Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him, "Surely this man is a skilful sorcerer. 34 Who wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery. Now what do you advise?" 35 They said: "Put him off and his brother (for a while), and send callers to the cities 36 “To bring to you every expert great magician.” 37 So the magicians were assembled at a set time on a day made known. 38 And it was said to the people, “Have you (also) gathered?” 39 (They said): "We may haply follow the magicians if they are victorious." 40 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Pharaoh: "Of course - shall we have a (suitable) reward if we win? 41 He said: "Yea, (and more),- for ye shall in that case be (raised to posts) nearest (to my person)." 42 Moses said to them: "Throw ye - that which ye are about to throw!" 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 Musa cast down his staff and lo! it swallowed up the lies they told. 45 And the magicians were thrown down prostrate; 46 And said: "We (affirm and) believe in the Lord of all the worlds, 47 the Sustainer of Moses and Aaron!" 48 The Pharaoh said, "You believed without my permission? He seems to be your chief who has taught you magic. But you will soon know (the result of what you have done). I shall certainly cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and crucify you all together." 49 They said, "It does not matter. We shall be returning to our Lord. 50 We hope our Lord will forgive us, as we are the first of the believers." 51