Addressing the heroic Lakshmana in front of him imploring with folded hands to take him to the forest so that he may walk ahead (and guard them), the effulgent Rama said : - [2-31-6]
स्निग्धो धर्मरतो वीरस्सततं सत्पथे स्थितः | प्रियः प्राणसमो वश्यो भ्राता चापि सखा च मे || २-३१-१०
- 'You are affectionate, you are devoted to dharma. You are valiant. You always walk the path of virtue. You are dear to me like my own life. You are not only an obedient brother but also a friend. [2-31-10]