Shloka 4.8.45
मैत्रीप्रतिज्ञा-वैरकारणप्रश्नः (Friendship Vow and Inquiry into the Cause of Enmity)
एवमुक्तस्तु सुग्रीवः काकुत्स्थेन महात्मना।प्रहर्षमतुलं लेभे चतुर्भिस्सह वानरैः।।
hṛṣṭaḥ kathaya visrabdho yāvad āropyate dhanuḥ |
sṛṣṭaś ca hi mayā bāṇo nirastaś ca ripus tava ||
Speak freely and with confidence, even with gladness, while I string my bow; for once my arrow is released, your enemy will surely be struck down.
When the great Rama said this, Sugriva with all the four monkeys felt immeasurably glad.
Dharma here is the duty to protect an ally: Rāma’s assurance ties righteous force to truthful counsel—first speak openly, then action follows.
Rāma urges Sugrīva to narrate events without fear, promising swift martial support.
Courage and reliability—Rāma presents himself as a dependable protector once truth is known.