What did he say?

Ok, my sister and I are arguing about something. In Lorien, Legolas tells them that they elves are singing a lament for Gandalf. When asked what they're saying, he replies, "I haven't the heart to tell you. For me the grief is still too..." What word is that? Does he say "new" or "near"? (In the book he says "near", but they might have changed it.) So, help us!