Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him, "Surely this man is a skilful sorcerer. 34 Who wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery. Now what do you advise?" 35 They said, "Hold him and his brother off for a while 36 And bring the ablest magicians to you." 37 So the sorcerers were gathered on the appointed day 38 and the people were asked: Are you all present, 39 Haply we may follow the magicians, if they are the vanquishers. 40 "When the magicians came, they asked the Pharaoh, "Will there be any reward for us if we win?" 41 He said: yea; and ye shall verily then be of those brought nigh. 42 Moses said to them, 'Cast you down what you will cast.' 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 Then did the sorcerers fall down, prostrate in adoration, 46 They said: we believe in the Lord of the worlds. 47 The Lord of Musa and Haroun. 48 Said [Pharaoh]: "Have you come to believe in him ere I have given you permission? Verily, he must be your master who has taught you magic! But in time you shall come to know [my revenge]: most certainly shall I cut off your hands and your feet in great numbers, because of [your] perverseness, and shall most certainly crucify you in great numbers, all together!" 49 They said, "There is no harm. To our Lord we shall return. 50 Indeed, we aspire that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we were the first of the believers." 51