Shloka 5.52.8
दूतधर्म-परामर्शः (Envoy-Immunity and Royal Counsel in Ravana’s Court)
गृह्यन्ते यदि रोषेण त्वादृशोऽपि विचक्षणः।तत श्शास्त्रविपश्चित्त्वं श्रम एव हि केवलम्।।।।
tad ekadeśena balasya tāvat kecit tavādeśakṛto 'bhiyāntu |
tau rājaputrau vinigṛhya mūḍhau pareṣu te bhāvayituṃ prabhāvam ||
Then let some troops—acting on your command—advance with a detachment of the army and seize those two foolish princes, so that your power may be displayed before the enemy.
"If wise persons like you are also overpowered by unjust anger, then the mastery of the scriptures will become a mere fruitless exercise.
The verse reflects rājadharma as pragmatic statecraft: a ruler may use limited force strategically (a detachment, not reckless escalation) to assert authority and deter enemies.
In the deliberations after Hanumān’s capture, counsel is given to act through ordered military measures—sending a contingent to seize two enemy princes—so as to demonstrate strength.
Strategic restraint and command discipline: action is proposed through controlled deployment and obedience to lawful command.