Rāma stood before the fallen Vāli and addressed him with grave clarity. “While Sugrīva, noble and steadfast, still lives, you have acted out of unchecked desire with Rumā, your brother’s wife, and thus committed a grievous sin. For one who has strayed from righteousness and followed only passion, this punishment is ordained for violating your brother’s marriage. O chief among monkeys, for one who acts against the natural order and disregards the conduct upheld by the world, I see no means of restraint except just punishment. As a kṣatriya born of a noble lineage, I cannot overlook such a transgression—no one should approach the wife of his father, his uterine sister, or his younger brother out of desire. For any man who does so, death is the punishment declared by dharma. Yet, Bharata is the sovereign, and we act according to his command. You have transgressed righteousness, and how could a wise person, devoted to dharma, ignore a violation against one’s superior? Bharata is intent on restraining those given to desire, and we, by his decree, are resolved to hold accountable those like you who have crossed the limits. My friendship with Sugrīva is as deep as the bond I share with Lakṣmaṇa, and for the sake of Sugrīva’s wife and his kingdom, I find my highest good in upholding my word. The vow I made before the assembly of monkeys—how could I, who value truth, disregard such a promise? Thus, for all these great and righteous reasons, whatever command you give, let it be proper and approved by you. In every way, this act of restraint must be seen as dharma; for one who seeks to help a friend must always consider righteousness. You, too, are capable of fulfilling your duty by following dharma alone. Manu, the ancient lawgiver, once sang two verses rich in virtue, adopted by the wise, and I have followed that conduct. When kings enforce punishment, even those who have sinned become purified and reach heaven, just as the virtuous do. Whether by punishment or by release, a thief is freed from his guilt; but if the king neglects to punish, he himself becomes tainted by that sin. My noble ancestor Māndhātr̥ once brought a terrible calamity upon himself; when an ascetic sinned, the consequences were as grave as yours. Even when other careless rulers err, they perform atonement, and by that, the stain is removed. Therefore, let there be no more sorrow; this killing is ordained by dharma, O foremost among monkeys, for we are not independent in these matters. Hear also another reason, O chief of monkeys, and after hearing, do not be angry. I feel neither grief nor anger about this, O lord of monkeys. Just as men use snares, nets, and traps—both hidden and visible—to capture animals that run, are frightened, are careless, or stand still, so too do men who eat meat strike both attentive and inattentive animals, even those who have turned away, and there is no fault in this. Royal sages, skilled in dharma, hunt here as well; therefore, whether you fought or not, I struck you down in battle, O monkey, as one would a branch-animal. Kings, O best of monkeys, are indeed the givers of rare dharma, of life, and of good fortune—there is no doubt. One should not harm, abuse, insult, or speak unpleasantly to them; kings are like gods who wander this earth in human form. But you, not understanding dharma and relying only on anger, accuse me in matters of dharma that have been established by our forefathers. Thus addressed, Vāli felt deep distress. He could not find fault in Rāghava, for he was now certain of the righteousness of Rāma’s actions. With his palms joined in humility, Vāli replied to Rāma, “O best of men, what you have said is indeed true—there is no doubt. Only the superior can respond to the superior, not the lesser to the greater. If earlier, through carelessness, I spoke words that were unfitting or harsh, even then, O Rāghava, you should not blame me. For you perceive the true nature of things, are devoted to the welfare of all, and your unwavering intellect is firmly established in discerning right action and its cause. If I, too, have acted outside the bounds of righteousness, knowingly or unknowingly, O knower of dharma, protect me now with words joined to righteousness.” Overcome with emotion, Vāli’s throat choked with tears. With a cry of pain, he gazed at Rāma like an elephant mired in mud and spoke slowly. “I do not grieve for myself, nor for Tārā, nor for my kin, as much as I do for my son Aṅgada, who is foremost in virtue and adorned with golden ornaments. Deprived of seeing me, he, cherished since childhood, will wither like a pond whose water has been drunk dry. He is only a child, his understanding unformed, my only beloved son. O Rāma, mighty son of Tārā, protect him. Let your highest wisdom guide Sugrīva and Aṅgada, for you are both protector and guide, steadfast in discerning what should and should not be done. The conduct you show towards Bharata and Lakṣmaṇa, O king, you should show likewise towards Sugrīva and Aṅgada. Just as you would ensure that Sugrīva does not disregard Tārā, devoted to austerity and bearing the blame for my faults, so you should act. For one favored by you, it is possible to rule the kingdom, living according to your will and following your mind. It is possible to attain heaven and rule the earth by acting under your guidance; yet, even as Tārā tried to restrain me, I sought my death at your hands. I entered into single combat with my brother Sugrīva.” Having spoken thus to Rāma, the lord of the monkeys, Vāli, fell silent.