Key Verses from Valmiki Ramayan (for quick retrieval)
tapaḥ svādhyāya niratām tapasvī vāgvidām varam | nāradam paripapraccha vālmīkiḥ muni puṃgavam || 1-1-1 The ascetic Valmiki inquired Naarada who engaged deeply in austerity and study of Vedas, best among the eloquent and eminent among sages (as follows:). kaḥ nu asmin sāṃpratam loke guṇavān kaḥ ca vīryavān | dharmajñaḥ ca kṛtajñaḥ ca satya vākyo dhṛḍha vrataḥ || 1-1-2 "Who really is that person in this present world, who is virtuous and vigorous, a conscientious one, one who is mindful of good deeds done to him, and also a speaker of truth and who is determined in his deed... cāritreṇa ca ko yuktaḥ sa^^rva bhūteṣu ko hitaḥ | vidvān kaḥ kaḥ samarthaḥ ca kaḥ ca eka priya darśanaḥ || 1-1-3 3. kaH chaaritreNa ca yuktaH = appropriate in disposition; kaH sarva bhuuteSu hitaH = who is interested in welfare of all beings; kaH vidvaan = who is an adept one; samarthaH ca = an able one also; kaH ca eka priya darshanaH = who is also uniquely pleasant