(Firon) said to the chiefs around him: Most surely this is a skillful magician, 34 who seeks to expel you from your land by his sorcery. What is your counsel' 35 They said: put off him and his brother, and send unto the cities callers. 36 And bring the ablest magicians to you." 37 So the magicians were assembled at a stated time and place on an appointed day. 38 And the people were told: "Are ye (now) assembled?- 39 (They said): "We may haply follow the magicians if they are victorious." 40 Then, when the sorcerers came, they said to Pharaoh, 'Shall we indeed have a wage, if we should be the victors?' 41 He replied, "You will then be my closest associates". 42 Moses said to them, "Throw whatever you will throw." 43 Thereupon they threw their [magic ropes and their staffs, and said: "By Pharaoh's might, behold, it is we indeed who have prevailed!" 44 Thereafter, Moses threw down his rod and behold, it went about swallowing up all the false devices they had contrived. 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, bowing themselves. 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said (Pharaoh): "Believe ye in Him before I give you permission? surely he is your leader, who has taught you sorcery! but soon shall ye know! Be sure I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will cause you all to die on the cross!" 49 They said, "No harm. Indeed, to our Lord we will return. 50 We certainly hope our Lord will forgive our sins as we are the first to believe." 51