Shloka 3.6.10
षष्ठस्सर्गः — तपस्विरक्षणे राजधर्मोपदेशः (Sarga 6: The Sages’ Appeal and Instruction on Royal Duty)
त्वामासाद्य महात्मानं धर्मज्ञं धर्मवत्सलम्।अर्थित्वान्नाथ वक्ष्यामस्तच्च नः क्षन्तुमर्हसि।।।।
tvām āsādya mahātmānaṃ dharmajñaṃ dharmavatsalam |
arthitvān nātha vakṣyāmas tac ca naḥ kṣantum arhasi ||
Having come to you—great-souled, knowing dharma and devoted to dharma—we, being in need, will speak, O lord; and you should forgive us for it.
O lord, do excuse us. We sought your help to fulfil our needs since you are at hand. You are a great soul, knower and lover of dharma.
The verse teaches dharmic communication: even when seeking justice, petitioners should speak with humility and restraint; it also affirms the king’s identity as dharma-knower and dharma-lover, implying his obligation to respond.
A group of sages approaches Rāma in the forest and, with deference, prepares to request help regarding threats in the wilderness.
Humility and decorum in the sages, and dharma-centered kingship in Rāma.