(Firon) said to the chiefs around him: Most surely this is a skillful magician, 34 who wants to drive you out of your land by his magic. Tell us, what do you advise us?" 35 They said, 'Put him and his brother off a while, and send among the cities musterers, 36 Who will bring you every learned, skilled magician." 37 The sorcerers were gathered at the appointed time on a wellknown day, 38 and the people were asked: Are you all present, 39 so that we may follow the magicians if they become victorious? 40 And when the magicians arrived, they said to Pharaoh, "Is there indeed for us a reward if we are the predominant?" 41 He said: yea; and ye shall verily then be of those brought nigh. 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 Then Musa cast down his staff, and lo! it swallowed up that which they had devised. 45 Then did the sorcerers fall down, prostrate in adoration, 46 They said, 'We believe in the Lord of all Being, 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 He (Pharaoh) said: 'You have believed him before I have given you permission. He is the chief of you who has taught you sorcery. But you shall know. I will surely cut off on opposite sides a hand and a foot, and crucify you all.' 49 They said: "There will be no harm. We shall return to our Lord. 50 We are eager that our Lord should forgive us our offences, for that we are the first of the believers.' 51