Shloka 4.18.30
वाली–रामसंवादः (Rama’s Justification to Vali on Rājadharma)
शक्यं त्वयाऽपि तत्कार्यं धर्ममेवानुपश्यता।।श्रूयते मनुना गीतौ श्लोकौ चारित्रवत्सलौ।गृहीतौ धर्मकुशलैस्तत्तथा चरितं हरे।।
śakyaṃ tvayā’pi tatkāryaṃ dharmam evānupaśyatā || śrūyate manunā gītau ślokau cāritravatsalau | gṛhītau dharmakuśalais tattathā caritaṃ hare ||
You too could have acted thus, keeping dharma alone in view. Now hear the two verses sung by Manu—verses that cherish proper conduct and are accepted by those skilled in dharma. O monkey, what I have done follows that very principle.
'You should also have acted in that manner considering dharma. Now listen to what Manu said, in two verses that hold good traditions dear which are accepted by men well-versed in dharma. O monkey! the action taken by me is in conformity with this.
Dharma is presented as the supreme criterion for action; Rama frames his conduct as aligned with authoritative tradition (Manu) and with norms accepted by dharma-knowers.
After Vali is struck down, Rama addresses Vali’s objections and begins citing Manu to justify the kingly and moral basis of punishment.
Rama’s commitment to maryādā (normative righteousness) and satya-like accountability—he grounds his act in recognized dharma rather than personal hostility.