Set forth to them, by way of a parable, the (story of) the Companions of the City. Behold!, there came messengers to it. 13 What time We sent unto them two, then they belied the twain, wherefore We strengthened them with a third, and they said: verily we are unto you the sent ones. 14 They said: Ye are but mortals like unto us. The Beneficent hath naught revealed. Ye do but lie! 15 They answered: Our Lord knoweth that we are indeed sent unto you, 16 but we are not bound to do more than clearly deliver the message [entrusted to us]." 17 but they answered, "We see an evil omen in you. If you do not stop, we shall certainly stone you, and you will suffer a painful punishment at our hands." 18 They said, "Your evil augury be with you! Is it because you are admonished about the truth? Surely, you are a people transgressing all bounds!" 19 Then a man came running from the other side of the city. "O my people," he said, "follow the messengers. 20 Follow him who does not ask you for reward, and they are the followers of the right course; 21 And what aileth me that I should not worship Him who hath created me, and unto whom ye shall be returned. 22 Should I worship other gods besides Him? If the Beneficent God was to afflict me with hardship, the intercession of the idols can be of no benefit to me nor could it rescue me from hardship. 23 Then truly I should be in error manifest. 24 Indeed, I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 It was said: Enter the garden. He said: O would that my people had known 26 how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honoured ones!" 27 ۞ We sent not down against his people after him a host from heaven, nor do We ever send. 28 It was only a single blast which made them extinct. 29 And it was said, “Woe to those bondmen – whenever a Noble Messenger comes to them, they mock at him!” 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them? They shall never return to them, 31 They shall every one of them be arraigned before Us. 32