A lyrical musical adaptation from The Tale of Kiều,
capturing their first heartfelt conversation — where a brooch
quietly bridges the path to love.
THE BROOCH & THE HEART
A Scene from The Tale of Kiều by Nguyễn Du
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English Adaptation
Experience a tender moment from Vietnam’s most beloved literary
masterpiece, The Tale of Kiều, reimagined in lyrical English.
In this heartfelt scene, Kim Trọng and Thúy Kiều meet in a fated
moment of quiet affection. A lost brooch, a gentle voice over the
garden wall, and two hearts stirred by destiny. Adapted with
reverence and poetic grace, this version preserves the soul of
Nguyễn Du’s romantic encounter, where longing, courtesy, and
youthful love intertwine.
Verse 1 (Kim)
In morning light, as the mist withdrew,
A sleepless Kim beheld her, searching through and through.
Beyond the wall, his voice gentle and clear:
“I’ve waited long through sleepless hours —
A brooch I found, behind these flowers…
To whom should I have it returned
If its graceful owner stays unconcerned?”
Verse 2 [Kieu]
I hear your words, sincere and kind,
A gentleman who cares not for left behind.
The brooch is but of little worth:
Your noble-heartedness, I so admire.
Chorus
A moment like this, so rare and divine,
Two hearts entwined, like stars that align.
A chance meeting, love softly sown,
In the silence, love in their hearts has grown.
Verse 3 [Kim]
We are close neighbors, not distant strangers,
Fortunate am I to find your lost brooch yonder.
Please stay awhile, let us converse,
To get to know one another better.
Verse 4
Kim rushed home to find some precious gifts,
Two golden bracelets wrapped in velvet’s kiss.
Hurrying back, he climbed over the wall,
Isn’t she the very image he’s dreamed of through it all?
He gazes and gazes, his heart all aglow,
Her beauty, like a river, soft and slow.
She bows her head in sweet, shy grace,
But a radiant smile lights up her face.
In her heart, a joy she cannot hide,
A love that blossoms, as it swells inside.
Outro:
In this brief moment, the world stands still,
A timeless connection, a love to fulfill.
A moment like this, so rare and divine,
Two hearts entwined, like stars that align.
A chance meeting, love softly sown,
Now in their hearts, they are never alone.
