Shloka 3.38.6
अष्टत्रिंशः सर्गः — मारीचोपदेशः (Maricha’s Warning and the Memory of Rama’s Power)
बालो द्वादशवर्षोऽयमकृतास्त्रश्च राघवः।।3.38.6।।कामं तु मम यत्सैन्यं मया सह गमिष्यति।
bālo dvādaśavarṣo 'yam akṛtāstraś ca rāghavaḥ | kāmaṃ tu mama yat sainyaṃ mayā saha gamiṣyati || 3.38.6 ||
“This Rāghava is but a boy of twelve and not yet trained in weapons; therefore my army will certainly go along with me.”
'My son Rama is only twelve. He is not experienced in the use of weapons. I shall accompany you with my army.
Daśaratha balances two dharmas: the king’s duty to aid a sage and the father’s duty to protect an untrained child.
Daśaratha responds to Viśvāmitra’s request by expressing concern about Rāma’s youth and offering to accompany with his army.
Protective responsibility: Daśaratha’s cautious care reflects conscientious guardianship and royal prudence.