(Pharaoh) said to the Chiefs around him: "This is indeed a sorcerer well-versed: 34 He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic, so what do you advise?" 35 They said, "Hold him and his brother off for a while 36 And bring the ablest magicians to you." 37 So the sorcerers were gathered on the appointed day 38 and the people were asked, "Will you all be there?" 39 We may perhaps follow the religion of the magicians if they triumph." 40 And when the magicians came, they said to Firon: Shall we get a reward if we are the vanquishers? 41 "Yes," he replied. "You 'will be among the honoured." 42 Musa said unto them: cast whatsoever ye have to cast. 43 Then they cast their cords and their staves, and said: by the might of Fir'awn, verily we! we shall be the winners. 44 Then Moses cast his staff and lo, it forthwith swallowed up their lying invention; 45 Thereupon the magicians fell down in prostration, 46 Crying: We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 The Lord of Musa and Harun. 48 He (Pharaoh) said: 'You have believed him before I have given you permission. He is the chief of you who has taught you sorcery. But you shall know. I will surely cut off on opposite sides a hand and a foot, and crucify you all.' 49 They said: "We do not care, for we are bound to return to our Lord, 50 We are eager that Our Lord should forgive us our offenses, for we are the first of the believers' 51