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 them Our signs, lo, they laughed at them. 47 yet there was not a sign that We showed them that was not greater than its sister, and We seized them with the punishment so that they might return. 48 And [every time] they exclaimed: "O thou sorcerer! Pray for us to thy Sustainer on the strength of the covenant [of prophethood] which He has made with thee: for, verily, we shall now follow the right way!" 49 So when We averted the calamity from them, they immediately broke the promise! 50 And Pharaoh proclaimed among his people: 'O my people, do I not possess the kingdom of Egypt, and these rivers flowing beneath me? What, do you not see? 51 Am I better or this contemptible man who is scarcely able to express himself? 52 and why have not armlets of gold been bestowed on him and why is there not a train of angels accompanying him?" 53 He (Pharaoh) intimidated his nation, so they obeyed him, for they were a sinning nation. 54 And when they angered Us, We took retribution from them and drowned them all. 55 And We made them (a people) of the Past and an Example to later ages. 56