 1681.)

William Mountford [1660–1692] had so much in him of the agreeable, that when he played “The Rover,” it was remarked by many, and particularly by queen Mary, that it was dangerous to see him act—he made vice so alluring.—Dibdin: History of the Stage.

Rovers (The), a satirical tragedy by George Canning, designed to ridicule the German drama of the time, and published in the Anti-jacobin.

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.—Carry: 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.

Allusions to sir Rowland are pretty numerous. (See Shakespeare: King Lear, act iii. sc. 4, the end; Beaumont and Fletcher: The Woman’s Prize.)

A mere hobby-horse
She made the child Rowland.

(R. Browning has a poem on “Childe Roland to the Dark Tower came.”)

Rowland for an Oliver (A). (See Roland And Oliver, p. 928.)

Rowley, one of the retainers of Julia Avenel.—Sir W. Scott: The Monastery (time, Elizabeth).

Rowley (Master), formerly steward of Mr. Surface, senior, the friend of Charles Surface, and the fidus Achatês of sir Oliver Surface the rich uncle.—Sheridan: School for Scandal (1777).