The Ad gave the lie to the Messengers. 123 when their brother Hud said unto them: "Will you not be conscious of God? 124 Behold, I am an apostle [sent by Him] to you, [and therefore] worthy of your trust: 125 So fear God and listen to me. 126 And I ask of you no wage therefor; my wage is the concern only of the Lord of the Worlds. 127 "Do you build high palaces on every high place, while you do not live in them? 128 And take for yourselves palaces and fortresses that you might abide eternally? 129 And when you strike, you strike as tyrants. 130 "So fear Allah, keep your duty to Him, and obey me. 131 Keep your duty toward Him Who hath aided you with (the good things) that ye know, 132 amply provided you with flocks, and children, 133 "And gardens and springs. 134 Verily I fear for you the torment of a Mighty Day. 135 They replied: 'It is the same to us whether you admonish or whether you are not one of the admonishers. 136 this is nothing but the habit of the ancients, 137 and we shall not be punished." 138 So they rejected him; and We destroyed them. There is certainly a sign in that; but most of them would not believe. 139 And lo! thy Lord, He is indeed the Mighty, the Merciful. 140