(Firon) said to the chiefs around him: Most surely this is a skillful magician, 34 “He wishes to expel you out of your land by his magic; so what is your advice?” 35 They said, "Hold him and his brother off for a while 36 who shall assemble before thee all sorcerers of great knowledge" 37 So the wizards were gathered together at a set time on a day appointed. 38 And it was said to the people: Will you gather together? 39 "That we may follow the sorcerers (in religion) if they win?" 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 said: Aye, and ye will then surely be of those brought near (to me). 42 Musa said to them: Cast what you are going to cast. 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs saying, "By the honor of the Pharaoh we shall certainly become the winners". 44 Then Musa cast down his staff and lo! it swallowed up the lies they told. 45 The magicians fell down prostrate, 46 Crying: We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Pharaoh said, "Have you come to believe in him, before I have given you permission? He is surely your master who has taught you magic. But you shall see. I will cut off your hands and feet on alternate sides and crucify you all." 49 They said: no harm! verily unto our Lord we are to return. 50 We are eager that Our Lord should forgive us our offenses, for we are the first of the believers' 51