The Tale of Kiều
by Nguyễn Du
Ch. 33: The Search For Kiều
Translated by Vuong Thanh 

Chapter 33: The Search For Kiều 

The frightened servants had lost their heads. 

They ran wildly away. Some hid themselves among the tall grass, 

others sought cover behind the big trees.

Thuc’s father whose lodging was nearby, 

suddenly saw flames rising and was terrified.

He and his servants ran straight to the spot

to take out the roaring fire and search for Kieu.

The wind rose higher, and the flames rose even higher.

The servants searched every corner but did not find her anywhere!

They looked at each other, eyes haggard, and hearts afraid.

in deep wells, among thick trees, they looked for her,  

and every other possible nook and corner.

They ran back to the place where her chamber was.

And saw a heap of cinders and charred bones.

Not holding evil thoughts, who would ever suspect foul play.

They were sure it was her, otherwise, who else could it be!

Old Thúc broke into sobs.

He pitied his poor absent son, and sorrowed for the virtuous girl.

Her remains were gathered and brought home.

Then shrouded and the burial was followed by Buddhist ceremonies. 

All the common funeral rituals for Kiều had been performed, 

when his son finally came back.

Where they had composed verses, he entered to find

a heap of ashes and cinders, with four sun-and-rain beaten walls.

He went to his father’s house, and saw in the middle room,

a memorial tablet with her name placed on an altar. 

Alas, after he heard the full tale of what happened,

love tore his heart, and anguish burned his soul.

He rolled on the ground,  he wept and lamented:

“A woman of her merit – how could such an unjust fate befall her?

We were so sure that plum blossom and bamboo would again be together.

Who’d have thought that our farewell would be the last time ever!

Love stirs remembrance, remembrance arouses more pain.

Who could bury his distress and quench his sorrow. 

Young Thúc heard that in the region there’s a shaman,

who can summon spirits, and a powerful master of his art.

On the three Fairy Islands or down in Hades, 

he could trace the whereabouts of all spirits.

Thúc procured gifts and sent them to the shaman, requesting his service. 

He asked the shaman to search for Kiều until he saw her in person.

The shaman prostrated before the altar erected for the occasion.

His spirit left the body for a few moments, 

but  before the incense stick had burned out, 

his spirit returned, and he then told Thúc his revelations:

“I did not see her face, but of her fate I had learned.  

This person carries many karma’s heavy burdens.

She still owes many debts, thus she cannot leave this world yet. 

Her star indicates that she’s currently having big trouble.

Wait one more year from now before you can get news of her.

But then, when both of you are face to face, 

you want to greet each other but dare not to! It’s so strange!”

Such very strange words, the likes of which had never been heard.

Given what’d happened, how could he believe the shaman’s words.

It’s just bad hocus-pocus from people of this trade.

Where’d she be now if she’s still in this world of dust?

He mourned his flower, and felt a resigned sorrow for the past springs of joys:

“How often that a person like me have the opportunity

to meet the fairy, Kiều, again, if ever, on this earth?”