And in the absence of Moses his people made the image of a calf from their ornaments, which lowed. Did they not observe that it could neither speak nor give them any guidance? And still they made it an object of worship. They were indeed wrong-doing. 148 And when they repented and realised that they had gone astray, they said, “If our Lord does not have mercy on us and forgive us, we are ruined.” 149 And when Musa returned unto his people indignant and sorrowing, he said: ill is that which ye have acted as my successors after me. Anticipated ye the command of you Lord? And he cast down the tablets and took hold of the head of his brother dragging him unto himself. Aaron said: son of my mother! the people held me weak and well-nigh slew me, so cause not the enemies rejoice over me, and place me not with the wrong-doing people 150 Moses prayed: "O my Lord! forgive me and my brother! admit us to Thy mercy! for Thou art the Most Merciful of those who show mercy!" 151