In Verbs^x, Negations^x, English grammar^x

that he will win. If you did, it would support the claim that but means only or merely . But I think it will be hard to find examples like that. CJ

Do existed in Old English more than a thousand years ago as a regular verb and meant to cause . It is impossible to say who introduced it to English. It's use as an auxiliary in questions and negations was established in Shakespeare's day when it was correct to say both I know not him...