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 brought them Our tokens, behold! they laughed at them. 47 yet there was not a sign that We showed them that was not greater than its sister, and We seized them with the punishment so that they might return. 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 Yet no sooner did We take away the affliction from them than they broke their pledge. 50 And Pharaoh proclaimed among his people: 'O my people, do I not possess the kingdom of Egypt, and these rivers flowing beneath me? What, do you not see? 51 Aye! I am better than this one who is despicable, and well-nigh cannot make himself plain. 52 Why, then, have armlets of gold not been set upon him, or angels sent along with him? 53 So he incited his people to levity and they obeyed him: surely they were a transgressing people. 54 So, when they had angered Us, We took vengeance on them, and We drowned them all together; 55 We made them become of the people of the past and an example for the coming generations. 56