The Pharaoh said to the people around him, "He is certainly a skillful magician. 34 who seeks to expel you from your land by his sorcery. What is your counsel' 35 They answered: "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send unto all cities heralds 36 That they should bring to you every skillful magician. 37 So the magicians were gathered together at the appointed time on the fixed day, 38 and the people were told, "Will you also gather together, 39 That we might follow the magicians if they are the predominant?" 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, "Yes, and indeed, you will then be of those near [to me]." 42 Moses said to them, "Throw whatever you will throw." 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs, and said, "By Pharaoh's honour, we shall surely win." 44 Then Musa (Moses) threw his stick, and behold, it swallowed up all the falsehoods which they showed! 45 And the wizards were flung prostrate, 46 Saying: "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said he: You believe in him before I give you permission; most surely he is the chief of you who taught you the magic, so you shall know: certainly I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and certainly I will crucify you all. 49 They said, "It does not matter. We shall be returning to our Lord. 50 "Only, our desire is that our Lord will forgive us our faults, that we may become foremost among the believers!" 51