Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 30, Shloka 4
शार्दूलचरवृत्तान्तः
Saardula’s Spy-Report on Rama’s Camp and the Vanara Host
इतितेनानुशिष्टस्तुवाचंमन्दमुदीरयत् ।तदाराक्षसशार्दूलंशार्दूलोभयविह्वलः ।।6.30.4।।
iti tenānuśiṣṭas tu vācaṁ mandam udīrayat |
tadā rākṣasaśārdūlaṁ śārdūlo bhayavihvalaḥ ||6.30.4||
इति तेनानुशिष्टस्तु वाचं मन्दमुदीरयत्। तदा शार्दूलो भयविह्वलः राक्षसशार्दूलं प्रति॥
"It is not even possible to recount the virtues of Rama who killed all the Rakshasas approaching Janasthana."
FAQs
Truthfulness under pressure: even in fear, the messenger must report faithfully; dharma in speech (satya) is implied by the act of delivering the account.
Śārdūla, intimidated by what he has seen and by Ravana’s presence, begins his report in a subdued tone.
Accountability in service: despite fear, the envoy proceeds to speak and deliver intelligence.