This contraction is not always made of syllables of the same word only; for the particle a being placed after a word that ends in a vowel, will sometimes admit of the like contraction; for example, after the word many; as,
"Tho' many a victim from my Folds was bought,
And many a Cheese to Country Markets brought."—Dryden.
"They many a Trophy gain'd with many a Wound."—Davenant.
After to; as,
"Can he to a Friend, to a Son so bloody grow?"—Cowley.
After they; as,
"From thee, their long-known King, they a King desire."—Cowley.
After by; as,
"When we by a foolish Figure say."—Cowley.