Shloka 2.12.89
द्वादशः सर्गः — Kaikeyi’s Boons and Dasaratha’s Moral Collapse (Ayodhya Kanda 12)
मृते मयि गते रामे वनं मनुजपुङ्गवे।।।।इष्टे मम जने शेषे किं पापं प्रतिपत्स्यसे।
mṛte mayi gate rāme vanaṃ manujapuṅgave | iṣṭe mama jane śeṣe kiṃ pāpaṃ pratipatsyase ||
When I am dead, and Rāma—the best of men—has gone to the forest, what further sin do you intend against those of my people who remain devoted to me?
With me dead and Rama, the best among men, banished, what harmful acts are you contemplating against my wellwishers?
Protection of the innocent and the loyal: dharma condemns extending harm beyond the primary target, especially toward faithful dependents.
Daśaratha, anticipating his death and Rāma’s exile, challenges Kaikeyī about possible further persecution of his supporters.
Daśaratha’s concern for his dependents and loyalists, even while personally collapsing under grief.