48. And WE showed them no Sign but it was greater than its preceding sister Sign, and WE seized them with punishment, that they might turn to US. 49. And each time they said, `O thou sorcerer, pray for us to thy Lord, according to the promise HE made with thee that if HE avert this evil from us, then we will, surely, follow guidance.' 50. But when WE removed the punishment from them, behold ! they broke their pledge. 51. And Pharaoh made a proclamation among his people: `O my people ! does not the kingdom of Egypt belong to me and these streams flowing beneath me ? Do you not then see ? 52. `Nay, I am better than this despicable fellow who can scarcely express himself clearly. 53. `And why have not bracelets of gold bestowed on him, or angels accompanied him in serried ranks ?' 54. Thus did he make light of his people, and they obeyed him. Indeed, they were a wicked people. 55. So, when they exited Our anger, WE took vengeance upon them, and drowned them all. 56. And WE made them a precedent, and an example for the coming generations. 57. And when the son of Mary is mentioned as an example, lo ! thy people raise a clamour thereat; 58. And they say, `Are our gods better, or he ?' They mention not this to thee but for the sake of disputation. Nay, but they are a contentious people. 59. He was only Our servant, on whom WE bestowed Our favour, and WE made him an Example for the children of Israel. 60. And if WE so willed, WE could make from among you angels to be your successors in the earth. |