Shloka 1.10.1
ऋश्यशृङ्ग-आनयनम् (Bringing Ṛśyaśṛṅga to Aṅga and His Marriage to Śāntā)
सुमन्त्रश्चोदितो राज्ञा प्रोवाचेदं वचस्तदा।यथर्श्यशृङ्गस्त्वानीत श्श्रुणु मे मन्त्रिभिस्सह।।।।
sumantraś codito rājñā provācedaṃ vacas tadā |
yatharṣyaśṛṅgas tv ānītaḥ śṛṇu me mantribhiḥ saha ||
Urged by the king, Sumantra then spoke: “Listen—together with your ministers—to how Ṛśyaśṛṅga was brought here.”
Thus prompted by king Dasaratha, Sumantra said, "I shall relate to you the manner in which Rsyasringa was brought to the court. Listen to me along with your ministers".
Dharma here is truthful reporting and responsible counsel: a trusted minister speaks clearly and factually when asked by the king.
Daśaratha has requested an account of Ṛśyaśṛṅga’s arrival; Sumantra begins narrating the episode to the king and ministers.
Sumantra’s reliability and satya-vacana (truthful speech) as a royal minister.