can be an exclamation of surprise, indignation or asseveration; Aye! indeed!
► uses
Uses:
HORATIO Is it a custom?
HAMLET Ay, marry, is't; But to my mind, — though I am native here, And to the manner born, — it is a custom More honour'd in the breach than the observance.
William Shakespeare. Hamlet
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How now, sirrah, that pound he lent you when you were hungry?