To this character, which is apparently given with the fondness of a
friend, may be added the testimony of Pope, who says, in a letter to
Blount, "Mr. Rowe accompanied me, and passed a week in the Forest.
I need not tell you how much a man of his turn entertained me; but I
must acquaint you, there is a vivacity and gaiety of disposition,
almost peculiar to him, which make it impossible to part from him
without that uneasiness which generally succeeds all our pleasure."

Pope has left behind him another mention of his companion less
advantageous, which is thus reported by Dr. Warburton:--

"Rowe, in Mr. Pope's opinion, maintained a decent character, but had
no heart. Mr. Addison was justly offended with some behaviour which
arose from that want, and estranged himself from him, which Rowe
felt very severely. Mr. Pope, their common friend, knowing this,
took an opportunity, at some juncture of Mr. Addison's advancement,
to tell him how poor Rowe was grieved at his displeasure, and what
satisfaction he expressed at Mr. Addison's good fortune, which he
expressed so naturally that he (Mr. Pope) could not but think him
sincere. Mr. Addison replied, 'I do not suspect that he feigned;
but the levity of his heart is such, that he is struck with any new
adventure, and it would affect him just in the same manner if he
heard I was going to be hanged.' Mr. Pope said he could not deny
but Mr. Addison understood Rowe well."

This censure time has not left us the power of confirming or
refuting; but observation daily shows that much stress is not to be
laid on hyperbolical accusations and pointed sentences, which even
he that utters them desires to be applauded rather than credited.
Addison can hardly be supposed to have meant all that he said. Few