This may be, ſaith the King, hereafter, my Councel telleth me it ſhould be dangerous for me at this preſent, to have it in expreſs words; but what maketh it matter, I mean it ſo, and what I once ſay, I will keep it, I will rather dye then not keep my promiſe: Here I ſay it to you, and will write it to the Queen my Siſter. How do you mean Sir (quoth I) in a writing, after the faſhion of a Treaty, and ſealed with your Great Seal of France , or but in a Letter cloſe.
1661, I.C., A Pleasant Comedy, Called, The Two Merry Milk‐Maids[2], page 26:
Fre: Why ’tis ordinary, get her good will, and lie with her. How think you Sir, is not that the Cure? Ber. A better cannot be applyed, I aſſure you. Doril. Wud thou wert gone. Fre. How do you mean , in drink? Give me ſome Wine, I had forgot myſelf. Mine hoſt, I would drink to thee, but thou art not able to pledg me: therefore here’s to thee honeſt blew‐coat.
1669, John Dryden, Secret Love, or the Maiden‐Queen[3], page 32:
Cel. Well, what think you now of a reckoning betwixt us? Flor. How do you mean?
1673, Henry Neville Payne, The Morning Ramble, or, The Town‐Humours[4], page 23:
Ruff. No, but Cheats will. Ful. How do you mean, Sir, I ſay ? Cheat again ! war the third time, Mr. Ruffle.
