Ramayana 2.124

Thus spake the queen, and wept, and sighed: Then righteous Rama thus replied: "I have no power to slight or break Commandments which my father spake. I bend my head, dear lady, low, Forgive me, for I needs must go. Once Kandu, mighty saint, who made His dwelling in the forest shade, A cow--and duty's claims he knew-- Obedient to his father, slew. And in the line from which we spring, When ordered by their sire the king, Through earth the sons of Sagar cleft, And countless things of life bereft.(289) So Jamadagni's son(290) obeyed His sire, when in the wood he laid His hand upon his axe, and smote Through Renuka his mother's throat. The deeds of these and more beside. Peers of the Gods, my steps shall guide, And resolute will I fulfil My father's word, my father's will. Nor I, O Queen, unsanctioned tread This righteous path, by duty led: The road my footsteps journey o'er Was traversed by the great of yore. This high command which all accept Shall faithfully by me be kept, For duty ne'er will him forsake Who fears his sire's command to break."