Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him, "Surely this man is a skilful sorcerer. 34 "He wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery, then what is it your counsel, and what do you command?" 35 They said: Put him off, (him) and his brother, and send into the cities summoners 36 who shall bring to you every skilful sorcerer." 37 So the magicians were assembled for the appointment of a well-known day. 38 And it was said to the people: "Are you (too) going to assemble? 39 so that we may follow the magicians if they become victorious? 40 Then, when the sorcerers came, they said to Pharaoh, 'Shall we indeed have a wage, if we should be the victors?' 41 He replied, "Certainly, in that case you will join my inner circle." 42 [And] Moses said unto them: "Throw whatever you are going to throw!" 43 So they threw their ropes and their sticks, and said: "By the might of Fir'aun (Pharaoh), it is we who will certainly win!" 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and it swallowed up all that they had conjured into being. 45 Then the magicians flung themselves prostrate. 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron' 48 Said (Pharaoh): "Believe ye in Him before I give you permission? surely he is your leader, who has taught you sorcery! but soon shall ye know! Be sure I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will cause you all to die on the cross!" 49 They said: It is no hurt, for lo! unto our Lord we shall return. 50 We are eager that our Lord should forgive us our offences, for that we are the first of the believers.' 51