The Tale of Kiều
by Nguyễn Du
Ch. 20: Dame Tú’s Promise to Kiều
Translated by Vuong Thanh 

Chapter 20: Dame Tú’s Promise to Kiều 

After a whole day of medicine and care,

Kiều slowly wakened from her deathlike faint.

Dame Tú was waiting by the bed.

With carefully chosen words, she gently coaxed Kiều:

“Every one of us has but one life!

You’re a blooming flower with many long spring days ahead.

Somewhere along the line, there has been a mistake.

With your virtuousness, how could I have the heart

to force you into the sexual games of love. 

But since your missteps took you here, 

lock up your chamber and wait for your nuptial day.

While you still live, your assets remain.

Will find you a worthy husband of good family.

Why lay misfortune on a blameless person?

You not only hurt yourself, but also harm me. What’s the point?”

In a soft tone, she spoke her earnest advice in Kiều’s ear.

The right and wrong in what she said seemed very clear.

Besides, there were the words from the spirit in her dream.

Heaven takes a hand in shaping human destiny.

This life, debt has not yet been repaid.

Why wait for debts to pile up in the next life!

She listened in silence to Dame Tú’s plea, then she replied: 

“Who would want to have things turned out like this?

If things will be as you said, then I’m fortunate.

Will tomorrows keep today’s promise?

I dread when the bees and butterflies make demands.

I’d rather die unsullied than to live a life in mud.”

Dame Tú said: “My daughter, have your mind at ease.

I do not have the heart to cheat you for pleasure.

If later, my actions do not match my words,

above our heads, there will be the judge, the sun that shines on us.”

After hearing her solemn oath, 

Kiều’s heart was relieved, and she gradually felt better.