English term (edited): he must have been brought low

It depends on the full context.

In this context, "he must have been brought low" suggests that the person being referred to as "our brother" has experienced some form of hardship or difficulty. To be "brought low" means to be humbled or reduced in status or condition, often due to challenges or adversity. So, the phrase implies that the individual has faced some kind of setback or struggle, which may have led them to seek refuge or assistance, such as wanting to ride in the ship mentioned in the passage.

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Note added at 8 mins (2024-04-29 21:03:59 GMT)
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https://www.yourdictionary.com/bring-low

https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/be-brought-low

يجب أن يحط من شأنه
أو
تنخفض درجته أو رتبته.
حسب مجريات اللعبة

واجه الكثير من المتاعب
واجه الكثير من الصعوبات
تعرض للمخاطر
عانى من المشقة
It means that the brother has experienced some kind of hardship or troubles.

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Note added at 13 mins (2024-04-29 21:08:18 GMT)
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أو
تعرض للكثير من المِحن والآلآم