Shloka 2.18.29
अष्टादशः सर्गः — Kaikeyī Discloses the Boons: Exile to Daṇḍaka and Bharata’s Consecration
अहो धिङ्नार्हसे देवि वक्तुं मामीदृशं वचः।अहं हि वचनाद्राज्ञः पतेयमपि पावके।।2.18.28।।भक्षयेयं विषं तीक्ष्णं मज्जेयमपि चार्णवे।नियुक्तो गुरुणा पित्रा नृपेण च हितेन च।।2.18.29।।
rāmeti uktvā tu vacanaṃ bāṣpa-paryākulekṣaṇaḥ |
śaśāka nṛpatir dīno nekṣituṃ nābhibhāṣitum ||2.18.3||
Having uttered only the word “Rāma,” the king—his eyes clouded with tears—was so overcome with sorrow that he could neither look at him nor speak further.
Alas, what a pity, O queen, it does not behove you to speak to me such words. I can jump into fire. Since he is my father, preceptor and wellwisher, I shall consume deadly poison or even get drowned in the sea if he so commands.
The verse highlights the human cost that often accompanies dharma-bound decisions: the king’s inability to speak reflects the moral and emotional weight of actions tied to promises and royal duty.
Daśaratha, overwhelmed by tears, can only utter “Rāma” and then becomes incapable of speaking or even looking at him due to grief.
Daśaratha’s sincerity and emotional truthfulness are emphasized—his tears show the depth of paternal love and the torment created by conflicting obligations.