तमभ्यभाष सौमित्रे सुग्रीवसचिवं कपिम्।वाक्यज्ञं मधुरैर्वाक्यैस्स्नेहयुक्तमरिन्दम।।।।
tam abhyabhāṣa saumitre sugrīva-sacivaṃ kapim | vākyajñaṃ madhurair vākyaiḥ snehayuktam arindama ||
हे सौमित्रे अरिन्दम, सुग्रीवसचिवं वाक्यज्ञं कपिं तम् अभ्यभाष। स्नेहयुक्तं मधुरैः मृदुभिः वाक्यैः प्रत्युत्तरं देहि।
'O Saumitri, conqueror of enemies! this monkey, Sugriva's minister, is skilled in friendly communication. Reply to him in words gentle and sweet.
Dharma of vāg-dharma (righteous speech): even in uncertainty, one should respond with courtesy, restraint, and sweetness—speech that supports truth and harmony.
Rama instructs Lakshmana on how to respond to Hanuman, recognizing him as Sugriva’s capable minister.
Rama’s diplomatic restraint and Lakshmana’s disciplined obedience—strength guided by etiquette.