Pharaoh said to the nobles around him: "Surely this man is a skilled magician 34 He wants to expel you from your land through his magic. What is your opinion?" 35 They said: "Put him and his brother off awhile, and send summoners to the cities to gather 36 Who will bring you every learned, skilled magician." 37 So the sorcerers were gathered on the appointed day 38 and the people were asked, "Will you all be there?" 39 "That we may follow the sorcerers (in religion) if they win?" 40 Then when the magicians came, they said unto Fir'awn: will there surely be a big hire for us if we are the winners? 41 He replied, "You will then be my closest associates". 42 (Moses) asked the magicians, "Cast down what you want to". 43 So they cast their ropes and staffs, saying: 'By Pharaoh's might, we shall be the victors' 44 Then Moses threw his staff and lo! it swallowed that which they did falsely show. 45 The magicians fell down prostrate, 46 saying: "We (now) believe in the Lord of the Universe, 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron. 48 [Fir'aun (Pharaoh)] said: "You have believed in him before I give you leave. Surely, he indeed is your chief, who has taught you magic! So verily, you shall come to know. Verily, I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will crucify you all." 49 They said: It is no hurt, for lo! unto our Lord we shall return. 50 “We hope that our Lord will forgive us our mistakes, as we are the first to believe.” 51