Ramayana 3.58

As thus the troubled hermits prayed, I promised, dame, my ready aid, And now--for truth I hold most dear-- Still to my word must I adhere. My love, I might endure to be Deprived of Lakshman, life, and thee, But ne'er deny my promise, ne'er To Brahmans break the oath I sware. I must, enforced by high constraint, Protect them all. Each suffering saint In me, unasked, his help had found; Still more in one by promise bound. I know thy words, mine own dear dame, From thy sweet heart's affection came: I thank thee for thy gentle speech, For those we love are those we teach. 'Tis like thyself, O fair of face, 'Tis worthy of thy noble race: Dearer than life, thy feet are set In righteous paths they ne'er forget."