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 magic, so what do you advise?" 35 They said, "Postpone [the matter of] him and his brother and send among the cities gatherers 36 to mobilise all skilled magicians." 37 So all the magicians gathered together at the appointed time 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 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Fir'aun (Pharaoh): "Will there surely be a reward for us if we are the winners?" 41 "Yes," he replied. "You 'will be among the honoured." 42 Moosa said to them, “Cast whatever you intend to cast.” 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 lo, it swallowed up their conjurations. 45 Then did the sorcerers fall down, prostrate in adoration, 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 The Lord of Musa and Haroun. 48 Pharaoh said: "You accepted the word of Moses even before I granted you the leave to do so. Surely he is your chief who has taught you magic. Soon shall you come to know. I shall cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and shall crucify all of you." 49 They said: "No matter! for us, we shall but 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