Shloka 2.1.13
गुणप्रशंसा–युवराजनिर्णयः (Praise of Rama’s Virtues and the Decision on the Heir-Apparent)
बुद्धिमान्मधुराभाषी पूर्वभाषी प्रियंवदः।वीर्यवान्न च वीर्येण महता स्वेन विस्मितः।।।।
buddhimān madhurā-bhāṣī pūrva-bhāṣī priyaṃ-vadaḥ | vīryavān na ca vīryeṇa mahatā svena vismitaḥ ||
Wise and sweet of speech, he would speak first and say what was pleasing; though valiant, he was never inflated by his own great prowess.
Wise and soft-spoken, he was the first to speak to others words pleasing to hear. Though mighty, he was never proud of his overwhelming strength.
Power must be governed by humility and right speech: dharma is expressed as courteous communication and the absence of pride despite capability.
The narrator continues the catalog of Rāma’s virtues, focusing on his manner of speaking and his modesty.
Mādhurya (gentle speech) joined with amānitva (humility) even in greatness.