Said the eminent among the people of Pharaoh, "Indeed, this is a learned magician 109 Who wants to expel you from your land [through magic], so what do you instruct?" 110 They said: put him and his brother off, and send unto the cities callers. 111 who shall bring before thee every sorcerer of great knowledge." 112 And the magicians came to Pharaoh and said: 'Shall we have a reward if we win?' 113 He said: Yes, and you shall certainly be of those who are near (to me). 114 Then they said: 'O Moses, will you [first] throw your rod, or shall we throw?' 115 "You cast it first," answered Moses. When they cast their spell, they bewitched the eyes of the people and petrified them by conjuring up a great charm. 116 Then We revealed to Moses: 'Now, throw down your staff' And thereupon it swallowed up their false invention. 117 ۞ Thus the truth was upheld, and the falsehood that they practised was exposed. 118 Pharaoh and his men were defeated and utterly humiliated. 119 And the sorcerers were cast down, bowing themselves. 120 Crying: We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 121 the Lord of Moses and Aaron. 122 Said Pharaoh: "Believe ye in Him before I give you permission? Surely this is a trick which ye have planned in the city to drive out its people: but soon shall ye know (the consequences). 123 Surely I shall have your hands and feet cut off upon alternate sides. Then I shall crucify you every one. 124 They replied: 'We shall surely turn to our Lord. 125 And what is it for which thou takest vengeance on us save that we have believed in the signs of our Lord when they came unto us? Our Lord! pour out upon us perseverance and cause us to die as Muslims. 126