Indeed We sent Moses with Our Signs to Pharaoh and his nobles. He told them: “I am a Messenger of the Lord of the Universe.” 46 Yet when he brought forth Clear Signs from Us, then lo, they burst into laughter. 47 even though each sign We showed them was greater than the previous one. We afflicted them with torment so that they might return [to the right path]. 48 And they said, 'Sorcerer, pray to thy Lord for us by the covenant He has made with thee, and surely we shall be right-guided.' 49 but when We relieved them of the torment, they broke their word. 50 And Fir'aun (Pharaoh) proclaimed among his people, saying: "O my people! Is not mine the dominion of Egypt, and these rivers flowing underneath me. See you not then? 51 Am I not better than this contemptible man who can hardly make his meaning clear: 52 But why have not bracelets of gold been put upon him, or why have there not come with him angels as companions? 53 He incited his people to levity and they obeyed him. Surely they were an iniquitous people. 54 But when they continued to challenge Us, We inflicted Our retribution on them, and drowned them all: 55 And We made them a precedent (as a lesson for those coming after them), and an example to later generations. 56