The Tale of Kiều
by Nguyễn Du
Ch. 43: Từ Hải’s Call of Adventure
Translated by Vuong Thanh 

Chapter 43: Từ Hải’s Call of Adventure 

Half a year later, while they still love each other passionately, 

the call of adventure, of power and glory beckon his heart.  

He gazed afar at the sky and the endless sea.

Then with his sword, he jumped on the saddle and prepared to leave. 

Kiều said, “A woman needs to follow and serve her man.

I’m determined to go with you.”

Từ said, “We know each other’s heart.

Why haven’t you gotten beyond any common woman’s affections.

When I have under my command a hundred thousand soldiers,

with drums and flags to announce my arrival, 

to show the world the face of an extraordinary hero, 

then I will come and get you to our new home. 

But now, I’m just a wanderer on land and the four seas.

If you follow me, I’d have more concerns, and not know where to go. 

So, please wait here a while longer.

It’d be at most a year later, why hurry?”

Having said that, Từ soon rode off.

With the wind behind its wings, the great eagle soared into the sky.