Shloka 4.57.26
सम्पाति–अङ्गदसंवादः / Sampati and Angada: Genealogy, Jatayu, and the Search Vow
क्रुद्धे तस्मिंस्तु काकुत्स्थे सुग्रीवे च सलक्ष्मणे।।।।गतानामपि सर्वेषां तत्र नो नास्ति जीवितम्।
kruddhe tasmiṃs tu kākutsthe sugrīve ca sa-lakṣmaṇe | gatānām api sarveṣāṃ tatra no nāsti jīvitam ||
For if that Kakutstha (Rāma) is enraged—and Sugrīva too, along with Lakṣmaṇa—then even should we return, there will be no life left for any of us.
'Even if we go back, there is no hope of our survival before the anger of Sugriva and of Rama and Lakshmana of the Kakutstha dynasty.'ityārṣē śrīmadrāmāyaṇē vālmīkīya ādikāvyē kiṣkindhākāṇḍē saptapañcaśassargaḥ৷৷Thus ends of fiftyseventh sarga in Kishkindakanda of the first epic, the Holy Ramyana composed by sage Valmiki.
It underscores the seriousness of entrusted duty: failing a righteous mission brings consequences. Dharma also implies facing results with truth, not excuses—yet the narrative will later redirect fear into renewed effort.
Angada explains why the vānaras dread returning empty-handed: they anticipate the anger of Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa, and Sugrīva.
Recognition of authority and the moral weight of a promise—though expressed as fear rather than courageous recommitment.