THUS, INDEED, have We sent Moses with Our messages unto Pharaoh and his great ones; and he said: "Behold, I am an apostle of the Sustainer of all the worlds!" 46 But when he brought to them Our signs they laughed at them, 47 (Even though) each miracle that We showed them was greater than the other. So We seized them with chastisement so that they may turn back. 48 And they said [to Musa (Moses)]: "O you sorcerer! Invoke your Lord for us according to what He has covenanted with you. Verily, We shall guide ourselves (aright)." 49 But lo, each time We removed Our affliction from them, they would go back on their word. 50 And Fir'aun (Pharaoh) proclaimed among his people, saying: "O my people! Is not mine the dominion of Egypt, and these rivers flowing underneath me. See you not then? 51 Or am I better than this man, who is contemptible and scarcely makes things clear? 52 "Why then are not golden bracelets bestowed on him, or angels sent along with him?" 53 Thus he incited his people to levity, and they obeyed him: for, behold, they were people depraved! 54 So when they vexed Us, We took vengeance on them, and We drowned them all. 55 So We made them a bygone fable and a lesson for the latter generations. 56