Chapter 50 — Aranya Kanda, Sarga 50

Valmiki Ramayana — Aranya Kanda

Verse 50.8

राजा धर्मश्च कामश्च द्रव्याणां चोत्तमो निधिः। धर्मः शुभं वा पापं वा राजमूलं प्रवर्तते॥

rājā dharmaśca kāmaśca dravyāṇāṃ cottamo nidhiḥ| dharmaḥ śubhaṃ vā pāpaṃ vā rājamūlaṃ pravartate||

English Meaning

The king is the virtue, the king is the desire and the king is the prime jewel of all subjects. Virtue, desire or sin-every thing ariseth from the king.

M.N. Dutt (1891–94, public domain)