HENCE, [remember how it was] when thy Sustainer summoned Moses: "Go unto those evil doing people. 10 The people of Pharaoh. Will they not fear and take heed?" 11 He replied, "Lord, I am afraid that they will call me a liar. 12 and then my breast will be straitened and my tongue will not be free: send, then, [this Thy command] to Aaron. 13 As for me, they hold the charge of a crime against me. I fear they will put me to death." 14 The Lord said, "Have no fear, both of you go with Our miracles. We shall closely listen to you." 15 "So go forth, both of you, to Pharaoh, and say: 'We have been sent by the Lord and Cherisher of the worlds; 16 Then send with us the children of Israel. 17 (The Pharaoh) said: "Did we not bring you up as a child? And you lived a number of years of your life with us. 18 Yet you were ungrateful and have done the deed you did' 19 Musa (Moses) said: "I did it then, when I was an ignorant (as regards my Lord and His Message). 20 so I fled from you, fearing you. But my Lord gave me Judgment and made me one of the Envoys. 21 But the favour you oblige me with is that you have enslaved the children of Israel." 22 Pharaoh said, 'And what is the Lord of all Being?' 23 He said: Lord of the heavens and the earth and whatsoever is in-between, if ye seek to be convinced. 24 Said he to those about him, 'Do you not hear?' 25 Moses went on, "He is your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers." 26 Said he: Most surely your Apostle who is sent to you is mad. 27 [But Moses] went on: "[He of whom I speak is] the Sustainer of the east and the west and of all that is between the two - as you would know]" if you would but use your reason!" 28 Fir'awn said: if thou wilt take a god other than me, I shall surely place thee among the prisoners. 29 (Moses) said: "Even if I showed you something clear (and) convincing?" 30 Said he: Bring it then, if you are of the truthful ones. 31 So (Moses) cast his staff, and lo, it turned into a living serpent. 32 and he drew forth his hand - and lo! it appeared [shining] white to the beholders. 33