Shloka 6.75.29
लङ्कादाह-प्रचोदनं तथा वानर-राक्षस-समरारम्भः (The Burning of Lanka and the Outbreak of Battle)
अश्वंमुक्तंगजोदृष्टवाक्वचिद्भीतोऽपसर्पति ।भीतोभीतंगजंदृष्टवाक्वचिदश्वोनिवर्तते ।।।।
aśvaṃ muktaṃ gajo dṛṣṭvā kvacid bhīto 'pasarpati |
bhīto bhītaṃ gajaṃ dṛṣṭvā kvacid aśvo nivartate ||
In some places, a released horse, seeing an elephant, veered away in fear; elsewhere, an elephant—already frightened—seeing a horse would turn back.
Some horses that were released, went in different directions afraid of elephants. Some elephants seeing horses ran away in fear.
Dharma provides inner steadiness; when fear dominates, even natural hierarchies and trained instincts collapse. The verse illustrates how adharma-driven conflict produces pervasive insecurity.
As fire and panic spread, horses and elephants—released—scatter in mutual fear, worsening confusion in the city.
Courage (dhairya) is emphasized by contrast: the scene of fear highlights the need for steadiness and disciplined action in crisis.