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 And We showed them not a sign except that it was greater than its sister, and We seized them with affliction that perhaps they might return [to faith]. 48 They said, "Sorcerer, call on your Lord for us, by virtue of His pledge to you: we shall certainly accept guidance," 49 But when We removed from them the chastisement, behold, they broke their troth. 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 “So why was he not bestowed with armlets of gold? Or angels should have come with him staying at his side!” 53 In this way he fooled his people and they obeyed him: they were a rebellious people. 54 But when they roused Our anger We inflicted retributive punishment and 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