We sent Moses with Our signs to Pharaoh and his Council, and he said: 'I am the Messenger of the Lord of the Worlds' 46 But when he brought to them Our signs they laughed at them, 47 Every Sign that We showed them was greater than its predecessor; and then We seized them with Our chastisement so that they may return (to the Right Way). 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 Yet no sooner did We take away the affliction from them than they broke their pledge. 50 The Pharaoh shouted to his people, "My people, is the kingdom of Egypt not mine? and can you not see that the streams flow from beneath my palace? 51 Am I not better than this contemptible man who can hardly make his meaning clear? 52 But why have not bracelets of gold been put upon him, or why have there not come with him angels as companions? 53 So he made his people unsteady, and they obeyed him; surely they were an ungodly people. 54 When at length they provoked Us, We exacted retribution from them, and We drowned them all. 55 and so We made them a thing of the past, and an example to those who would come after them. 56