Thamood, belied their Messengers. 141 When their brother Salih said to them, "Will you not fear God? 142 Lo! I am a faithful messenger unto you, 143 be, then, conscious of God, and pay heed unto me! 144 For this I demand no recompense from you; my reward is only with the Lord of the Universe. 145 Do you think that you will be left secure [forever] -- 146 in the midst of gardens and fountains, 147 “And fields and palm-trees, with delicate tendrils?” 148 carving comfortable houses out of the mountains? 149 "Be, then, conscious of God, and pay heed unto me, 150 "And follow not the bidding of those who are extravagant,- 151 "Who make mischief in the land, and mend not (their ways)." 152 They said: Thou art but one of the bewitched; 153 You are naught but a mortal like ourselves; so bring a sign if you are one of the truthful. 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 Do not touch her with malice so that punishment of a dreadful day seizes you' 156 Yet they hamstrung her, and in the morning they were remorseful, 157 So the retribution came on them. Lo! herein is indeed a portent, yet most of them are not believers. 158 And verily thy Lord is He, the Exalted in Might, Most Merciful. 159