In Section 12 of Jami's Haft Awrang, an aging heron, too weak to hunt, settles beside a pool and at last seizes a frog in its claws. Pleading for its life, the frog belittles itself as a poor, bony morsel and spins a flattering fable, promising far greater rewards if it is set free. Persuaded by these hopeful words, the heron opens its claws and lets the frog escape — surrendering the certain catch already in hand for a promise that never comes.

Moral

The tale allegorizes the folly of trading the certain present (naqd, cash in hand) for the uncertain future (nasiya, credit or mere promise). It warns learners against being seduced by fair speech and deferred hopes into abandoning a real, present good — a caution about credulity, greed for more, and misplaced trust.