First, let me briefly introduce myself. I am 21 and I'm learning translation in Brussels. This year I have to do a dissertion. The book I've decided to translate is called "The king and the gentleman" which deals with two major historical characters: Cromwell and Charles I In this book, I regurlmarly come across a number of quotations of the 17th century. One of these is currently troubling me. Would you be kind as to help me understand the meaning of the quotation? I would be very grateful.
'The failing to one friend hath, indeed, gone very near me; wherefore I am resolved that no consideration whatsoever shall ever make me do the like'. (Charles I)
The main thing I don't understand is the meaning of 'gone very near me' in this context.
Thank you in advance
François Sarramagnan
Top answer
Hi, It's hard to say. Can you supply us with a bit more context? Possibly it means 'has affected me, has touched me'.
— Clive
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Firstly, I see a couple of typos in your question. The word is "dissertation." Also you usea word in place of what should be "regularly". The phrase "gone very near me" means to "cut to the quick" or "hurt deeply". A friend has left him without support and he feels very alone.
0 Thank you for your answers. Actually the friend he mentions is the Earl of Strafford. I think that the meaning of 'go near near me' is most likely to be 'affect'.0-