In his absence, the people of Moses made a calf from their ornaments, an image which made a lowing sound. Could they not see that it did not speak to them or guide them in any way? Yet they took to worshipping it: they were evil-doers. 148 And when they were afflicted with remorse and realized that they had fallen into error, they said: 'If our Lord does not have mercy on us and does not pardon us, we shall be among the losers.' 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, "Lord, forgive me and my brother and admit us into Your mercy; you are the most Merciful." 151