Shloka 2.51.9
अयोध्याकाण्डे एकपञ्चाशः सर्गः — Guha’s Vigil and Lakṣmaṇa’s Lament (Night on the riverbank)
कथं दशरथौ भूमौ शयाने सह सीतया।शक्या निद्रा मया लब्धुं जीवितं वा सुखानि वा।।।।
tathā hi satyaṁ bruvati prajāhitena nṛndraputre gurusauhṛdād guhaḥ |
mumoca bāṣpaṁ vyasanābhipīḍito jvarāturo nāga iva vyathāturaḥ ||
When the king’s son—ever intent on the people’s welfare—spoke the truth in that manner, Guha, moved by deep, reverent friendship, crushed by sorrow, let his tears fall, like an elephant fever-stricken and writhing in pain.
When Rama, son of Dasaratha, sleeps on the ground with Sita how can I sleep orlive or enjoy pleasures?
Satya is upheld even when painful; truthful speech aligned with welfare (prajāhita) is dharmic, and compassionate response to others’ suffering is also part of moral life.
After Lakshmana truthfully relates the situation, Guha—bound by friendship—breaks down in grief and weeps.
Guha’s empathy and loyal affection; Lakshmana’s truthfulness oriented to the listener’s welfare.