وَمَهَّدتُ لَهُ تَمهيدًا

And spread [everything] before him, easing [his life].

ثُمَّ يَطمَعُ أَن أَزيدَ

Then he desires that I should add more.

كَلّا ۖ إِنَّهُ كانَ لِآياتِنا عَنيدًا

No! Indeed, he has been toward Our verses obstinate.

سَأُرهِقُهُ صَعودًا

I will cover him with arduous torment.

إِنَّهُ فَكَّرَ وَقَدَّرَ

Indeed, he thought and deliberated.

ثُمَّ قُتِلَ كَيفَ قَدَّرَ

Then may he be destroyed [for] how he deliberated.

ثُمَّ نَظَرَ

Then he considered [again];

ثُمَّ عَبَسَ وَبَسَرَ

Then he frowned and scowled;

ثُمَّ أَدبَرَ وَاستَكبَرَ

Then he turned back and was arrogant

فَقالَ إِن هـٰذا إِلّا سِحرٌ يُؤثَرُ

And said, "This is not but magic imitated [from others].