Shloka 5.36.10
सीताप्रत्यय-प्रदानम् (Sita’s Recognition and Reassurance by the Envoy)
अर्हसे च कपिश्रेष्ठ मया समभिभाषितुम्।यद्यसि प्रेषितस्तेन रामेण विदितात्मना।।।।
arhase ca kapi-śreṣṭha mayā samabhibhāṣitum |
yady asi preṣitas tena rāmeṇa viditātmanā ||
O best of monkeys, it is fitting that I speak with you—if indeed you have been sent by that Rāma, self-possessed and knower of his own nature.
"O best of monkeys! As you have been sent by Rama, the knower of the self, it is proper for me to converse with you.
Responsible trust: dharma requires discernment—Sītā will engage only if the messenger’s claim aligns with Rāma’s known integrity.
Sītā sets a condition for dialogue, indicating she will speak properly with Hanumān if he is truly Rāma’s envoy.
Viveka (discrimination) and maryādā (propriety): even in distress, Sītā maintains careful standards of verification and conduct.