Chapter 17 — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 17

Valmiki Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda

Verse 17.58

अशक्यं सहसा राजन्भावो बोद्धं परस्य वै। अन्तरेण स्वरैभिन्नै पुण्यं पश्यतां भृशम्॥

aśakyaṃ sahasā rājanbhāvo boddhaṃ parasya vai| antareṇa svaraibhinnai puṇyaṃ paśyatāṃ bhṛśam||

English Meaning

Besides by a sudden questioning it is impossible to ascertain the intention of a foreigner. Do you therefore yourself accost him and determine, by his voice, his secret motive.

M.N. Dutt (1891–94, public domain)