We sent Moses with Our signs to Pharaoh and his nobles. He said, "I am the 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 But they said: "O sorcerer, call on your Lord for us in accordance with the compact He has made with you. We shall certainly come to guidance." 49 But when We had relieved them of their punishment they broke their promise. 50 And Pharaoh caused a proclamation to be made among his people saying: O my people! Is not mine the sovereignty of Egypt and these rivers flowing under me? Can ye not then discern? 51 Am I better or this contemptible man who is scarcely able to express himself? 52 Why have no armlets of gold been given him, or angels sent down successively with him' 53 Thus he persuaded his people to make light (of Moses), and they obeyed him. Lo! they were a wanton folk. 54 But when they roused Our anger We inflicted retributive punishment and drowned them all, 55 We made them a precedent, an example for later peoples. 56