And when Moses said unto his servant: I will not give up until I reach the point where the two rivers meet, though I march on for ages.

And when they reached the point where the two met, they forgot their fish, and it took its way into the waters, being free.

And when they had gone further, he said unto his servant: Bring us our breakfast. Verily we have found fatigue in this our journey.

He said: Didst thou see, when we took refuge on the rock, and I forgot the fish - and none but Satan caused me to forget to mention it - it took its way into the waters by a marvel.

He said: This is that which we have been seeking. So they retraced their steps again.

Then found they one of Our slaves, unto whom We had given mercy from Us, and had taught him knowledge from Our presence.

Moses said unto him: May I follow thee, to the end that thou mayst teach me right conduct of that which thou hast been taught?

He said: Lo! thou canst not bear with me.

How canst thou bear with that whereof thou canst not compass any knowledge?

He said: Allah willing, thou shalt find me patient and I shall not in aught gainsay thee.

He said: Well, if thou go with me, ask me not concerning aught till I myself make mention of it unto thee.

So they twain set out till, when they were in the ship, he made a hole therein. (Moses) said: Hast thou made a hole therein to drown the folk thereof? Thou verily hast done a dreadful thing.

He said: Did I not tell thee that thou couldst not bear with me?

(Moses) said: Be not wroth with me that I forgot, and be not hard upon me for my fault.

So they twain journeyed on till, when they met a lad, he slew him. (Moses) said: What! Hast thou slain an innocent soul who hath slain no man? Verily thou hast done a horrid thing.

He said: Did I not tell thee that thou couldst not bear with me?

(Moses) said: If I ask thee after this concerning aught, keep not company with me. Thou hast received an excuse from me.

So they twain journeyed on till, when they came unto the folk of a certain township, they asked its folk for food, but they refused to make them guests. And they found therein a wall upon the point of falling into ruin, and he repaired it. (Moses) said: If thou hadst wished, thou couldst have taken payment for it.

He said: This is the parting between thee and me! I will announce unto thee the interpretation of that thou couldst not bear with patience.

As for the ship, it belonged to poor people working on the river, and I wished to mar it, for there was a king behind them who is taking every ship by force.

And as for the lad, his parents were believers and we feared lest he should oppress them by rebellion and disbelief.

And we intended that their Lord should change him for them for one better in purity and nearer to mercy.

And as for the wall, it belonged to two orphan boys in the city, and there was beneath it a treasure belonging to them, and their father had been righteous, and thy Lord intended that they should come to their full strength and should bring forth their treasure as a mercy from their Lord; and I did it not upon my own command. Such is the interpretation of that wherewith thou couldst not bear.

They will ask thee of Dhu'l-Qarneyn. Say: I shall recite unto you a remembrance of him.

Lo! We made him strong in the land and gave him unto every thing a road.

And he followed a road

Till, when he reached the setting-place of the sun, he found it setting in a muddy spring, and found a people thereabout. We said: O Dhu'l-Qarneyn! Either punish or show them kindness.

He said: As for him who doeth wrong, we shall punish him, and then he will be brought back unto his Lord, Who will punish him with awful punishment!

But as for him who believeth and doeth right, good will be his reward, and We shall speak unto him a mild command.

Then he followed a road

Till, when he reached the rising-place of the sun, he found it rising on a people for whom We had appointed no shelter therefrom.

So (it was). And We knew all concerning him.

Then he followed a road

Till, when he came between the two mountains, he found upon their hither side a folk that scarce could understand a saying.

They said: O Dhu'l-Qarneyn! Lo! Gog and Magog are spoiling the land. So may we pay thee tribute on condition that thou set a barrier between us and them?

He said: That wherein my Lord hath established me is better (than your tribute). Do but help me with strength (of men), I will set between you and them a bank.