The Tale of Kiều
by Nguyễn Du
Ch. 58: Kim & Vương Won Literary Contest
Translated by Vuong Thanh 

Chapter 58: Kim & Vương Won Literary Contest 

Now, in the capital, a literary contest took place.

Vương and Kim attended and got on the honor roll the same day.

Heaven’s gate swung wide open for the path to the clouds.

Flowers greeted their steps, fragrance of glory spread to their hometowns.

Young Vương still remembered the near and distant past.

He went to Old Chung’s house to repay his gratitude.

After paying the debt, to make their ties stronger,

he married Old Chung’s daughter. 

Since Kim had treaded on the cloud’s path to glory,

her plight aroused his love and pity all the more. 

Who had pledged with him words of love and commitment?

But now where was she for him to share his wealth and honors?

She’s like a water fern drifting in the waves. Whereas Fortune

shined on him and he sorrowed for her wandering life.