नहि मां केवल दृष्टवा त्यक्त्वा प्रणणवानिह । गन्तुमर्हसि विप्रषें वृक्षमूलगतो यथा,ब्रह्मर्ष] आपका मुझमें प्रेम है; इसलिये वृक्षके नीचे बैठे हुए बटोहीकी तरह केवल मुझे देखकर ही चल देना आपके लिये उचित नहीं है
nahi māṃ kevalaṃ dṛṣṭvā tyaktvā praṇaṇavān iha | gantum arhasi viprarṣe vṛkṣamūlagato yathā ||
नहि मां केवलं दृष्ट्वा त्यक्त्वा प्रणन्वानिह । गन्तुमर्हसि विप्रर्षे वृक्षमूलगतो यथा ॥
नाग उवाच
The verse underscores dharma in relationships: one should not treat an encounter as a casual, disposable meeting. When affection, obligation, or hospitality is present, it is improper to leave abruptly ‘after merely seeing’ someone, like a traveler who rests briefly under a tree and moves on without regard.
A Nāga addresses a revered sage (viprarṣi/brahmarṣi), urging him not to depart immediately after seeing the Nāga. The Nāga uses a simile of a wayfarer under a tree to criticize a fleeting, indifferent departure and to request continued engagement.