Chapter 1 — Sundara Kanda, Sarga 1

Valmiki Ramayana — Sundara Kanda

Verse 1.77

कृते च प्रतिकर्तव्यमेष धर्मः सनातनः॥ सोऽयं तत्प्रतिकारार्थी त्वत्तः सम्मानमर्हति।

kṛte ca pratikartavyameṣa dharmaḥ sanātanaḥ|| so'yaṃ tatpratikārārthī tvattaḥ sammānamarhati|

English Meaning

The best and everlasting virtue consists in returning benefits to one who has benefited us. Bent on returning benefits to Raghu's race, he deserve respect from you.

M.N. Dutt (1891–94, public domain)