Shloka 6.114.50
रावणस्य अन्त्येष्टिः — Ravana’s Funeral Rites and the Ethics of Post-War Conduct
ओजसादृप्तवाक्यानांवक्तारंरिपुसन्निधौ ।।।।स्वयूथभृत्यगोप्तारंहन्तारंभीमकर्मणाम् ।
ojasā dṛptavākyānāṃ vaktāraṃ ripusannidhau | svayūthabhṛtyagoptāraṃ hantāraṃ bhīmakarmaṇām ||
He who, in the pride of his might, spoke haughty words even in the enemy’s presence; protector of his own troop and servants; slayer of those who wrought dreadful deeds.
"He, who commanded uttering harsh words in the presence of the enemy, who protected his own brand, who killed those indulged in terrible deeds.
Protection of one’s people is not automatically Dharma; when leadership is driven by pride and supports adharma, it becomes morally compromised despite outward ‘strength’.
Mandodarī continues her elegiac catalogue of Rāvaṇa’s qualities—valor, pride, and command—now rendered futile by his death.
Responsible speech is implicitly emphasized by contrast: arrogant speech before enemies signals unchecked ego rather than righteous restraint.