The Tale of Kiều
by Nguyễn Du
Ch. 60: News of Kieu’s Jump-into-river Suicide
Translated by Vuong Thanh 

Chapter 60: News of Kieu’s Jump-into-river Suicide  

While he kept waiting to hear tidings of her,

many seasons of rain and sunshine had passed by. 

Then one day, a decree printed on clouds-in-five-color sheet arrived.

It’s from the sovereign and clearly stated the orders:

Kim was to assume new office in Nan-ping.

Young Vương was also changed to work in Fu-yang.

They hastened to have horses and carriages prepared.

Then both families left together, as they were heading

 in the same direction, for their new posts.

They heard that the rebels had been crushed.

The waves stilled in Fukien, the fires extinguished in Chekiang.

On this news, Kim asked Vương to take advantage

of the trip to the same region to find Kiều.

When they reached Hang-chow, they were able 

to obtain clear and precise news of Kiều’s fate.

They were told: “On that day, the two sides fight, 

Từ was ambushed and died on the battlefield.

Not only Kiều’s great service not rewarded,

the official compelled her to wed a tribal chief.

She threw her body, so fine like jade and pearl, into the waters.

The Chien-tang river became the grave of the beautiful girl!”

Alas! No reunion but a whole life of separation.

An entire family prosperous, but only her to suffer a fate so unjust!

To call her soul, her tablet was put up with the usual rites.

To rest her soul for the injustices she suffered, 

an altar was set up by the riverbank. 

Endless silver-crested waves of rising tides rose and fell.

Looking afar, it seemed like her beautiful figure 

with arms outstretched like wings falling into the waters.

With their deep love like the sea, in a sea of grief,

where would her incarnated soul in a seabird flew?