Shloka 5.38.61
अभिज्ञानप्रदानम् — The Token of Recognition (Chūḍāmaṇi) and the Crow Episode Recalled
ह्रियमाणां तदा वीरो न तु मां वेद लक्ष्मणः।वृद्धोपसेवी लक्ष्मीवान् शक्तो न बहुभाषिता।।5.38.61।।राजपुत्रः प्रियः श्रेष्ठः सदृशः श्वशुरस्य मे।
hriyamāṇāṃ tadā vīro na tu māṃ veda lakṣmaṇaḥ |
vṛddhopasevī lakṣmīvān śakto na bahubhāṣitā ||5.38.61||
rājaputraḥ priyaḥ śreṣṭhaḥ sadṛśaḥ śvaśurasya me |
When I was being carried away, the heroic Lakṣmaṇa did not know it. He serves the elders, is rich in virtues, capable, and sparing of speech—a dear and foremost prince, resembling my father-in-law in character.
"Heroic Lakshmana, did not know while I was borne away. He is prosperous, foremost in serving elders. He is energetic and reserved in his speech like my father-in-law. He is a prince dear (to his brother).
Respect for elders and disciplined speech: true nobility is shown through service, capability, and restraint rather than display.
Sītā reflects on Lakṣmaṇa’s qualities and notes that he did not realize her abduction at the moment it occurred.
Lakṣmaṇa’s humility, elder-service, and measured speech—strength joined with restraint.