ROWLEY, William, who stands in the third class of dra-
matic writers, lived in the reign of King Charles I. and received his education at the University of Cambridge; but whether he took any degree there, is not evident, there being but few particulars preserved in regard to him, except his close intimacy and connection with all the principal wits and poetical geniuses of that age, by whom he was well beloved, and with some of whom he joined in their writings. Wood styles him "the ornament, for wit and ingenuity, of Pembroke Hall in Cambridge." In a word, he was a very great benefactor to the English stage, having, exclusively of his aid lent to Middleton, Day, Heywood, Webster, and others, left us five plays of his own composition, and one in which even the immortal Shakespeare afforded him some assistance.