Ramayana — Bala Kanda, Sarga 53, Shloka 12
शबलाप्रार्थना–वसिष्ठप्रतिज्ञा
The Request for Śabalā and Vasiṣṭha’s Refusal
न परित्यागमर्हेयं मत्सकाशादरिन्दम ।शाश्वती शबला मह्यं कीर्तिरात्मवतो यथा।।1.53.12।।
na parityāgam arheyam matsakāśād arindama | śāśvatī śabalā mahyaṃ kīrtir ātmavato yathā ||
噢，降伏仇敌者，不应将她从我的护持中分离；于我而言，舍婆罗（Śabalā）恒常不灭，正如名声与自持而正直之人不可分离。
O Suppressor of enemies Viswamitra it is not proper to separate this cow from me. The relationship between Sabala and me is permanent like the relationship between a righteous man and his fame.
FAQs
Dharma as faithful guardianship: what is entrusted for sacred duty should not be relinquished under pressure or temptation.
Vasiṣṭha justifies his refusal by stating that Śabalā’s bond with him is enduring and dharmically grounded.
Steadfastness (dhṛti) and self-mastery: Vasiṣṭha frames the relationship in moral terms, not material ones.