The Tale of Kiều
by Nguyễn Du
Ch. 54: Giác Duyên Saved Kiều’s Life
Translated by Vuong Thanh 

Chapter 54: Giác Duyên Saved Kiều’s Life 

Giac Duyen, at these words, felt great joy in her heart.

She went to the Chien Tang river and settled by its shore.

She built a cabin made of wood and thatched grass,  

that faced the blue waters and laid under the the yellow clouds.

She hired for the whole year two fishermen.

Their boat anchored on the shore, and their nets casted in the river.

With a constant heart, the nun did not spare any efforts.

Fortunately, her meeting with Kieu was scheduled in heaven.

Since Kieu had plunged herself into the silver water waves, 

the currents have drifted her to this place. 

The fishermen pulled up the net and saw a person.

They all saw clearly that the prophetess’s words were all true!

Kieu was laid on the boat, wearing a silk dress.

Although fully drenched, she still had not lost her shine. 

Giac Duyen recognized her friend’s face

but she was still immersed in heavy sleep.

Kieu’s soul was floating in her dream,  

when Đạm Tiên saw her old friend and greeted her, saying:

“I’d been waiting here for you.

For ten years and more, but it’d been a waste of time.

Your fate is thin, but your merits are strong.

Despite your previous life, few can match the heart that you have. 

Your faithful heart had touched Heaven.

In selling yourself, you show filial piety, 

in saving people’s lives, you show altruism. 

You had served the country and the people well.

Your merits have tipped the scale of justice in your favor.

Your name was withdrawn from the heartbreaking destiny list.

The heart-rending poems I will return to you. 

There’s still a lot of joys for you in the future. 

Your past great love will be fulfilled, your life full of happiness.”

Surprised and still dreamy, she did not know what to believe, 

when the words “Pure Spring” was uttered in her ears.

Startled, she wakened from her dream. 

Her mind still dazed, she did not recognize anyone. 

Of Đạm Tiên, not a trace of her in the boat.

But beside her, there was the nun, Giác Duyên. 

They were very happy to see each other.

After the boat cleaned, they went to the grass hut.

A family together, from morning to night, 

with the moonlight and wind to cool their faces, 

and salts and greens to cleanse their hearts.

From all four sides, they had a view of vast empty space.  

The tides rose in the morning and evening; 

the clouds floating in front and behind. 

The pains of old woes had all been wiped from her mind.

But how would her first love know she’s at this place?