(Firon) said to the chiefs around him: Most surely this is a skillful magician, 34 He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic. So, what do you bid?" 35 They answered: "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send unto all cities heralds 36 And bring the ablest magicians to you." 37 So the wizards were gathered together at a set time on a day appointed. 38 And the people were told: "Are ye (now) assembled?- 39 so that we may follow the magicians, if they be the winners." 40 And when the magicians came, they said to Firon: Shall we get a reward if we are the vanquishers? 41 "Yes," he replied. "You 'will be among the honoured." 42 Moses said to them, 'Cast you down what you will cast.' 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 [But] then Moses threw his staff - and lo! it swallowed up all their deceptions. 45 So the magicians fell down in prostration [to Allah]. 46 They said, 'We believe in the Lord of all Being, 47 The Lord of Musa and Haroun. 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: It is no hurt, for lo! unto our Lord we shall return. 50 Surely we hope that our Lord will forgive us our wrongs because we are the first of the believers. 51