The Thamud belied the sent ones 141 Their brother Salih said to them: 'Will you not be cautious? 142 Verily I am unto you an apostle trusted. 143 so fear you God, and obey you me.' 144 "And no reward whatever do I ask of you for it: my reward rests with none but the Sustainer of all the worlds. 145 Will you be left secure in what is here; 146 among gardens and fountains, 147 and fields, and [these] palm-trees with slender spathes? 148 "And you carve houses out of mountains with great skill. 149 "Be, then, conscious of God, and pay heed unto me, 150 do not obey the bidding of those who are given to excesses, 151 and spread mischief in the land rather than set things right." 152 They replied: 'Surely, you are one of those bewitched. 153 "Thou art no more than a mortal like us: then bring us a Sign, if thou tellest the truth!" 154 Salih said: "This is a she-camel. There is a day set for her to drink and there is a day set for you to drink. 155 And do not touch her with harm, lest you be seized by the punishment of a terrible day." 156 But they hamstrung her, and then were penitent. 157 But the Penalty seized them. Verily in this is a Sign: but most of them do not believe. 158 And indeed, your Lord - He is the Exalted in Might, the Merciful. 159