Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him, "Surely this man is a skilful sorcerer. 34 Who wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery. Now what do you advise?" 35 They said: "Put him off and his brother (for a while), and send callers to the cities 36 who shall bring to you every skilful sorcerer." 37 So the sorcerers were assembled for the appointed time of a fixed day. 38 The people were asked, 'Will you assemble? 39 so that we may follow the magicians, if they be the winners." 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 He replied, "Certainly, in that case you will join my inner circle." 42 Moses said to the magicians, "Throw down whatever you are going to throw." 43 So they cast their ropes and rods, and said: "By the glory of Pharaoh, we shall be victorious." 44 Then Moses threw his staff, and at once it devoured what they falsified. 45 And down fell the sorcerers, prostrating themselves in adoration, 46 Saying: "We believe in the Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists). 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron.' 48 Said Firaun, “You accepted faith in him before I permitted you! He is indeed your leader who taught you magic; so now you will come to know; I swear, I will certainly cut off your hands and your feet from alternate sides, and crucify all of you.” 49 They said: "No matter! for us, we shall but return to our Lord! 50 We hope that our Lord will forgive us for our sins; we were not believers at first." 51