The Tale of Kiều
by Nguyễn Du
Ch. 13: Kiều's Decision
Translated by Vuong Thanh 

Chapter 13: Kiều's Decision

Kiều thought:  “What can I do to save my blood folks?
When calamity strikes, one must act accordingly.
A fated meeting of hearts, her parents’ birth and care labors.
Love and filial duty, which one weighs heavier?
I will put aside the vows of love.
A child must first pay the debts of birth and care.”
Her mind resolved, she then said:
“I’ll sell myself for father’s ransom money!”

There was an elderly notary surnamed Chung,
who also worked for the law-and-order bureau
but somehow has a kind heart.
Witnessing her act of filial gratitude and love,
he felt a secret compassion for her plight.
To clear the path of obstacles with payments and bribes,
he reckoned that three hundred liangs is needed.
For now, he’d have her kinsfolk freed,
and told her to provide the sum within two days or three.

Pity the child, so young and naive.
Misfortune, like a windstorm, fell upon her suddenly.
Her heart pained with parting from Kim in life and death.
But even her life and sacrifice she does not regret,
How can she regret giving up love.
Just as a raindrop does not care about its poor fate,
she will sacrifice herself to save her father,

like a blade of grass that repays three months of spring.