Shloka 6.114.97
रावणस्य अन्त्येष्टिः — Ravana’s Funeral Rites and the Ethics of Post-War Conduct
तवापिमेप्रियंकार्यंत्वत्प्रभावान्मयाजितम् ।।।।अवश्यंतुक्षमंवाच्योमयात्वांराक्षसेश्वर ।
tavāpi me priyaṃ kāryaṃ tvatprabhāvān mayā jitam |
avaśyaṃ tu kṣamaṃ vācyo mayā tvāṃ rākṣaseśvara ||
O lord of the Rākṣasas, you are dear to me. By your power I have gained victory; therefore I must speak to you what is proper and fitting.
"O Lord of Rakshasas! You are dear to me. It is by your strength I could be victorious. I have to do some kind deed for you.
Dharma includes gratitude and responsible counsel: acknowledging help received, and then speaking what is ‘kṣama’—proper and ethically fitting—rather than what merely pleases.
Rāma begins his response to Vibhīṣaṇa, affirming closeness and crediting his support in the victory.
Rāma’s gratitude and moral leadership—he honors Vibhīṣaṇa while preparing to guide him toward the correct duty.