And propound thou unto them the similitude of the inhabitants of a town, when there came thereto the sent ones. 13 When We sent to them two, they rejected both of them, then We strengthened (them) with a third, so they said: Surely we are apostles to you. 14 They said, 'You are naught but mortals like us; the All-merciful has not sent down anything. You are speaking only lies.' 15 They said, 'Our Lord knows we are Envoys unto you; 16 but we are not bound to do more than clearly deliver the message [entrusted to us]." 17 They said: verily we augur ill of you; if ye desist not, we shall surely stone you, and there will befall you from us a torment afflictive. 18 They said, 'Your augury is with you; if you are reminded? But you are a prodigal people.' 19 And there came running from the farthest part of the town, a man, saying: "O my people! Obey the Messengers; 20 Follow him who does not ask you for reward, and they are the followers of the right course; 21 And why should I not serve Him who originated me, and unto whom you shall be returned? 22 Shall I take beside Him gods when, if the Compassionate should intend me any harm, their intercession will avail me not at all, nor would they save me? 23 Surely, I should then be in clear error. 24 I believe in your Lord; so listen to me.” 25 [And] he was told, "[Thou shalt] enter paradise!" - [whereupon] he exclaimed: "Would that my people knew 26 that my Lord has forgiven me and that He has placed me among the honoured.' 27 ۞ After him We did not send down against his people a host from heaven, nor do We send down such hosts: 28 It was naught but a single cry, and lo! they were still. 29 Alas for the servants! there comes not to them an apostle but they mock at him. 30 Are they not aware of how many a generation We have destroyed before their time, [and] that those [that have perished] will never return to them, 31 But all, without exception, will be brought before Us. 32