I saw not

[Thomas1]

[…] in the execution of his varied interference with my will, that I saw not, at any moment, the features of his face.
Source

I came across this construction at this forum and at the beginning I thought it was a mistake, but after bumping into it more and more in literature I came to the conclusion it could be a relict of some past construction used ere in English. Did such negation use to exist in English? What implications, tones, connotations does it carry over, please? My supposition is that it’s rather literary, poetic in reception, what do you think?

Thank you,
Tom

 

[LV4-26]

What think I? I think thou art assuredly right.

 

[la reine victoria]

I came across this construction at this forum and at the beginning I thought it was a mistake, but after bumping into it more and more in literature I came to the conclusion it could be a relict of some past construction used ere in English. Did such negation use to exist in English? What implications, tones, connotations does it carry over, please? My supposition is that it’s rather literary, poetic in reception, what do you think?

Thank you,
Tom

Hi Tom,

"I saw not" is an archaic form of "I didn't see." I don't think it was confined to literature, but also used in speech.

This form was often used in the Bible.

LRV