We sent Moses with Our signs to Pharaoh and his nobles. He said, "I am the messenger of the Lord of the Universe," 46 But when he came to them with Our Signs, behold they ridiculed them. 47 although each sign that We showed them was weightier than the preceding one: and [each time] We took them to task through suffering, so that they might return [to Us]. 48 And they said [to Musa (Moses)]: "O you sorcerer! Invoke your Lord for us according to what He has covenanted with you. Verily, We shall guide ourselves (aright)." 49 But when We had relieved them of their punishment they broke their promise. 50 And Pharaoh caused a proclamation to be made among his people saying: O my people! Is not mine the sovereignty of Egypt and these rivers flowing under me? Can ye not then discern? 51 Nay! I am better than this fellow, who is contemptible, and who can hardly speak distinctly: 52 Why, then, have armlets of gold not been set upon him, or angels sent along with him? 53 Thus he persuaded his people to make light (of Moses), and they obeyed him. Lo! they were a wanton folk. 54 But when they roused Our anger We inflicted retributive punishment and drowned them all, 55 And We made them a precedent and an example for the later peoples. 56