The Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him: "He is certainly a clever magician. 34 "His plan is to get you out of your land by his sorcery; then what is it ye counsel?" 35 They said: "Keep him and his brother in suspense (for a while), and dispatch to the Cities heralds to collect- 36 “To bring to you every expert great magician.” 37 So the magicians were gathered at a set time on a day appointed. 38 The people were asked, 'Will you assemble? 39 (They said): "We may haply follow the magicians if they are victorious." 40 Then, when the sorcerers came to Pharaoh, they said: 'Shall we receive a wage if we win' 41 He said, "Yes, and indeed, you will then be of those near [to me]." 42 Moses said unto them: Throw what ye are going to throw! 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 Then the magicians flung themselves prostrate. 46 They said: We believe in the Lord of the worlds: 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron.' 48 Pharaoh said, "Have you come to believe in him, before I have given you permission? He is surely your master who has taught you magic. But you shall see. I will cut off your hands and feet on alternate sides and crucify you all." 49 They answered: "No harm [canst thou do to us]: verily, unto our Sustainer do we turn! 50 Indeed, we aspire that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we were the first of the believers." 51