Shloka 2.52.58
गङ्गातरणम्, सुमन्त्र-प्रतिनिवर्तनम्, जटाधारणम् (Crossing the Gaṅgā; Sumantra’s Return; Adoption of Ascetic Signs)
भृत्यवत्सल तिष्ठन्तं भर्तृपुत्रगते पथि।भक्तं भृत्यं स्थितं स्थित्यां त्वं न मां हातुमर्हसि।।2.52.58।।
bhṛtyavatsala tiṣṭhantaṃ bhartṛputragate pathi |
bhaktaṃ bhṛtyaṃ sthitaṃ sthityāṃ tvaṃ na māṃ hātum arhasi ||2.52.58||
O tender-hearted toward servants, I stand upon the path taken by you, the son of my lord. I am your devoted servant, steadfast in my duty—do not abandon me.
O Rama! you are affectionate towards your servants. I abide in the path followed by you, my master's son. I am your devoted servant. It does not behove you to forsake me who is faithful.
Dharma is reciprocal: the servant remains steadfast in duty, and the righteous master is expected to protect and not forsake faithful dependents.
Sumantra appeals to Rama’s known compassion toward servants, asking not to be left behind when Rama departs for exile.
Rama’s bhṛtyavātsalya (care for dependents) and Sumantra’s steadfast devotion to duty.