[18:84]

Lo! We made him strong in the land and gave him unto every thing a road.

[18:85]

And he followed a road

[18:86]

Till, when he reached the setting-place of the sun, he found it setting in a muddy spring, and found a people thereabout. We said: O Dhu’l- Qarneyn! Either punish or show them kindness.

[18:87]

He said: As for him who doeth wrong, we shall punish him, and then he will be brought back unto his Lord, Who will punish him with awful punishment!

[18:88]

But as for him who believeth and doeth right, good will be his reward, and We shall speak unto him a mild command.

[18:89]

Then he followed a road

[18:90]

Till, when he reached the rising-place of the sun, he found it rising on a people for whom We had appointed no shelter therefrom.

[18:91]

So (it was). And We knew all concerning him.

[18:92]

Then he followed a road

[18:93]

Till, when he came between the two mountains, he found upon their hither side a folk that scarce could understand a saying.

[18:94]

They said: O Dhu’l-Qarneyn! Lo! Gog and Magog are spoiling the land. So may we pay thee tribute on condition that thou set a barrier between us and them ?

[18:95]

He said: That wherein my Lord hath established me is better (than your tribute). Do but help me with strength (of men), I will set between you and them a bank.

[18:96]

Give me pieces of iron - till, when he had levelled up (the gap) between the cliffs, he said: Blow! - till, when he had made it a fire, he said: Bring me molten copper to pour thereon.

[18:97]

And (Gog and Magog) were not able to surmount, nor could they pierce (it).