The Tale of Kiều
by Nguyễn Du
Ch. 66: Concluding Words from Author
Translated by Vuong Thanh 

Chapter 66: Concluding Words from Author  

Upon reflection, everything’s by the will of Heaven.

Heaven has given us a human life with a body and a fate.

If he doomed us to roll in the dirt, then we’d roll in the dirt.  

Only when he gives us nobility then we can live a noble life.  

Heaven does not show favoritism to anyone.

No one blessed with both superior talents and wonderful destiny.

Thus, don’t be arrogant of your special talents. Remember the words

 “tài” (talent) and “tai” (disaster) have the same rhyme. 

We all carry karma in our life.

So, don’t blame on heaven for your unhappy lot. 

The root of goodness comes from the heart.

The true heart worth more than all the talents combined. 

Crude words, strung together, and long-winded.

Hopefully, it will give you a few pleasant hours in the long night.