Shloka 18
दूतधर्म-परामर्शः
Envoy-Immunity and Royal Counsel in Ravana’s Court
शूरेण वीरेण निशाचरेन्द्र सुरासुराणामपि दुर्जयेन।त्वया प्रगल्भाः सुरदैत्यसङ्घा जिताश्च युद्धेष्वसकृन्नरेन्द्राः।।।।
śūreṇa vīreṇa niśācarendra surāsurāṇām api durjayena | tvayā pragalbhāḥ suradaitya-saṅghā jitāś ca yuddheṣv asakṛn narendrāḥ ||
O panginoon ng mga rākṣasa! Sa pamamagitan mo—na matapang, magiting, at mahirap talunin maging ng mga deva at asura—ang mga hukbo ng mga deva at daitya, at maraming hari ay paulit-ulit na nagapi sa digmaan.
"You are the king of demons. Hosts of gods and daityas efficient in wars are conquered by you again and again since you are a brave warrior invincible to gods and demons.
FAQs
Dharma here is implied through restraint: one who is truly powerful need not prove strength through an unrighteous act like killing a messenger; might should serve right conduct, not override it.
Vibhīṣaṇa continues addressing Rāvaṇa in the assembly, building rhetorical momentum by recalling Rāvaṇa’s past victories to dissuade him from a dishonorable decision.
Strategic wisdom in speech—Vibhīṣaṇa uses praise (stuti) as a tool to guide a superior toward a dharmic choice.