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 as soon as he came before them with Our [miraculous] signs, lo! they derided 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 They said, "Sorcerer, call on your Lord for us, by virtue of His pledge to you: we shall certainly accept guidance," 49 But when We eased them of the torment, behold! they broke their word. 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 Am I not better than this contemptible man who can hardly make his meaning clear? 52 Why, then, have armlets of gold not been set upon him, or angels sent along with him? 53 He (Pharaoh) intimidated his nation, so they obeyed him, for they were a sinning nation. 54 So, when they angered Us, We punished them and drowned them every one. 55 So We made them a bygone fable and a lesson for the latter generations. 56