The Pharaoh said to the people around him, "He is certainly a skillful magician. 34 "He wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery, then what is it your counsel, and what do you command?" 35 They said, 'Put him and his brother off a while, and send among the cities musterers, 36 Who shall bring unto thee every knowing wizard. 37 So all the magicians gathered together at the appointed time 38 and the people were asked: Are you all present, 39 That we might follow the magicians if they are the predominant?" 40 When the magicians came forth (for the encounter) they said to Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we triumph?" 41 He replied, "Certainly, in that case you will join my inner circle." 42 Moses said to them: "Throw down whatever you wish to throw." 43 So they cast their ropes and rods, and said: "By the glory of Pharaoh, we shall be victorious." 44 Then Moses cast down his staff and it swallowed up their lying invention, 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, bowing themselves. 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 the Sustainer of Moses and Aaron!" 48 Said Pharaoh, 'You have believed him before I gave you leave. Why, he is the chief of you, the same that taught you sorcery; now you shall know! I shall assuredly cut off alternately your hands and feet, then I shall crucify you all together.' 49 They said: "No matter! for us, we shall but return to our Lord! 50 Surely we hope that our Lord will forgive us our wrongs because we are the first of the believers. 51