Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him, "Surely this man is a skilful sorcerer. 34 who seeks to expel you from your land by his sorcery. What is your counsel' 35 They said, "Hold him and his brother off for a while 36 to mobilise all skilled magicians." 37 So the sorcerers were assembled for the appointed time of a fixed day. 38 and the people were asked, "Will you all be there?" 39 Belike we may follow the magicians if they are the winners? 40 Then when the magicians came, they said unto Fir'awn: will there surely be a big hire for us if we are the winners? 41 'Yes, indeed' he answered, 'and you shall become among those who are near stationed' 42 Moses said to them, 'Cast you down what you will cast.' 43 So they cast their ropes and staffs, saying: 'By Pharaoh's might, we shall be the victors' 44 [But] then Moses threw his staff - and lo! it swallowed up all their deceptions. 45 Thereupon the magicians fell down in prostration, 46 saying: "We (now) believe in the Lord of the Universe, 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! Surely, to our Lord (Allah) we are to return; 50 "Only, our desire is that our Lord will forgive us our faults, that we may become foremost among the believers!" 51