Shloka 2.38.14
अयोध्याकाण्डे अष्टत्रिंशः सर्गः — Sita in Bark Garments; Public Outcry and Dasaratha’s Lament
एवं ब्रुवन्तं पितरं रामस्सम्प्रस्थितो वनम्।अवाक्छिरसमासीनमिदं वचनमब्रवीत्।।।।
evaṃ bruvantaṃ pitaraṃ rāmaḥ samprasthito vanam | avākchirasam āsīnam idaṃ vacanam abravīt || 2.38.14 ||
As his father spoke thus, Rāma—already resolved to depart for the forest—addressed him, seated with head bowed, in these words.
Rama who was about to leave for the forest addressed his father who sat with his head bent once again:
Dharma as respectful conduct amid crisis: Rāma approaches his grieving father with deference, maintaining propriety even when wronged.
On the brink of leaving for exile, Rāma turns to console and address Daśaratha, who is bowed down in sorrow.
Compassionate restraint: Rāma prioritizes his father’s suffering over his own grievance.