Shloka 2.18.8
अष्टादशः सर्गः — Kaikeyī Discloses the Boons: Exile to Daṇḍaka and Bharata’s Consecration
चिन्तयामास च तदा रामः पितृहिते रतः।किं स्विदद्यैव नृपतिर्न मां प्रत्यभिनन्दति।।।।
itīva tasyāṁ paruṣaṁ vadantyāṁ na caiva rāmaḥ praviveśa śokam | pravivyathe cāpi mahānubhāvo rājā tu putravyasanābhitaptaḥ ||
Even as she spoke such harsh words, Rāma did not sink into sorrow. But the noble king—scorched by the calamity befalling his son—was wracked with pain.
Devoted to his father's wellbeing, Rama reflected, Why does not father reciprocate my greeting (like on other days)?
Dharma is steady self-mastery: Rāma refuses to be ruled by grief, choosing principled action; the verse contrasts inner discipline with the king’s overwhelming anguish.
After Kaikeyī’s harsh insistence, Rāma remains composed, while Daśaratha suffers intensely at the prospect of his son’s ruin/exile.
Rāma’s equanimity and commitment to dharma; Daśaratha’s deep paternal love (though expressed as debilitating sorrow).