The old man tried his best to stop Hatim from continuing his journey and told him a fable–“Once upon a time, there was a pond that was inhabited by frogs. All the frogs lived happily in the pond, but one frog wanted freedom and adventure. He took his family along. His friends warned him that one who disregarded the advice of their well-wishers had to face shame and misery. The frog did not listen to their advice and left in search of new destination. They walked for many days without food and water. Finally, they saw a pond. Unknown to them, a snake lived in that pond. The snake ate the frog’s wife and children, who were standing at the edge, instantly. However, the frog escaped and returned to his old pond. His friends rebuked him and said that he suffered because of his stubbornness.” The old man said to Hatim, “Thus my friend, listen to me and don’t go further.”
The Frog’s Story
