In Moses' absence, his people manufactured a hollow sounding calf out of their ornaments. Could they not see that it could not speak to them or provide them with any guidance? They gained only evil by worshipping the calf. 148 When they repented, and saw that they had erred, they said: "If our Lord have not mercy upon us and forgive us, we shall indeed be of those who perish." 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 Said [Moses]: "O my Sustainer! Grant Thou forgiveness unto me and my brother, and admit us unto Thy grace: for Thou art the most merciful of the merciful!" 151