एवमुक्तस्तु भगवान् विश्वामित्रेण धीमता। न दास्यामीति शबलां प्राह राजन् कथञ्चन।।1.53.22।।
evam uktas tu bhagavān viśvāmitreṇa dhīmatā | na dāsyāmīti śabalāṁ prāha rājan kathañcana || 1.53.22 ||
প্রাজ্ঞ বিশ্বামিত্রের এ কথা শুনে পূজনীয় মুনি বললেন—“হে রাজন! কোনোভাবেই আমি শবলাকে দেব না।”
To these words of sagacious Viswamitra the adorable Vasishta replied: "O King! I shall not give Sabala."
Satya and dharma as firmness: when something is integral to one’s rightful duty, one must refuse even powerful pressure or lavish offers.
After hearing escalating offers, Vasiṣṭha clearly rejects the transfer of Śabalā to Viśvāmitra.
Vasiṣṭha’s unwavering truthfulness and principled resolve.