Chapter 40 — Aranya Kanda, Sarga 40

Valmiki Ramayana — Aranya Kanda

Verse 40.9

वाक्यमप्रतिकूलं तु मृदुपूर्वं शुभं हितम्। उपचारेण वक्तव्यो युक्तं च वसुधाधिपः॥

vākyamapratikūlaṃ tu mṛdupūrvaṃ śubhaṃ hitam| upacāreṇa vaktavyo yuktaṃ ca vasudhādhipaḥ||

English Meaning

It is always proper to speak before monarchs such pleasant and favourable words as are intended for the welfare of the master and are sanctioned by the royal etiquette.

M.N. Dutt (1891–94, public domain)