Shloka 2.16.43
सुमन्त्रदर्शनम् तथा रामस्य राजदर्शनाय प्रस्थानम् (Sumantra Meets Rama; Rama Departs to See the King)
इति प्रासादशृङ्गेषु प्रमदाभिर्नरोत्तमः।।2.16.42।।शुश्राव राजमार्गस्थः प्रिया वाच उदाहृताः।आत्मसंपूजनै शृण्वन् ययौ रामौ महापथम्।।2.16.43।।
sa rāghavas tatra kathāprapañcān śuśrāva lokasya samāgatasya |
ātmādhikārā vividhāś ca vācaḥ prahṛṣṭarūpasya purojanasya ||
There Rama heard the many streams of talk from the assembled people—varied words about himself—while the citizens before him were radiant with joy.
Rama, the best among men, while riding along the highway overheard the pleasing words uttered by women standing on the elevation of their buildings. Thus hearing his own praise Rama proceeded along the highway.
A dharmic ruler is one whose character becomes the subject of public trust and joy; the people’s happiness is a moral measure of kingship.
As Rama moves through the city, he hears the gathered citizens speaking in many ways about him, visibly delighted.
Rama’s reputation for righteousness, strong enough to unify public sentiment in gladness.