Shloka 1.12.7
द्वादशः सर्गः — Aśvamedha-saṅkalpa (Daśaratha resolves on the Horse Sacrifice)
तान्पूजयित्वा धर्मात्मा राजा दशरथस्तदा।धर्मार्थसहितं युक्तं श्लक्ष्णं वचनमब्रवीत्।।।।
tān pūjayitvā dharmātmā rājā daśarathas tadā | dharmārthasahitaṃ yuktaṃ ślakṣṇaṃ vacanam abravīt ||
Having honored them, the righteous king Daśaratha then spoke words that were fitting—gentle, well-reasoned, and aligned with dharma and rightful purpose.
After paying respect to them (learned brahmins), virtuous king Dasaratha graciously uttered these words charged with dharma and artha.
Dharma includes right speech: honoring the wise and speaking with courtesy and purpose is itself an ethical practice for rulers and householders.
After welcoming and honoring the assembled priests, Daśaratha begins to address them formally.
Daśaratha’s humility and refined speech (śīla) in dealing with learned elders.