The Tale of Kiều (Truyện Kiều - Bản Tiếng Anh)

Verses 2500 - 3000

2500. Tu changed from attacking to surrendering.

With rites he hurriedly received the envoy,

And promised to disarm as well to disband.

Trusting in the oath of a peace settlement,

They left their flags forlorn and their watch slackened.

2505. All Tu's neglected military actions,

Were observed and reported by the court's spies.

Lord Ho decided to make use of the chance,

Hiding his troops behind gifts for a brusque strike.

The parade was flied with the appeasement flag,

2510. Followed by ambushed and camouflaged big guns.

Lord Tu was too listless for a smallest doubt,

Wearing ritual costume he stood at the gate.

From the field Lord Ho gave a secret signal,

Flags hoisted and gun fired from every corner.

2515. Careless Tu was caught in a total surprise,

Once trapped even a sacred tiger was helpless!

He fought until death amidst the battlefield,

Proving his dauntlessness as a general!

Still when his soul left his body for heaven,

2520. Encircled he always stood there defiant!

Rigidly as stone and solidly as bronze,

Unshaken and unmoved against everyone.

The king's troops rushed forwards on their chase and kill,

Deathly air roared high and wild to the heaven.

2525. In and out ramparts and bunkers lay broken,

When some rebels escorted her to the place.

Where she saw in the midst of arrows and stones,

Her husband still stand entrenched under the sky.

"Your brain and strength are superior." She cried,

2530. But by hearing my advice you've met this end,

A shameful wife how could I see you again?

I'd rather risk my life with you this same day!"

All her sorrows poured forth in torrents of tears.

Her words done, she plunged herself head first by him.

2535. What a marvel of their interrelation!

No sooner had she collapsed than he fell down.

All troops who came and went saw and pitied her,

They resuscitated and brought her away.

When they carried her into the headquarter,

2540. Lord Ho recognized her and spoke tenderly,

Saying: "What a pitiful woman you are,

Caught in the war beset with adversities!

Though victory was due to the Court's strategy,

Your word also had its share in the result.

2545. Now everything we planned has been accomplished,