Shloka 6.18.24
शरणागति-धर्मनिर्णयः (Decision on Refuge and Dharma) / Rama’s Vow of Protection and the Acceptance of Vibhishana
सहितंप्रतिजग्राहभार्याहर्तारमागतः ।कपोतोवानरश्रेष्ठ: किंपुनर्मद्विधोजनः ।।।।
sahitaṃ pratijagrāha bhāryā-hartāram āgataḥ | kapoto vānaraśreṣṭhaḥ kiṃ punar mad-vidho janaḥ || 6.18.24 ||
O best of Vānaras, that dove received and sheltered even the one who had carried off its mate when he came near; how much more then should a man like me do so?
"O Supreme Vanara When the fowler who had carried away the mate came near the dove it received him and in turn protected him. What more can a man like me do?"
If even a small creature upholds refuge-protection toward a grievous offender, a righteous human ruler must uphold it all the more.
Rāma strengthens his argument by extending the dove example: protection is owed even to one who has caused personal loss.
Magnanimity—placing dharma above personal grievance.