Chapter 21 — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 21

Valmiki Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda

Verse 21.60

त्र पृष्ठतः कर्तुमलं महोदयम्। अदीर्घकालेन तु देवि जीविते वृणेऽवरामद्य महीमधर्मतः॥

tra pṛṣṭhataḥ kartumalaṃ mahodayam| adīrghakālena tu devi jīvite vṛṇe'varāmadya mahīmadharmataḥ||

English Meaning

I cannot neglect eminent fame being impelled by avarice for kingdom alone. Life is but of short duration, Oh worshipful one, and as such I do not long for acquiring this nether earth by means unrighteous.

M.N. Dutt (1891–94, public domain)