Said [pharaoh] unto the great ones around him: "Verily, this is indeed a sorcerer of great knowledge 34 “He wishes to expel you out of your land by his magic; so what is your advice?” 35 They said, "Postpone [the matter of] him and his brother and send among the cities gatherers 36 to bring every knowledgeable sorcerer' 37 So the magicians were gathered together at the appointed time on the fixed day, 38 And it was said to the people: "Are you (too) going to assemble? 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: "Yes, and you shall then verily be of those brought near (to myself)." 42 Moses said to the magicians, "Throw down whatever you are going to throw." 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs, and said, "By Pharaoh's honour, we shall surely win." 44 Then Moses cast his staff and lo, it forthwith swallowed up their lying invention; 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, bowing themselves. 46 They said: we believe in the Lord of the worlds. 47 "The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Fir'awn said: ye believed in him ere I gave you leave. Verily he is your chief who hath taught you magic, so ye shall surely come to know. Surely I shall cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and surely I shall crucify you all. 49 They answered: "No harm [canst thou do to us]: verily, unto our Sustainer do we turn! 50 Lo! we ardently hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we are the first of the believers. 51