(Firon) said to the chiefs around him: Most surely this is a skillful magician, 34 who desires to expel you from your land by his sorcery; what do you command?' 35 They said: Give him and his brother respite and send heralds into the cities 36 to mobilise all skilled magicians." 37 So the sorcerers were assembled for the appointed time of a fixed day. 38 And it was said unto the people: Are ye (also) gathering? 39 Belike we may follow the magicians if they are the winners? 40 Now when the sorcerers came, they said unto Pharaoh: "Verily, we ought to have a great reward if it is we who prevail. 41 He replied, "Certainly, in that case you will join my inner circle." 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 down his staff, and it swallowed up all that they had conjured into being. 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, bowing themselves. 46 saying: "We (now) believe in the Lord of the Universe, 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 hope that our Lord will forgive us for our sins; we were not believers at first." 51