We did send Moses aforetime, with Our Signs, to Pharaoh and his Chiefs: He said, "I am a messenger of the Lord of the Worlds." 46 But when he came to them with Our signs, lo! they laughed at them. 47 even though each sign We showed them was greater than the previous one. We afflicted them with torment so that they might return [to the right path]. 48 And they said: magician! supplicate thy Lord for us for that which He hath covenanted with thee; verily we shall let ourselves be guided. 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 "Am I not better than this one [Musa (Moses)], who is Mahin [has no honour nor any respect, and is weak and despicable] and can scarcely express himself clearly? 52 “So why was he not bestowed with armlets of gold? Or angels should have come with him staying at his side!” 53 Thus he persuaded his people to make light (of Moses), and they obeyed him. Lo! they were a wanton folk. 54 So when they incurred Our wrath, We exacted retribution from them, and drowned them all, 55 and made them a thing of the past and an example for those who would come after them. 56