Shloka 4.53.29
स्वयम्प्रभा-विमोचनम् — Svayamprabha Leads the Vanaras Out (Time-Limit Crisis and Counsel)
धृवं नो हिंसिता राजा सर्वान्प्रतिगतानितः।।।।वधेनाप्रतिरूपेण श्रेयान्मृत्युरिहैव नः।
sā tvam asmād bilād ghorād uttārayitum arhasi |
tasmāt sugrīvavacanād atikrāntān gatāyuṣaḥ ||
O lady, you should help us out of this dreadful cave; for, by overstepping Sugrīva’s command, we are as good as dead.
'Surely the king will torture us by awarding death sentence in a singular manner when we go back. It is better for us to meet death here itself.
Responsibility to one’s entrusted duty and respect for legitimate command; transgression of a just mission is treated as a grave fault with consequences.
The vānaras, trapped in a terrifying cave, plead for rescue while lamenting that they have exceeded the time/terms of Sugrīva’s command and fear punishment.
Accountability (acceptance of fault) and urgency to correct a lapse in duty.