Thamud denied the messengers 141 Their brother Salih asked them, "Why do you not fear God? 142 I have been sent as a trusted messenger to you. 143 Therefore guard against (the punishment of) Allah and obey me: 144 I do not ask for any payment for my preaching. I shall receive my reward from the Lord of the Universe. 145 Will you be left secure in this, 146 In gardens and springs. 147 And corn-fields and palm-trees whereof the spathes are fine? 148 And you hew houses out of the mountains exultingly; 149 Have fear of God and obey me. 150 And do not obey the bidding of the extravagant, 151 "Who make mischief in the land, and reform not." 152 They replied, "Surely you are bewitched. 153 Thou art nothing but a mortal like ourselves! Come, then, forward with a token [of thy mission] if thou art a man of truth!" 154 (Saleh) said: "Here is a she-camel. She has a right of drinking water, and you have a right of drinking it on appointed turns. 155 And touch her not with ill, lest there take hold of you the torment of a Mighty Day. 156 But they hamstrung her; and on the morrow were repentant, 157 For they were seized by the torment. Verily there was a sign in this, but most of them did not believe. 158 Yet verily your Lord is mighty and merciful. 159