Shloka 5.38.37
अभिज्ञानप्रदानम् — The Token of Recognition (Chūḍāmaṇi) and the Crow Episode Recalled
हिनस्तु दक्षिणाक्षि त्वच्छर इत्यथ सोऽब्रवीत्।।5.38.36।।ततस्तस्याक्षि काकस्य हिनस्ति स्म स दक्षिणम्।दत्त्वा स दक्षिणं नेत्रं प्राणेभ्यः परिरक्षितः।।5.38.37।।
sa rāmāya namaskṛtya rājñe daśarathāya ca |
visṛṣṭas tena vīreṇa pratipede svam ālayam || 5.38.38 ||
Having paid homage to Rāma and to King Daśaratha, and being released by that hero, the crow returned to his own abode.
'Then that crow said, 'let my right eye be blinded'. you then hit the right eye of the crow'. Thus the crow offered his right eye and saved himself.
When granted protection, the offender responds with humility and respect; gratitude and acknowledgment of rightful authority are dharmic responses to mercy.
After receiving a reduced punishment and being spared, the crow salutes Rāma (and Daśaratha) and departs.
Maryādā (propriety) expressed through salutations, and Rāma’s controlled release after justice is satisfied.