(Pharaoh) said to the Chiefs around him: "This is indeed a sorcerer well-versed: 34 Who would drive you out of your land by his magic. Now what counsel ye? 35 They said: "Put him off and his brother (for a while), and send callers to the cities 36 who shall assemble before thee all sorcerers of great knowledge" 37 So the magicians were gathered at a set time on a day appointed. 38 And it was said to the people: Will you gather together? 39 We may perhaps follow the religion of the magicians if they triumph." 40 When the magicians came, they asked Pharaoh, "Shall we have a reward, if we are the winners?" 41 He replied, "Certainly, in that case you will join my inner circle." 42 Moses said to them, "Throw whatever you will throw." 43 Thereupon they threw their [magic ropes and their staffs, and said: "By Pharaoh's might, behold, it is we indeed who have prevailed!" 44 Then Moses cast his staff and lo, it forthwith swallowed up their lying invention; 45 And the magicians were thrown down prostrate; 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Universe 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 The Pharaoh said, "You believed without my permission? He seems to be your chief who has taught you magic. But you will soon know (the result of what you have done). I shall certainly cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and crucify you all together." 49 They said: "We do not care, for we are bound to return to our Lord, 50 Verily we long that our Lord shall forgive us our faults because we have been the first of the believers 51