Pharaoh said to the nobles around him: "Surely this man is a skilled magician 34 "His plan is to get you out of your land by his sorcery; then what is it ye counsel?" 35 They replied: 'Put him and his brother off for a while, and send heralds to your cities 36 Who shall bring unto thee every knowing wizard. 37 So the sorcerers were assembled for the appointed time of a fixed day. 38 And it was said to the people, “Have you (also) gathered?” 39 so that we may follow the magicians, if they be the winners." 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 He replied, "Certainly, in that case you will join my inner circle." 42 Musa said unto them: cast whatsoever ye have to cast. 43 So they threw their ropes and their staffs and said, "By the might of Pharaoh, indeed it is we who are predominant." 44 Then Moses cast down his staff and it swallowed up their lying invention, 45 And the magicians were thrown down prostrate; 46 And said: "We (affirm and) believe in the Lord of all the worlds, 47 and the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 He (Pharaoh) said: 'You have believed him before I have given you permission. He is the chief of you who has taught you sorcery. But you shall know. I will surely cut off on opposite sides a hand and a foot, and crucify you all.' 49 They said, "There is no harm. To our Lord we shall return. 50 Behold, we [but] ardently desire that our Sustainer forgive us our faults in return for our having been foremost among the believers!" 51