Indeed We sent Moses with Our Signs to Pharaoh and his nobles. He told them: “I am a 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 And every token that We showed them was greater than its sister (token), and We grasped them with the torment, that haply they might turn again. 48 They said, "Magician, pray to your Lord for us through your covenant with Him (If he saves us from the torment), we shall certainly seek guidance". 49 But lo, each time We removed Our affliction from them, they would go back on their word. 50 And Pharaoh proclaimed among his people, saying: "O my people! Does not the dominion of Egypt belong to me, (witness) these streams flowing underneath my (palace)? What! see ye not then? 51 Am I not better than this contemptible (man), who can scarcely make things clear (because of the impediment of his speech)? 52 Why, then, have armlets of gold not been set upon him, or angels sent along with him? 53 Then he incited his people and they obeyed him; verily they were ever a transgressing people. 54 So when they incurred Our wrath, We exacted retribution from them, and drowned them all, 55 And We made them (a people) of the Past and an Example to later ages. 56