The Tale of Kiều
by Nguyễn Du
Ch. 45: Từ Hải Returned as a Warlord   
Translated by Vuong Thanh 

Chapter 45: Từ Hải Returned as a Warlord 

Day and night, she was waiting in silence.

Then one day, the sounds of war thundered in the region. 

An atmosphere of death pervaded the town. 

Rivers were full of pirates, the roads full of armored soldiers.

Friends, acquaintances and neighbors advised Kiều

to take her refuge elsewhere.

Kiều said, “I had made him a promise.

Though in danger, I don’t want to break it.”

She was still wavering in her decision, when outside, 

flags appeared, and  voices were heard over the megaphone.

Armored solders came and stood around the house.

Several voices asked in unison: “Where is Madam?”  

In two rows stood ten generals. They laid down their swords, 

took off their breastplates and kowtowed in the courtyard. 

Ladies-in-waiting followed, and one of them told her:

“By order of our lord, we come to escort you to see him.” 

A phoenix-adorned carriage with bedecked curtain , 

worthy for a queen, was brought to the front door.

She wore a flowered hat and a brilliant red robe.

Flags unfurled, drums beaten, the procession started.

Musicians led in front, followed by her golden carriage.

Heralds rushed at the front of the procession to clear the way.

In the Southern Court headquarters, drumbeats resounded.

Flags hoisted on the ramparts, cannon shots fired from the citadel.

Lord Từ rode out to the gate to wait for his wife. 

Magnificent in his new attire, he looked strangely different.

But still himself with his strong square chin and silkworm eyebrows.

He laughed: “We’re like water and fish, needing each other. 

Do you still remember what you’d said long ago?

Only a heroine could discern a hero.

Let’s see if that heart of yours is satisfied now?”

She replied: “I’m just a young and inexperienced woman.

So fortunate as to have my clinging vine resting in your tree’s shade.

It’s only now that I see what I’d said become true,

but my heart was very sure of it since the very beginning.”

They looked at each other and laughed heartily.

Hand in hand, they went back to his tent to continue their love story.

A big feast was organized to celebrate and to reward the officers.

Drums resounded and upbeat military music were played.

With glory and honor  to compensate for their past days of hardships,

their love grew warmer with the joyousness of spring each day.