[Pharaoh] said to the eminent ones around him, "Indeed, this is a learned magician. 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, “Stop him and his brother, and send gatherers to the cities.” 36 “To bring to you every expert great magician.” 37 So the magicians were gathered at a set time on a day appointed. 38 And it was said to the people: Will you gather together? 39 so that we may follow the magicians, if they be the winners." 40 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Pharaoh: "Of course - shall we have a (suitable) reward if we win? 41 "Yes," he replied. "You 'will be among the honoured." 42 Musa said unto them: cast whatsoever ye have to cast. 43 So they threw their ropes and their rods, and said: "By the might of Pharaoh, it is we who will certainly win!" 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 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 offenses, for we are the first of the believers' 51