[Pharaoh] said to the eminent ones around him, "Indeed, this is a learned magician. 34 Who wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery. Now what do you advise?" 35 They said, 'Put him and his brother off a while, and send among the cities musterers, 36 That they should bring to you every skillful magician. 37 The sorcerers were gathered at the appointed time on a wellknown day, 38 And it was said unto the people: Are ye (also) gathering? 39 in order that we shall follow the sorcerers if they are the victors' 40 Then, when the sorcerers came to Pharaoh, they said: 'Shall we receive a wage if we win' 41 He said, “Yes, and you will then become close to me.” 42 Musa said to them: Cast what you are going to cast. 43 Then they cast their cords and their staves, and said: by the might of Fir'awn, verily we! we shall be the winners. 44 [But] then Moses threw his staff - and lo! it swallowed up all their deceptions. 45 And the sorcerers fell down prostrate. 46 saying: "We (now) believe in the Lord of the Universe, 47 and the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said (Pharaoh): "Believe ye in Him before I give you permission? surely he is your leader, who has taught you sorcery! but soon shall ye know! Be sure I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will cause you all to die on the cross!" 49 They said: "We do not care, for we are bound to return to our Lord, 50 "Only, our desire is that our Lord will forgive us our faults, that we may become foremost among the believers!" 51